Lesson Plan: Canada Travel Expo

Submitted by: Baruch Winderbaum (Monroe, WA) Lesson Plan: Canada Travel Expo Date: August 1, 2011 Description: Students host a Canadian travel exposition where they create a brochure and make a presentation on a region of Canada to a visiting class. Grade Level: Grade 7 Subject: Social Studies/Humanities Duration: Two weeks Goal: Through two project-based assignments, the goal is to introduce various aspects of Canada in a fun, engaging manner. Objectives: Students will: Demonstrate an introductory knowledge of a region of Canada by researching geographical and historical themes; Demonstrate an ability to write persuasively; Demonstrate the ability to work productively and collaboratively in a group. Standards: This lesson meets the following Washington State Essential Academic Learning Requirements (EALRs): Geography Grade 7 EALR 3: The student uses a spatial perspective to make reasoned decisions by applying the concepts of location, region, and movement and demonstrating knowledge of how geographic features and human cultures impact environments. Component 3.1: Understands the physical characteristics, cultural characteristics, and location of places, regions, and spatial patterns on the Earth s surface. Component 3.1.2: Understands how human spatial patterns have emerged from natural processes and human activities in the past or present. Component 3.2: Understands human interaction with the environment. Component 3.2.2: Understands examples of cultural diffusion in the world from the past or in the present. Component 3.2.3: Understands the role of immigration in shaping societies in the past or present. 1

Writing Grade 7 EALR 1: The student understands and uses a writing process. Component 1.1: Pre-writes to generate ideas and plan writing. Component 1.2: Produces draft(s). Component 1.3: Revises to improve text. Component 1.4: Edits text. Component 1.5: Publishes text to share with audience. Component 1.6.2: Uses collaborative skills in adapting writing process. Component 1.6.3: Uses knowledge of time constraints to adjust writing process. EALR 2: The student writes in a variety of forms for different audiences and purposes. Component 2.1: Adapts writing for a variety of audiences. Component 2.2.1: Demonstrates understanding of different purposes for writing. EALR 3: The student writes clearly and effectively. Component 3.1: Develops ideas and organizes writing. Component 3.1.2: Analyzes and selects an effective organizational structure. Component 3.2: Uses appropriate style. Component 3.2.1: Applies understanding that different audiences and purposes affect writer s voice. Component 3.2.2: Analyzes and selects language appropriate for specific audiences and purposes. Component 3.3: Knows and applies writing conventions appropriate for the grade level. Component 3.3.3: Applies capitalization rules. Component 3.3.4: Applies punctuation rules. Component 3.3.5: Applies usage rules. Component 3.3.6: Uses complete sentences in writing. Component 3.3.7: Applies paragraph conventions. Background Information: This lesson takes place after students have learned to identify 10 provinces, 3 territories and 15 major cities on a Canadian map. One of the essays that a Washington State 7 th -Grader writes for the state test (Measurement of Student Progress) is a persuasive composition. This lesson asks students to write and speak persuasively in describing a region of Canada. Materials: Poster board in various colors, markers, scissors Computers with Internet access Publishing software (i.e. MS Word, Publisher. etc.) Canadian paper currency: $5, $10, $20 CAD or reproductions of same from http://images.google.com (search for: "Canadian paper money"). Goldenrod copy paper Copy machine PVC pipe (1/2" or 3/4") for the construction of sign holders (photos attached). Note: The base need not be wooden as is shown in the photos at http://canadatravelagencies.shutterfly.com/pictures/8. A "4-way" PVC joint may be used at the bottom with about 3" PVC horizontal legs to stabilize the frame. 2

Procedures: 1. Teacher forms 5-6 student groups with 3-6 students per group, depending on the size of the class. These groups will each form a travel agency representing one of the following regions of Canada: British Columbia The Plains (Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba) Ontario Quebec Maritime/Atlantic Provinces (Labrador/Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick) Territories (Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut). 2. Teacher holds up some of the Canadian "money" that he/she reproduced on goldenrod stock on the copy machine. Teacher explains that this unit will be graded by awarding agencies with money, which then gets converted to points for grading. Each agency will have a treasurer who is responsible for keeping track of agency money. Treasurers are to use the "Travel Agency Earnings" sheet located below. Teacher may choose to award groups with good work habits monetary awards and conversely "fine" groups who are off-task. 3. Teacher explains that the purpose of the travel agency is to persuade people to either travel or move to their assigned region. Agencies will first create an attractive sign, and then a brochure for this purpose. Teacher explains that in order to be successful, agency teams must work collaboratively in a cooperative and productive manner, leveraging each member s unique talents. Groups might discuss who among them are best at artistic work, computer technology, research, math, persuasive writing and editing. Who among the group has a color printer at home with full ink cartridges? Who has email? Flash drives for transferring files? 4. Agencies choose a name for their agency that has something to do with their region. Students do some initial research about the geography, history and culture of their region to pick this name. Teacher approves agency names. 5. Teacher explains the requirements of the travel agency signs by passing out the "Canada Travel Agency Sign Instructions" (copy below). Signs are to be constructed using two sheets of poster board, and then stapled together along the top, left and right edges. Posters form a large envelope that can then be slipped onto a frame made from PVC plastic pipe frames. This frame allows signs to be displayed on top of desks in an upright position. Jobs are assigned and are posted on the sign. 6. Phase two of the lesson is the creation of agency brochures. The requirements of the brochures, on the handout sheet entitled, "Canada Brochure" (Page 6). Because of the space needed, it is best to use 8 1/2" x 14" paper and have students create 4-panel brochures (eight panels for both sides), instead of 8 1/2" x 11" 3-panel brochures. After completion of the brochures, agencies make presentations to teach the class about their part of Canada. The groups show off their brochures, and signs. Students take notes and are responsible for learning eight facts about each region. 7. Teacher invites another class to come into the classroom for the Canadian Travel Exposition. It is best to invite a different grade level to avoid a popularity contest. Each of the visiting students is given a set amount of Canadian dollars to book a trip with one of the travel agencies. These students should be instructed that they are choosing an agency based on the agency's ability to persuade (not berate or nag) through the use of its brochure, sign and conversation from its staff members. Before the students arrive, set up the desks to act as "counters" separated in different positions in the room. Visiting students are to visit all the agencies before booking their trip with one. 8. After the visiting students leave, the money is counted and stories are told! Evaluation/Assessment: Please see student assignment and evaluation rubrics on Pages 4-7. 3

