This lesson was developed as part of Missouri's eMINTS Project (enhancing Missouri's Instructional Networked Teaching Strategies).  It is a part of the famous American Unit that our 3rd Grade completes every year.  At the end of the unit, each student is asked to dress up as their famous American to give a brief speech about them in front of all the second grade students.  It gives them good experience with oral presentations.

Learners
This lesson was designed for 3rd grade students, but could be adapted to accomodate 2-5th grade students, depending on what area of study needs to be addressed.  Prior to this lesson, students need to understand Microsoft Excel, Word, and using the Internet, as well as how to read directions on a map.

In all classes, there is a student or two who love to go the extra mile.  For just such a case, an Extended Activity was designed.  The students will be asked to re-create a similar activity for someone else to do.  They will need to research their own famous American, design questions, answers, and a map to navigate through.

Standards
Students will use their map-reading and researching skills to complete the first activity.  They will use their abilities to communicate effectively and creatively during the oral presention of their memorial, and their ability to generate a new map and questions on the final activity.

The Missouri Content Standards and Goals addressed in these activities are listed below.

Content Standards:
CA 3:  reading and evaluating nonfiction works and materials (such as biographies, newspapers, technical manuals)
CA 6:  participating in formal and informal presentations and discussions of issues and ideas
SS 2:  continuity and change in the history of Missouri, the United States, and the World
SS 6:  relationships of the individual and groups to institutions and cultural traditions.

Goals
G 1.2:  conduct research to answer questions and evaluate information and ideas
G 1.4:  use technological tools and other resources to locate, select and organize information
G 2.1:  plan and make written, oral and visual presentations for a variety of purposes and audiences
G 4.6:  identify tasks that require a coordinated effort and work with other to complete those tasks

Extended Activity Standards:
Goals:
G 1.1:  develop questions and ideas to initiate and refine research
G 1.2:  conduct research to answer questions and evaluate information and ideas
G 1.4:  use technological tools and other resources to locate, select and organize information