LE-+Grades+6-8

**Grades 6-8** By fifth grade students are now reading information to learn. They are developing abstract thinking skills and information literacy skills that build on this ability. By the end of eighth grade they should be familiar with various internet search strategies and how to use them, and they begin to evaluate information that they find. In addition, they can evaluate their own research process and product, and explain the ethical use of information. If provided regularly with authentic learning in a resource-based environment, eighth-graders become fluent in information literacy skills.

// necessary and will also be able to: // || // Students will be able to define problems competently and identify // // information needs. // || 1.11 Understand the criteria for the research assignment. 1.12 Explain what the final product will look like. 1.13 Select a topic from a range of possibilities. 1.14 Use the teacher provided essential question to develop a topic focus, or develop a self-selected essential question. 1.15 With assistance, develop a thesis statement. 1.16 Identify pre-existing knowledge, as well as additional information necessary to solve the problem. 1.17 Read, listen, and watch from all relevant and appropriate sources to gain an overview of the topic. || // Students will be able to develop strategies to find information relevant to // <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">// their question or personal need. // || <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">2.15 Understand the library’s organization of resources. <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">2.16 With assistance, select and modify keywords and phrases for information seeking <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">purposes. <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">2.17 Understand the difference between, and the uses of, primary and secondary sources || <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">// Students will be able to access and gather information efficiently and // <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">// effectively. // || <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">3.10 Independently choose appropriate information from print and electronic sources. <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">3.11 Use cross-references to locate additional information. <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">3.12 Recognize inadequacies or gaps in information. || <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">//. //
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">** Standards ** || <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">// By the end of the eighth grade, students will continue to work on previous standards as //
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">** Standard 1. Define an Information Task **
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">** Standard 2. Develop Information Seeking Strategies **
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">** Standard 3. Locate and Access Information **
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">** Standard 4. Use Information **

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Students will be able to: <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">4a. evaluate resources for their appropriateness <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">4b. select the best and most relevant information <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">4c. practice ethical behavior and respect for intellectual property rights || <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">4.4 Independently develop criteria for relevant information, including authority, accuracy, <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">objectivity, relevancy, and currency of source. <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">4.5 Independently discriminate between primary and secondary sources.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">4.12 Independently take notes. <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">4.13 Independently summarize and paraphrase information. <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">4.14 Choose appropriate order for information; e.g.. chronological, alphabetical, hierarchical in <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">terms of importance, persuasive position. <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">4.15 Make inferences from data. <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">4.16 Collaborate with others, including using technology to share information.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">4.22 Independently create correct citations for text and images used. <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">4.23 With assistance begin to demonstrate understanding of copyright law. e.g. fair use and <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">intellectual property rights. || <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">// Students will organize new information from multiple sources to construct // <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">// a product that communicates the results of their research // || <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">5.7 Use appropriate medium to produce an original product to communicate research results. <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">5.8 Collaborate with peers in sharing information. <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">5.9 Understand that communicating information is a life long skill. || <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">// Students will participate effectively in groups to pursue and generate // <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">// information. // || <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">6.14 Use provided guidelines and the group’s work to improve content and delivery. || <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">// Students will evaluate both the research process and the final product. // <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">// This may include both self and peer evaluation. // || <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">7.5 Analyze the evaluation results to improve their communications through developing <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">evaluation criteria and doing self and peer evaluations. <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">7.6 With assistance, describe the ethical use of information. <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">7.7 Use critical and creative thinking skills to analyze, synthesize and evaluate relevance, <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">reliability, and authority of sources. <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">7.8 Using predetermined criteria, evaluate the effectiveness of the communication of research <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">results. <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">7.9 Review and evaluate the process of transforming information into knowledge. <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">7.10 Summarize new knowledge gained through peer presentations. || <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">// Students will gain an increased enjoyment of literature and grow in their // <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">// abilities to locate and select appropriate reading materials independently. // || <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">8.15 Incorporate critical and creative thinking skills to evaluate literary elements and conventions. <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">8.16 Display knowledge of various types of print material, of genres, and of selection aids. <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">8.17 Identify and read from a variety of genres. e.g. historical, realistic, fantasy, fiction, folklore, poetry, biography, nonfiction. <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">8.18 Recognize reading as a lifelong pursuit. <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">8.19 Recognize characteristic styles of various authors and illustrators. ||
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">** Standard 5. Synthesize Information **
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">** Standard 6. Participate in Collaborative Activities **
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">** Standard 7. Evaluate the Process and the Product **
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">** Standard 8. Appreciate Literature **