TRAVEL AGENCY EARNINGS FOR DATE REASON EARNED AMOUNT BALANCE Teacher Signs 4

CANADA TRAVEL AGENCY SIGN INSTUCTIONS THIS ASSIGNMENT IS WORTH $500 CAD You and your agency team will be paid dollars / points commensurate with how well you: Follow Directions. Keep a deadline. Create a beautiful, colorful, bold persuasive agency sign. The DEADLINE for this project is the beginning bell for your period on: Keep the size of your sign under four square feet. Make sure your travel agency name is approved by your teacher. One side of your sign must have at least your agency name and proprietor s names, and their position at the agency. The positions are: Editor, Printer, Computer Layout, Researcher, Writer. Jobs can be shared, and there will be at least three writers. The other side of your sign must have a detailed map of your territory. Your sign should highlight features that make your territory special and persuasively convince people why they should visit or move there. DOLLARS CATEGORY Title $100 $60 $40 $20 Title can be read from 6 ft. away and is quite creative. Title can be read from 6 ft. away and describes content well. Title can be read from 4 ft. away and describes the content well. The title is too small and/or does not describe the content of the sign well. Graphics / Relevance All graphics are related to the area and make it easier to understand. All graphics are related to the area and most make it easier to understand. All graphics relate to the area. Graphics do not relate to the area. Graphics / Clarity Attractiveness Graphics are all in focus, bold and the content easily viewed. The sign is exceptionally attractive in terms of design, layout and neatness. Most graphics are in focus and the content easily viewed. The sign is attractive in terms of design, layout and neatness. Most graphics are in focus and the content is easily viewed. The sign is distracting, messy or poorly designed. It is not attractive. The sign is acceptably The sign is distracting, attractive though a bit messy or poorly messy. designed. It is not attractive. Required Elements The sign includes all required elements as well as additional information. All required elements are included on the sign. All but 1 of the required elements are included on the sign. Several required elements were missing. 5

CANADA BROCHURE DUE: ASSIGNMENT: You and your travel agency team will work to accumulate points, paid out in Canadian Dollars (CAD). Your team s accumulated dollar amount at the end of the project will determine your grade. Through your brochure, your four (or five) member travel agency staff will endeavor to: 1) Bring tourists to your part of Canada; and/or 2) Have people want to move there. Your travel agency s brochure must at least contain 12 components as follows: Possible CAD / Points Persuasive $200 Places to visit (tourist attractions) $50 Short history of the area $50 Why you should move there $50 Statistics section * $50 Photographs $50 Research $100 Form / Layout $50 Clarity $50 Language Usage $250 Overall Appearance $100 TOTALS: $1000 Earned CAD / Points * Example of Statistics: 2007 Population 5,200 Growth Rate 5 percent 2007 Service Area Population 40,000 Location 44 miles north of Seattle on I-5 Average Temperatures Rainfall 33F - 71F 30" - 35" annual Elevation 5' to 150' County Average Household Income $63,313 Sales Tax 8.5% ASSIGNMENT PROCEDURES: 1) Component articles are to be assigned, researched, written, proofread and shared. 2) All articles must be the reporter s original work. They must not be copied from reference materials and books. 3) Team members organize articles into a 8½ x 14 brochure format for final evaluation. [Note: Articles may need to be edited for length.] 4) Computer layout managers: Please see your teacher for computer tips. 6

Here is a chart for your agency to stay organized: COMPONENT TASKS Editor Treasurer Computer Layout Printer Reporter Reporter Short history of the area Why you should move there Statistics of weather and population Beautiful photos with captions (but not too many) STAFF RESPONSIBLE Ask yourself the following questions and use this checklist to ensure the highest grade: FOCUS QUESTIONS Form: Correct form? Logical, organized information? Research: Accuracy? Thoroughness? Clarity: Clear facts / ideas? Do components accurately reflect the areas features? Headlines: Accuracy? Interest? Attractiveness? Appropriate size and type? Language Usage: Spelling? Grammar? Punctuation? Complete/clear sentences? Format: Layout quality? Format makes it easy to read. Variety: Appropriate charts, pictures? Overall Appearance: Neatness? Attractiveness? 7