Explorers Flip

This particular lesson is original and has been completed by fourth graders in Western New York very successfully

Materials:
1. Minimum - 1 (more would be better) Flip digital camera (or other if that is all that you have)
The assumption is that you already have access to computers, pull down maps, software digital art programs such as inpiration, kidspiration, paint or the like)
2. Resource materials (library, books, Internet)
3. Graphic organizer timeline of explorers researching with required elements (e.g. lifespan, background information, country or company sponsor, exploration)

Learning Goals: Students will be able to understand the explorers of the Americas; students will be able to read, research, write and speak regarding the explorers of the Americas; students will utilize a graphic organizer to record information about the explorers

Steps:

1. Model for students how to research the hardships that the explorers endures
2. Model how you use the research to put it into a graphic organizer (e.g. Four Square)
3. Model the actual writing of the essay
4. Have a volunteer read the essay while you video tape them with a Flip Camera - explaining to student how to use the camera
5. Import the movie into Windows Movie Maker or a similar program and play it for the children.
6. Explain to the children they will each be assigned an explorer to research and write about; (differentiate instruction as needed - pairs may be assigned - have students share the writing and the reading of the essay; all children may participate at some level even if it is just to film the other children )
7. Import music to be played in the background that is appropriate to the explorers unit


Students should organize their writing by category
information should include but not be limited to:
1. Background of the explorer
2. The country or organization or funded their explorations
3. The facts and interesting adventures during the explorations

As children play their Photo Story creation, provide a graphic organizer with the minimum required elements of each of the explorers that you are studying and have students record the information.

*Suggestion: have students record the information - type it up a comprehensive completed organizer that you give students after the presentations; once this is completed you will have it from year to year

Enrichment:
1. Allow students to sketch pictures (may be created by hand or digitally) that may be integrated to enhance the explorer story
2. Integrate math skills: Have students calculate when the explorer lived and how long ago it was - incorporate into the writing/recording and have students say - "I am Christoper Columbus and I have been around for ....years."
3. Research and discuss tools of the early navigators