What is an iAdventure? An iAdventure is an interactive site designed to have students research certain pieces of information by visiting other web sites in order to make informed decisions about various dilemmas presented. Content Covered? This iAdventure is designed for students to differentiate between a folktale and fairy tale. Students will research the genre, and create their own version of a classic tale using their own twist. Grade Level? Fourth through seventh grades Time needed? 7 -12 forty minute class periods Resources needed? One computer with internet access for every two students,
a copy of the Data Collection Sheet for every student.
RESOURCES NEEDED
Internet-connected computers Data Sheet for each student Story Map page for each student Paper/Pencil Scoring guide for each student
Below you will find the site map to the entire iAdventure. Simply click on the page that you would like to see. Each page will open in a new window, so when you are finished, simply close the window to return to the teacher page.
Background Information An iAdventure is a way of teaching students important concepts and skills by involving them in a storyline about one or more characters. In this iAdventure, students have been asked to create a story for a well-known storyteller to use. The students are challenged to create their own stories based on classic fairy tales or folk tales but they are to put a new twist on the original plot. This twist may involve setting (time or place), point of view, addition of detail, etc. Let the students use their imaginations!
Curriculum Standards This iAdventure contains activities that meet the following goals and objectives of The Show-Me Standards:
GOAL 1
Students in Missouri public schools will acquire the knowledge and skills to gather, analyze and apply information and ideas.Students will develop questions and ideas to initiate and refine research (1), demonstrate within and integrate across all content areas the ability to conduct research to answer questions and evaluate information and ideas (2), use technological tools and other resources to locate, select and organize information (4), comprehend and evaluate written, visual and oral presentations and works (5), discover and evaluate patterns and relationships in information, ideas and structure (6). GOAL 2
Students in Missouri public schools will acquire the knowledge and skills to communicate effectively within and beyond the classroom.Students will demonstrate within and integrate across all content areas the ability to plan and make written, oral and visual presentations for a variety of purposes and audiences (1), and exchange information, questions and ideas while recognizing the perspective of others (3). GOAL 3
Students in Missouri public schools will acquire the knowledge and skills to recognize and solve problems.Students will develop and apply strategies based on ways others have prevented or solved problems (2), demonstrate within and integrate across all content areas the ability to examine problems and proposed solutions from multiple perspectives (6). GOAL 4
Students in Missouri public schools will acquire the knowledge and skills to make decisions and act as responsible members of society.Students will demonstrate within and integrate across all content areas the ability to explain reasoning and identify information used to support decisions (1), develop, monitor and revise plans of action to meet deadlines and accomplish goals (5), and identify tasks that require a coordinated effort and work with others to complete those tasks(6). COMMUNICATION ARTS In Communication Arts, students in Missouri public schools will acquire a solid foundation which includes knowledge of and proficiency in speaking and writing standard English (1), reading and evaluating fiction, poetry and drama (2), writing formally and informally (4), comprehending and evaluating the content and artistic aspects of oral and visual presentations (such as storytelling, debates, lectures, melti-media productions) (5), and identifying and evaluating relationships between language and culture.
The Assessment, Conclusion and Student Products The culminating event or task of an iAdventure is when students create the conclusion or product, as described in the "Create a Conclusion" page. In this iAdventure, the students will be creating their own version of a classic fairy tale or tall tale. As a part of the assessment students will also turn in the data collection sheet for a portion of the final assessment.
OBJECTIVES OF THIS PROJECT As you and your partner prepare to write your story, meet with the your classroom teacher for guidance. She will act as your editor and guide. In the first stage of this project, she will expect you to know what elements a professional storyteller looks for in a story he or she plans to share aloud. Secondly, she will want to know that you and your partner have learned about the differences between fairy tales and a folk tales. Thirdly, she will expect to see a final copy of your story. Before you turn in the your final copy check for spellling and grammar errors. In the final step of this project you and your partner will act as a storyteller and present this finished project to the class.
STEPS FOR SUCCESS: 1. After you and your partner have completed all the necessary research needed to write your own version of a classic fairy or folk tale using your 'Data Collection Sheet' you will begin your rough draft.