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**Massachusetts Technology Literacy Standards** **Grades 6 through 8 – Technology Standards and Expectations** <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">By the completion of eighth grade, students should demonstrate competencies in using tools such as word processing, database, spreadsheet, Web browser, presentation, and graphics applications. Students should be familiar enough with the purpose and function of these technologies to enable them to select the appropriate tool for a task. Students should be able to identify various components of a computer system and be able to explain basic concepts of networking. Students should practice good file management skills and operate peripheral equipment independently.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Students should understand the legal, ethical, and safety issues concerning the use of e-mail, the Internet, and other online tools. Students should understand how to protect their personal identification and information on the Internet and be knowledgeable about general rules for safe Internet practices. In addition, students should develop an awareness of how they present themselves on the Internet.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">By the end of eighth grade, students should have had ample opportunity to become fluent in the use of technology tools for research, problem solving, and communication across all curriculum areas. They should know how to communicate their learning with peers and other audiences through multimedia presentations, desktop-published reports, and other electronic media. They should have learned effective strategies for locating and validating information on the Internet. Moreover, students should understand why it is important to use multiple Web sites for their research, rather than relying on a single site for information.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">In summary, when students enter the ninth grade, they should be able to use technology to learn and enhance their understanding of academic subjects and the world around them. Technology should be incorporated into their everyday learning activities, both inside and outside the classroom.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">G6-8: 1:1 Use features of a computer operating system (e.g., determine available space on local storage devices and remote storage resources, access the size and format of files, identify the version of an application). <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">G6-8: 1.2 Identify successful troubleshooting strategies for minor hardware and software issues/problems (e.g., “frozen screen”). <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">G6-8: 1.3 Independently operate peripheral equipment (e.g., scanner, digital camera, camcorder), if available. <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">G6-8: 1.4 Identify and use a variety of storage media (e.g., CDs, DVDs, flash drives, school servers, and online storage spaces), and provide a rationale for using a certain medium for a specific purpose. <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">G6-8: 1.5 Demonstrate keyboarding skills between 25-30 wpm with fewer than 5 errors. (For students with disabilities, demonstrate alternate input techniques as appropriate.)
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**//Standard 1. Demonstrate proficiency in the use of computers and applications, as well as an understanding of the concepts underlying hardware, software, and connectivity.//** || <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**Basic Operations**
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**//Standard 1. Demonstrate proficiency in the use of computers and applications, as well as an understanding of the concepts underlying hardware, software, and connectivity.//** || <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**Basic Operations**

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**Word Processing/Desktop Publishing** <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">G6-8: 1.6 Demonstrate use of intermediate features in word processing applications (e.g., tabs, indents, headers and footers, end notes, bullet and numbering, tables). <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">G6-8: 1.7 Create, save, open, and import a word processing document in different file formats (e.g., RTF, HTML).

