1. Topic-
Library databases
 
2. Content-
Students will use library databases to locate information for their health projects on drugs.
Key vocabulary: library database
 
3. Goals: Aims/Outcomes-
1.Students will define a library database
2.Students will identify appropriate library databases to utilize for their project
 
4. Objectives-
1.Students will be able to access library databases using the media center web site
 
5. Materials and Aids-
Internet access, computer and projector for demonstration. Student computers, tablets or other devices for accessing
 
6. Procedures/Methods-

A. Introduction-

The Internet is often the first place we go to when we need to search for information. However, most of us rely on sites such as Google and Wikipedia, which do not always meet our needs. Have you ever noticed that when you search Google you are overwhelmed with the number of hits� on your topic? Do all of the results actually match the type of information you need? No, many times what appears first are sites such as eBay or Amazon which are trying to sell products related to your topic. Sometimes you may find articles that are very advanced and not intended for a middle school audience...or the site is too basic and lacks the details we need...or we are uncertain about the author or the origin of the site and whether or not it is providing us with accurate information. Wikipedia poses the same problem of determining accuracy of the information provided.
Do you want to spend all of this time sorting through results and evaluating information to complete your assignment? Or do you want to be able to find the information you need as quickly as possible, so that you have time for other activities that may be more fun? The library databases are a great alternative to Google or Wikipedia when you are looking for information for school. They are specialized by grade level and/or topic and have added features not available on Google or Wikipedia such as built in dictionaries, audio, multimedia, citation help, research help, and more!

Today we will be introduced to our available library databases and learn where and how to access them.
 

B. Development-

1.Demonstration of library databases. The school librarian will use a computer and projector to show students where the links to library databases are located from the school website. She will demonstrate the appropriate databases and have students from the class come up to try sample searches. The results will be discussed as a class.
 

C. Practice-

1.Students will begin using the databases in the library lab. The school librarian will circulate with the classroom teacher to help as needed.
 

D. Independent Practice-

1.Students will continue using library databases to research for their health projects.
 

E. Accommodations (Differentiated Instruction)-

1.Library databases are available at different levels (elementary - adult). Students will be directed to the appropriate one for their level.
2.Library databases have built-in supports available: audio to listen along as reading, dictionaries, multimedia and more.
 

F. Checking for understanding-

1.Students will demonstrate their understanding by locating the databases online and choosing the appropriate ones for their topics. The school librarian and classroom teacher will be circulating through the library lab to make sure students have located the sites and have made appropriate choices based on their topic.
 

G. Closure-

1.Today we learned about library databases and had an opportunity to locate them on the media center website and to begin searching.
Which databases did you choose?
How did the information you located compare to the information you may have found using Google?
Does anyone have any questions?
Next class you will have an opportunity to continue your research in the library databases. I will be able to assist you as needed with your classroom teacher.
In the future we will be learning how to cite all of the sources we are using in a bibliography.
 
7. Evaluation-
1. The school librarian will collaborate with the health teacher to check that resources used for research include appropriate library databases.
2. Health teacher will evaluate the content of the project.
 

This Lesson Plan is available at (www.teacherjet.com)