Tasks:

• Students interview their oldest living relative. Questions for the interview are provided by the teachers. Students will reach their relative through a variety of methods: the telephone, letter writing, or possibly e-mail. The questions will then be turned into a handmade book. Individual assignment. These books will include:

1. title page

2. introduction

3. a page with illustration for each question from the interview

4. conclusion

5. about the author

• Students will research Texas history using reference materials in the library and classroom, the Internet, and CD-Roms (Encyclopedia Britannica,...) in order to create an ABC Book of Texas History. Individual or small group assignment. These books will include:

1. title page

2. a page for each letter of the alphabet and each Texas topic that goes with each letter

3. an illustration, either printed or hand drawn, for each page 4. a paragraph describing each entry in the book

Assessments:

• A different rubric will be used for scoring each assignment.

Students will have a copy of each rubric before they begin the assignments.

Standards:

• AISD Curriculum for Language Arts

• TEKS for fourth grade in Language Arts, Social Studies, and Technology

Interactions:

• Students will work individually and/or in small groups.

• Groups will work in the library, computer lab, and classrooms.

• The UOP will coincide with the final unit in fourth grade culminating with crafts based on pioneer life in Texas and a program, guest speakers, and picnic on Texas.

Tools:

• Library (Media Center)

• CD-Roms/Internet

• ClarisWorks - Word Processing and Drawing

• Classroom Reference Materials

• Computers in the Lab and the Classrooms