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**Database** <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">G6-8: 1.8 Describe the structure and function of a database, using related terms appropriately. <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">G6-8: 1.9 Create a simple database, defining field formats and adding new records. <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">G6-8: 1.10 Perform simple operations in a database (i.e., browse, sort, filter, search on selected criteria, delete data, enter data). <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">G6-8: 1.11 Plan and develop database reports to organize and display information.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**Spreadsheet** <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">G6-8: 1.12 Describe the use of spreadsheets to calculate, graph, organize, and present data in a variety of real-world settings. <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">G6-8: 1.13 Create an original spreadsheet, using formulas. <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">G6-8: 1.14 Use various number formats (e.g., scientific notation, percentages, exponents) as appropriate. <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">G6-8: 1.15 Produce simple charts and graphs from a spreadsheet. <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">G6-8: 1.16 Distinguish among different types of charts and graphs, and choose the most appropriate type to represent given data. <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">G6-8: 1.17 Apply advanced formatting features to customize tables, charts, and graphs.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**Internet, Networking, and Online Communication** <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">G6-8: 1.18 Use Web browsing to access information (e.g., enter a URL, access links, create bookmarks/favorites, print Web pages). <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">G6-8: 1.19 Identify probable types and locations of Web sites by examining their domain names, and explain that misleading domain names are sometimes created in order to deceive people (e.g., .edu, .com, .org, .gov, .au). <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">G6-8: 1.20 Explain and correctly use terms related to networks (e.g., LANs, WANs, servers, and routers) and Internet connectivity (e.g., DSL, T1, T3). <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">G6-8: 1.21 Explain and correctly use terms related to online learning (e.g., IP address, post, thread, Intranet, discussion forum, drop box, account, password). <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">G6-8: 1.22 Explain that some Web sites require the use of plug-ins and specific browser versions to access content. <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">G6-8: 1.23 Use e-mail functions and features (e.g., replying, forwarding, attachments, subject lines, signature, and address book.) The use of e-mail is at the school district’s discretion and may be a class-wide activity if students do not have individual accounts.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**Multimedia** <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">G6-8: 1.24 Create a multimedia presentation using various media as appropriate (e.g., audio, video, animations, etc.). <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">G6-8: 1.25 Use a variety of technology tools (e.g., dictionary, thesaurus, grammar-checker, calculator) to maximize the accuracy of work. || <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**Demonstrate the responsible use of technology and an understanding of ethics and safety issues in using electronic media at home, in school, and in society.** |||||| <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**Ethics** <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">G6-8: 2.1 Explain ethical issues related to privacy, plagiarism, spam, viruses, hacking, and file sharing. <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">G6-8: 2.2 Explain how copyright law protects the ownership of intellectual property, and explain possible consequences of violating the law. <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">G6-8: 2.3 Explain fair use guidelines for using copyrighted materials (e.g., images, music, video, text) in school projects. <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">G6-8: 2.4 Describe appropriate and responsible use of communication tools (e.g., chats, instant messaging, blogs, and wikis).
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**Standard 2.**

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**Society** <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">G6-8: 2.5 Identify and discuss the technology proficiencies needed in the workplace, as well as ways to prepare to meet these demands. <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">G6-8: 2.6 Identify and describe the effect technological changes have had on society. <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">G6-8: 2.7 Explain how technology can support communication and collaboration, personal and professional productivity, and lifelong learning. <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">G6-8: 2.8 Analyze and explain how media and technology can be used to distort, exaggerate, and misrepresent information. <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">G6-8: 2.9 Give examples of hardware and applications that enable people with disabilities to use technology.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**Health and Safety** <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">G6-8: 2.10 Explain the potential risks associated with the use of networked digital information (e.g., Internet, mobile phones, wireless, LANs). <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">G6-8: 2.11 Provide examples of safe and unsafe practices for sharing personal information via e-mail and the Internet. <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">G6-8: 2.12 Explain why computers, networks, and information need to be protected from viruses, intrusion, and vandalism. <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">G6-8: 2.13 Explain terms associated with the safe, effective, and efficient use of telecommunications/Internet (e.g., password, firewalls, spam, security, Acceptable Use Policy). <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">G6-8: 2.14 Describe how cyber bullying can be blocked. || <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**Demonstrate the ability to use technology for research, critical thinking, problem solving, decision making, communication, collaboration, creativity, and innovation.** || <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**Research** <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">G6-8: 3.1 Explain and demonstrate effective searching and browsing strategies when working on projects. <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">G6-8: 3.2 Collect, organize, and analyze digital information from a variety of sources, with attribution. <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">G6-8: 3.3 Use a variety of computing devices (e.g., probeware, handheld computers, digital cameras, scanners) to collect, analyze, and present information for curriculum assignments.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**Standard 3.**

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**Problem Solving** <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">G6-8: 3.4 Independently use appropriate technology tools (e.g., graphic organizer) to define problems and propose hypotheses. <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">G6-8: 3.5 Use and modify databases and spreadsheets to analyze data and propose solutions. <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">G6-8: 3.6 Develop and use guidelines to evaluate the content, organization, design, use of citations, and presentation of technologically enhanced projects.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**Communication** <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">G6-8: 3.7 Plan, design, and develop a multimedia product to present research findings and creative ideas effectively, citing sources. <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">G6-8: 3.8 Identify differences between various media and explain issues associated with repurposing information from one medium to another (e.g., from print to the Web). <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">G6-8: 3.9 Use a variety of telecommunication tools (e.g., e-mail, discussion groups, Web pages, blogs, Web conferences) to collaborate and communicate with peers, experts, and other audiences (at district’s discretion). ||