Lesson #3 Creative Thinking Project
Grade Level: 4th - 5th Grades
Content Area: Language Arts, Writing, Geography, Math, Computer Literacy, Educational Technology
Time: 1.5 hours
Technology: Internet Search, Graphics, Desktop Publishing, Video Editing
Student Instructions:
The goal of this lesson is for students to research vacation destinations based on their family’s vacation interests, needs, and concerns and create an advertisement for their family using a Microsoft PowerPoint presentation. Advanced students have the option of creating a commercial using Microsoft Moviemaker.
- Research internet databases by entering specific search criteria.
- Use technology to create advertising presentations and publications.
- Perform peer review of each other’s final products.
- Make decisions based on information.
You will act as travel agents and research various vacation destinations using internet search engines to collect data and create an advertising presentation or commercial based on their family’s interests and concerns.
The presentations are for the student’s family members who are looking for exciting discount summer vacations that meet their interests and are within their budget. Their classmates will also review the presentation to provide peer feedback.
Suggested websites:
http://www.ustravel.org/news/press-kit/travel-facts-and-statistics
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/us
http://www.stockfootageforfree.com/
http://freefoto.ca/photos/vacation/
Suggested videos:
Movie Maker Video Editing Tutorial
Powerpoint Presentation for Beginners
You will meet with your family and discuss their vacation budget, needs, interests, and concerns.
Some critical thinking questions to be considered for group discussion are:
- How much does your family spend on summer vacations? What types of discounts are available?
- How has the general economy affected family vacation options?
- How have fuel prices affected family vacations costs and options?
- How has terrorism affected family vacation travel options?
- What is the crime rate in your destination? Are there any social problems?
- What travel documents are required?
- What type(s) of activities are of interest to children, teens, and parents?
-
What types of places do families like to visit?
You will then record this information and begin to search internet databases in order to determine the best summer vacation for your family based on their needs and budget.
Each student will create either a presentation using Microsoft PowerPoint or commercial using Microsoft Movie with three vacation options for their families to consider.
- The presentation and commercial should include photos or videos and have sound.
- They should be creative & use persuasive writing.
- The presentation should include estimated costs for destinations.
- The tours and activities should be suitable for adults, young children and teenagers and the destinations selected must meet the family’s budget.
- Special backgrounds and graphic to support and enhance the vacation theme are suggested.
