Creating a Newspaper
by Janet Ritchie, janet.ritchie@cpsb.org

Content Area(s)
English/Language Arts
Math
Science
Social Studies

Grade Level(s)
6, 7, 8, 

Overview
Students will benefit from the use of the Palm, as well as desktop computers and printers. They will also be exposed to different types of software.

Software
· 12 Palm Zires
· 8 Desktop Computers with USB cables
· Hewlet Packard Printer

Technology
Software:

· Sketchy
· Word to Go
· Desktop Publishing
· Clip Art
· Graphics
· Inspiration

Objectives
The Student will produce a newspaper in a variety of curriculum areas

Procedures
DAY ONE

1. I will describe how a newspaper is set up. The students will use Inspiration to brainstorm subjects that they want to include in their newspapers. We will then share some of the ideas on the projector screen, using Inspiration.
2. Vince Lupo, with the American Press will come to the library as our special guest speaker.

DAY TWO

1. Students will get into pairs and I will assign topics to each of the pairs. They will do research and writing, using Word to Go. They will beam each other information obtained. They will then edit each other’s information.
2. Students (in their assigned pairs) will use Sketchy to draw two pictures that will go with their articles. They will also use Clip Art or graphics from another source.

DAYS 3-5

1. I will demonstrate the Desktop Publishing Software. The students will gather information, write articles, and choose clip art to insert into their newspapers.
2. Students will perform a HotSync operation to include their research from Word to go and their pictures from Sketchy. This will be inserted next week into the appropriate places in their newspapers.

WEEK 2

1. Students will work on preparing their articles at the computers. As each is printed, students will add it to a large sheet of butcher paper that is on the bulletin board. After this planning stage, students will go ahead and produce the newsletter.

EXTENSIONS

· Science – Students could choose an invention and develop articles that pertain to that subject. During a study of drugs, students could explain the various effects of various substances or write advice columns to classmates regarding the dangers of drug use. Letters could be written to the editor on environmental issues.
· Math – Students could choose a concept such as area/volume or geometric figures and develop an information sheet. They could also make up a worksheet of word problems on the topics.
· Social Studies – Students could create newspapers that reflect a historical period or country being studied. A news flash from Presidents Bush, or the Pharaoh might be created, or a travel brochure could be created about a foreign country.
· Language Arts – Students could create a newspaper that summarizes a novel they have read. They could write ads enticing students to read the book, or write new endings for the book.

Other Supporting Material

Submitted on: 8/8/2004 9:26:57 PM