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Sample Lesson Plans 

Kid Pix 2
Social Studies--Grade 2
Architecture in China and Egypt

Egypt and China—Alike and Different

Lesson Summary

In this lesson students will use the Internet to gather information about the pyramids of Egypt and the Great Wall of China.  They will produce a slide show comparing the two places using Kidpix2.

Objectives / SOL Correlation

SS 2.1              The students will study the contributions of ancient Egypt and China that have had an impact on world history, with emphasis on written language, laws, calendars, and architectural monuments such as the Pyramids and the Great Wall of China.

C/T 5.3            The student will process, store, retrieve, and transmit electronic information.

Expected Student Outcomes

Students will create a slide show in KidPix2 that displays the information they have gathered through using the Internet to research Egypt and China.  Students will view pictures of the Giza Pyramids and the Great Wall of China; they will then draw and record their impressions of these manmade wonders. 

Vocabulary

Egypt               China               Pharaoh                      Emperor                       Pyramid
Great Wall of China               mummy                        sphinx                           dynasty
Vocabulary used with Kidpix2—slide, narration, Internet.

Materials Needed

Computer            Internet connection (Intranet if WebWhack)   
Kidpix2

Prerequisite Skills

Students should have some experience with the following:

            Creating a slide show
            Drawing in Kidpix2
            Recording a narration to the slide show

 Procedure

1.  The instructor will visit the following sites and verify that the address is active and the material is appropriate.  If active Internet connection is not possible the instructor will WebWhack the sites and locate them on the server in the computer lab.

·        http://eyelid.ukonline.co.uk/ancient/egypt.htm

·        http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/nova/pyramid/explore/gizahistory.html

·        http://163.121.10.41/cult-net/Mumy01.htm

·        http://pathfinder.com/@@fyUQCwYAVTUnUUu/time/magazine/domestic/1995/950529/950529.cover.html

2. The instructor will create a “jump-off” page (a page that has all the web sites listed and linked) so that students just point and click to visit the specified sites.  This page should be loaded on the computer when students arrive in the computer lab.
3. Have students view the Giza Pyramids and discuss with them the information presented on the web site.
4. Students should note the layout of the Pyramids.  Have them begin their slide show with a drawing of a pyramid, diagram of the inside of a pyramid and why a pyramid was built (mummified body of royalty).  Students can draw within Kid Pix or they can draw on paper and scan their picture into the computer to use in Kid Pix.
5. The instructor will visit the following sites and verify that the address is active and the material is appropriate.  If active Internet connection is not possible the instructor will WebWhack the sites and locate them on the server in the computer lab.

·        http://www.china-hiking.com/great.html

·        http://www.chinapage.org/china-space.html

Again the instructor will need to add these sites to the “jump-off” page.

6. Have students view the information on the Great Wall of China and place special emphasis on the tombs of the Chinese emperors.  How are they different from the tombs of the Egyptian pharaohs?  Again students can draw in Kid Pix or on paper and scan into the program.
7. Continue building the slide show with a picture of the Great Wall and a Chinese emperor’s tomb.  Have students end their slide show with at least two facts they now know that they did not know before beginning their research.
8. Have students’ record their narrative explaining each slide in their show.  Allow time in class for students to view each group’s program.  KidPix2 will allow you to loop the slide show so that it continuously runs without having to use the mouse to change slides.

 Evaluation

 Using a rubric, students will be rated as satisfactory, progressing, or unsatisfactory.

 Satisfactory                  Works cooperatively in a group
                                    Slide show pictures and story make sense
                                    Can follow directions for using the Internet
                                    Matches slide picture to correct narration of information learned
                                    Story reflects information learned from research sources

Progressing                   Works in group cooperatively some of the time
                                    Has pictures and story but they do not match all the time
                                    Some information learned is reflected in the slide show
                                    Has difficulty following directions some of the time

Unsatisfactory               Seems confused and is unable to create a slide show
                                    Cannot work in groups and follow directions
                                    Associates few facts learned to either the pictures or narration in the slide show           

Extension Activity

Homework:  Students are to observe buildings as they drive around the city.  They are to create a list of observations of how buildings look today compared to the two structures they studied in China and Egypt.  With help of their parents, they should list any buildings that they have seen that they think will last as long as the pyramids of Egypt and the Great Wall of China.