This iAdventure is designed for 7th grade students. I combined it with my reading unit on the Adventure/Survival genre. Computer lab time needed to be reserved well in advance, and I opted to use only one day in the lab because I had access to the iAdventure on a computer in my classroom, and was able to project the site to my TV screen using AverKey Plus. To get the most out of the iAdventure, and to ensure everyone has a chance to view all of the websites, two lab days would be ideal. The story-writing can be completed on paper in the classroom; however, if access to a word-processing computer lab or the like is available, it would make for a fun project (and easier revising/ proofreading!).

 

Below is a "clickable" map of the iAdventure site,so that the pages may be previewed in an organized way.
*Note: For something fun, I have created a link to the Hamster Dance page--silly, yes, but fun. However, some students had a tendency to go way ahead of me, and instead of researching, they were "dancing"! So, I created a "hidden" link to the fun page. To find it, go to the Conclusion page, click on the very tiny dash in front of the Assessment link, and you will see the dancing hamsters.

 

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 (fictional or real). This iAdventure was created to give students a hands-on opportunity to create their own "adventure." After learning about the elements of the Adventure/Survival genre and reading story selections from that genre, students had the opportunity to have a say in their end of the unit project by writing (completing) their own story.

 

Curriculum Standards

Process standards addressed with this project include most of the strands of the Communication Arts section as outlined in the "Show-Me State Standards." Students will develop questions and ideas to initiate and refine research, conduct research, use technological tools to organize/present information, and plan and present written and oral presentations.

 

Resources Needed

Access to a computer lab with enough computers having Internet access to accommodate at least 10 sets of partners. Students are required to supply their own paper, pencil, etc. for note-taking. Some students without computer access at home may need the use of a computer or word procesor to complete their final draft of "Harry's Story."

 

Acknowledgements

Many digital images used throughout this iAdventure were located by using the "Essential Web Resources" guide to free digital images sites (located on the Warrensburg Schools Home Page). I would also like to thank my iAdventure group, Trish, Tara, Loryn, Tamera, and Shannon for their feedback and input, as well as our group leader, Stan, for all of his wisdom!

The iAdventure concept was developed in the Warrensburg, MO school district, as part of the "Learning with iAdventures" program. This program was funded by a Competitive Technology grant from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
For more information on iAdventures, visit the iAdventure Home Page.