Background

The middle school applied for and received a mini-grant to give the 21st Century Skills Assessment in
their school. The 21st Century Skills Assessment was given to 160 6th graders. The assessment tests
students on the six ISTE-NETS-S 2007 strands. The test is in two parts, with 39 multiple choice
questions in each part. The four proficiency levels are Below Basic, Basic, Proficient, and Advanced.
Because most students (41 Below Basic and 105 Basic) scored Below Basic or Basic for the
“Communication and Collaboration” strand, this area will be the focus of this lesson plan. The plan
will be constructed in collaboration with a 6th grade Social Studies teacher. The design of the plan is
intended to give students the experience of both using technology and working collaboratively. Also,
they will gain perspective and a global awareness of environmental issues.

Assessed Standards

ISTE-NETS-S:
2. Communication and Collaboration
Students use digital media and environments to communicate and work collaboratively, including at a
distance, to support individual learning and contribute to the learning of others. Students:

c. develop cultural understanding and global awareness by engaging with learners of other
cultures.
d. contribute to project teams to produce original works or solve problems.

GPS Standard:
SS6G9 The student will discuss environmental issues in Europe.

a. Explain the major concerns of Europeans regarding the issues such as acid rain in Germany, air
pollution in the United Kingdom, and the nuclear disaster in Chernobyl, Ukraine.

Six Facets of Understanding

Explanation: students will be able to explain the causes of pollution in Europe.

Interpretation: students will interpret how pollution effects various aspects of life in Europe—public
health, economy, population, etc.
Application: students will be able to apply what they have learned about the the impact of pollution in
Europe to other parts of the world.
Perspective: students will see how environmental neglect / abuse by governments and industry can
hurt that country's people.
Empathy: students will have a deeper understanding of how pollution impacts the lives of Europeans.
Self-Knowledge: students will gain a greater understanding of their place in the world and their own
feelings about environmental issues.

Lesson Plan
Stage One

Desired Results: Students will have a greater understanding of environmental issues in Europe and
these issues effect the lives of Europeans. Students will learn to communicate effectively and
cooperatively, using technology.

Essential Questions:
• What are some of the causes of pollution in Europe?
• How does pollution impact the lives of the people who live there?
• What is being done to address these problems?
• How do ordinary Europeans feel about these issues?
• How can technology be used collaboratively?

Understandings:
• Government and industry have an impact on the environment
• Pollution can effect many aspects of life—public health, the economy, and population.
• Technology is a useful tool for learning about other cultures.
• Technology can be an effective tool for communication and collaboration

Key Knowledge and Skills:

Students will know:

• Causes of pollution in Europe
• Effects of pollution on the lives of Europeans

Students will be able to:

• use technology to learn about other cultures
• use technology cooperatively with peers

Stage Two

Performance Task: Students will be divided into seven groups of five students. Each group will visit
the the Web Quest, http://europeenvironment.pbworks.com. They will then create a wiki to address the
questions posed on the Web Quest.

Materials Needed:
• Computers with internet access

Other Evidence:
• As students are working, they will be monitored to make sure each member of the groups is
contributing.
• The students will self-assess their progress with the rubric provided.
• Students will be encouraged to continue using their wikis for the class.

Learning Experiences:
• Introduction—the teacher will review what the students have learned about the geography of
Europe. I will introduce the idea of how environmental issues could effect those areas and
introduce the essential questions of the lesson.
• Discuss the importance of environmental issues.
• Explain the lesson and emphasize the importance of working collaboratively
• Hand out the rubric and go over it with the students.
 • Each group of students will visit the Web Quest. Students will research the websites and blogs
provided.
• Each group will be given directions of how to create a wiki. Each group will create a wiki
addressing the questions posed on the Web Quest.
• The teacher will give feedback to the students through their wikis.

Wiki Self-Evaluation Rubric

Criteria Needs Improvement Good Excellent
Quality of Information Basic facts about the Facts about the causes Facts about the causes
causes of pollution in and effects of pollution and effects of pollution
Europe are presented. in Europe are presented. and possible solutions
are presented with
insight into the reality of
these problems.
Quality of Presentation Information not well Information is organized Information is well
organized. and clear. organized and presented
in a creative and
pleasing way.
Collaboration Wiki does not show the Equal effort of all group All group members
equal effort of all group members is apparent. contributed equally and
members. gave feedback to their
peers.

Directions for Creating a Wiki:

1. Go to http://pbworks.com
2. Create an account.
3. Create a new wiki.
4. Create a URL.
5. Set a password, set for public viewing,
and check the terms of service.
6. Use the free service.
7. We will go over adding photo, video,
RSS feeds as we go along.
8. Ask for help if you need it!