Cybercitz

The Web is a great place to find information for classroom assignments, and there are tricks to surfing the Web. First, it is important to understand plagiarism and the Internet. With a foundation in surfing the Web, personal and classroom research will be a breeze.  

English 6.2, 7.6, 8.7

Students learning to distinguish between fact and opinion in their own communications can see the connection to information found on Web sites.
8.6
Students learning to analyze details for relevance and accuracy also can use these skills with Internet sites.

History/Social Science  USII.1, CE.1
Use the Web to underscore the concepts of interpreting ideas from different perspectives and separating fact from opinion.
USI.1, USII.1, CE.1, WH.1
If students are using online resources for practicing skills or conducting research, address the general safety issues.

Science 6.1
Students learning how to think logically can evaluate information on the Internet for accuracy and logical validity.
6.9, PS.1
Students doing research must explore the difference between fact and opinion and recognize techniques
used to persuade others of a certain point of view.

• Indentify and recognize Internet copyrights and Internet plagiarism
• Identify keywords for “Surfing the Web”
• Explore effective ways to surf the Web

1. In small groups have students surf the web about a topic they are interested in, or assign a topic relevent to the current content.  While the students search the Internet for that subject, have them write down the information they find on the topic as well as things they notice about the process of surfing the web.  Have a class discussion about surfing the web and review the guidelines on “Surfing the Web” listed on pages 12-13 in the Educator’s Edition.   For homework, have the students review the information on the students website page "Surfing the Web". 

2. Do vocabulary exercises with the key terminology such as: blocking software, browser, cookie, ISP, filtering software, search engine, URL. These items could provide good segue to discuss things like: credible sources, reliable search engines, and peer-reviewed sources.

3. Assign a research paper on the class content (English, Social Studies, Math, Science, Foreign Language, Physical Education) and require the students to use the Internet to find reliable sources.  Give the students a specific rubric outlining your expectations for the paper and if possible set aside time for the students to use the computer lab.

Pages 12-13 Educator’s Edition

A Fairy Use Tale: This is a Disney cut film about copyright laws.