Using This Site
This lesson is built for use on classroom computers and tablets. If you have access to a desktop computer, laptop, tablet or an interactive whiteboard in your classroom, you may complete the lesson in your classroom. Otherwise, you will need to schedule time to use your school's computer lab. For technical specifications, visit the Technology page.
At several points in the lesson, students will be prompted to explore online resources. The sites have been chosen for their content and grade-level appropriateness. Efforts are made to minimize linking to websites that contain advertisements or comments, but some of these websites may contain these features. Teachers should preview all websites before introducing the activities to students and adhere to their school system's policy for Internet use. In addition, multimedia on these externally linked sites may not be accessible to all users, such as those requiring a screen reader or using a tablet device.
The appendix also refers to several websites for additional interactive options for some activities. It is recommended that teachers review these sites in advance and set up accounts, if applicable. However, we strongly encourage that all teachers adhere to their school system's policy for Internet use. None of the sites listed in the appendix are required in order to complete the lesson, but they may add engagement value and additional Internet skills.
Throughout this site, we provide links to resources on the PBS Learning Media website. Please note that after a certain number of visits to PBS Learning Media, you will be required to register. Registration is free.
This site includes audio narration so you may want to have headphones available for students working at individual stations.
