Research & Digital Citizenship SMART Activities
additional ideas & resources available at www.commonsensemedia.org/educators
Copyright
Teach or review the importance of adhering to copyright laws.
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Plagiarism
Discuss the topic of plagiarism and try your hand a taking notes.
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Bibliography
Teach or review the elements of a bibliography including some citation machines.
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Online Dictionary or Thesaurus
Use both dictionary or thesaurus websites to locate the correct definitions or synonyms.
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Dictionary
Read The Boy Who Loved Words, or Max's Words, then use both print & online dictionaries to locate the correct definitions.
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Thesaurus
Read The Boy Who Cried Fabulous and then use a thesaurus to rewrite classic nursery rhymes.
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Atlas
Learn about Alice Ramsey, the 1st woman to drive across the US, and the importance of maps.
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Primary Sources-Cartoons
Begin a discussion about primary and secondary sources by analyzing political/editorial cartoons.
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Website Evaluation
Discuss the importance of being a critical information consumer by evaluating some hoax websites.
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Keyword Searching
Teach or review the concepts of keyword searching, Boolean terms and discuss the features of various search engines.
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Social Bookmarking
Open a discussion about social bookmarking so that online resources are cited.
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Note Taking
Use online research process tools to help organize online research.
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Using Primary Sources
Intro to Primary Sources
A description and examples of primary sources for teaching social studies shown through the flood of 1927 in VT. Activity found online .
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Understanding Symbols & Mythology
Students will ask questions, reflect, and analyze two primary source images (the Minerva Mosaic at the Library of Congress and the Ceres statue on the Vermont State House) connecting the past to the present. Activity found online
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Primary Source Documents
Analyzing Library of Congress documents. Activity found online.
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Looking at Historical Fiction
Students will use an Interactive White Board individually, in small groups, and as a class when they are introduced to the literary genre, historical fiction, and primary sources to inform class discussions. Activity found online
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Internet Safety 101
Digital Footprint
Learn about the "trail" every internet users leaves. Discuss how to keep your private information safe while still using internet resources.
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Passwords
Learn how to create powerful passwords to protect online accounts. Test your passwords for security strength using an online checker.
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Going Places Safely
Students learn that they can go to exciting places online, but they need to follow certain rules to remain safe. (K-1)
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Staying Safe Online
Students understand that they should stay safe online by choosing websites that are good for them to visit, and avoid sites that are not appropriate for them. (2-3)
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Screen Out the Mean
Students learn that children sometimes can act like bullies when they are online. They explore what cyberbullying means and what they can do when they encounter it. (2-3)
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Talking Safely Online
Students learn that the Internet is a great place to develop rewarding relationships. But they also learn not to reveal private information to a person they know only online. (4-5)
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Socializing Online
How media smart are you? Open a discussion about digital media and how it is used with social networks. Then test out your media smarts.
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Cyber Bullying
Open a discussion about cyber bullying and how to identify the warning signs.Explore the importance of contributing to and maintaining positive online communities.
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Power of Words
What should you do if someone uses mean or scary language on the Internet? Students explore how to handle upsetting online language and cyberbullying. (4-5)
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