I developed a web quest to use with 4th graders during their social studies unit on Michigan history. The web quest takes students on a tour of the state of Michigan. They are required to visit many cities, taking special notice on this climate, crops and natural resources. The web quest has many links and interesting sites to visit. This was a great way to get students interested in working on this lesson. Almost all students really enjoy the experience of being able to get in the computer lab and work on the computers. The only downfall is when the students at times have had to share a computer. They can get frustrated in just watching until it is their turn. 

During our unit on the Solar System, I created a KWL chart. The students used these charts to fill out the information that we generated together as a class. This was a good strategy to use with the students because they were able to talk about what they knew and really think about what they wanted to learn. We did the activity as a class on a big sheet of paper, then the students copied it onto their own paper. They then kept it in a special science folder. This gave them access to the information anytime they needed it. 

The students write in a journal on a daily basis. At times, it is a free choice write and other times the topic is assigned. The students were given a list of ideas to use. There also is a basket full of random pictures (from all over i.e. .... magazines, newspapers, ads, etc..) that are good starting points for finding something to write about.

During our communities unit, I worked on a lesson that the students were to work in groups on the internet and find out information regarding a specific county. This was good for working in groups and using the internet. The class went together to the computer lab and worked on it. we primarily used the www.multimag.com/county/mi to access information. After they gathered their information, they prepared a small poster to present to the class.