2. Now is the time to use your new knowledge to create a story. Remember that you must put a new twist on this story! You may decide to write your story from the point of view of another character, change the setting of the story, change the time in history of the story (move it into present time) or change the problem of the characters. Your choice!
3. Before deciding on your story, check with the editor (your teacher) to make sure you are on the right track. You will find it helpful and necessary to look at the assessment requirements below as well as the rubric before you begin your story.
IMPORTANT! Remember to use your Information Data Collection Sheet as a guide in this iAdventure .
The assessment was designed to meet the needs of different types of learners by allowing for various methods of presentations. The scoring rubric provided, however, is not specific to the presentation method, but rather the process and content. If it seems too overwhelming to have various options for the students' presentations, you can limit their options.
Scoring Rubric and Guides
Beginning
1Developing
2Accomplished
3Exemplary
4Score Research, Gather Information Collects very little information. Data sheet has few or no sections completed. More than half of the areas of the Data Sheet are completed. Collects most of the required information on the Data sheet. One or two pieces missing. Collects all necessary information about storytelling, fairytales, and folktales on Data sheet. Presentation Method of presenting not effective. Difficult to understand. Too vague. Somewhat effective. Missing several pieces of the required info. Takes the point of view of a student (not storyteller). . Fairly effective. Stayed in storyteller role. Uses some storytelling techniques. The story line is understandable. Very effective. Stayed in storyteller role. Confident and convincing. Uses multiple storytelling techniques. The story line flows.
Mechanics Many spelling mistakes. Lacking crucial punctuation making the paper hard to understand. Several spelling and/or grammar mistakes. Punctuation mistakes create some confusion. Few spelling mistakes. Few grammar mistakes. Punctuation mistakes do not interfere with understanding. No spelling mistakes. No grammar mistakes. Punctuation mistakes to not interfere with understanding.
Sharing the Work Load Always relies on others to do the work. Does not participate with the partner. Rarely is on task. Tends to get distracted and doesn't get much accomplished. Usually does the assigned work--rarely needs reminding to stay on task. Always does the assigned work and is on task without having to be reminded. Teamwork Usually argues with teammates. Sometimes argues. Rarely argues. Never argues with teammates. Scoring Guide
(Total Points Possible is 100)
Category Score Calculating Points Research, Gather Information Score x 7 = Presentation Score x 6 = Mechanics Score x 6 = Sharing the Work Load Score x 3 = Teamwork Score x 3 = TOTAL PTS. = Key to Determine whether Simone' Smith will use your Story
Total Points Description of Outcome 90 - 100 Congratulations. You did an outstanding job with your storytelling project. The research, presentation and final copy are outstanding. Get ready to become the next world famous author and storyteller! J.K. Rowling has nothing on you...Simone' Smith is ready to offer you a job rewritting lots of classics, and she is desperately worried you are taking over her job. 80 - 89 Great job! It was clear through your work and presentation that you put in a lot of time on this project. With a little refining on your story line and/or rehearsing tyour storytelling techniques you will be ready to move up in the ranks of world famous writers and storytellers. 70 - 79 It is clear that you and your partner have put some work in to this project. Simone' Smith appreciates your efforts. She thinks with her help you can add elements and revise some points to become a successful storyteller and author. 60 - 69 Simone' Smith is appreciative of the work that you put in to this project. She can use some of your creative ideas in future projects, and knows with more effort you too, can become well-known in the storytelling circle. You may want to revise and 're-edit' your story for her approval. Below 60 Sorry. The work presented to Simone' is not useable. Remember Simone' has high expectations for the work she presents to others. Try again and resubmit your story for her approval. Acknowledgements The concept for an iAdventure was developed by Stan Smith in the Warrensburg, MO school district as part of the "Learning with iAdventures" program, funded by a Competitive Technology grant from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Stan has invested hundreds of hours in developing and implementing this program. His perseverance and dedication have made it possible for this iAdventure to even exist.
For more information on iAdventures, visit the iAdventure Home Page.
If you would like to email Stan Smith with any comments or questions about iAdventures, send your message to ssmith@warrensburg.k12.mo.us