1. Stage 1- Understanding By Design
Georgia Performance Standard:
ELA4W3 The student uses research and technology to support writing. The student
a. Acknowledges information from sources.
b. Locates information in reference texts by using organizational features (i.e.,
prefaces, appendices, indices, glossaries, and tables of contents).
Standards for the 21st-Century Learners:
Standard 1: Learners use skills, resources, & tools to inquire, think critically, and gain knowledge.
Skill 1.1.4 Find, evaluate, and select appropriate sources to answer questions.
Disposition in Action 1.2.2 Demonstrate confidence and self-direction by making independent choices in the
selection of resources and information.
Responsibility 1.3.3 Follow ethical and legal guidelines in gathering and using information.
Self-Assessment Strategy 1.4.4 Seek appropriate help when it is needed.
Established Goals:
The student will:
- Identify type of reference materials needed to locate specific information
- Demonstrate the ability to locate information in the media center
- Demonstrate the ability to use information ethically
Understandings: Essential Questions:
Students will understand that: - Why do we need information?
-Different types of reference books contain - How can we use organizational tools to find
different information information? S
- A dictionary is used to find definitions - How do we know that information is
- A thesaurus is used to find synonyms and reliable?
antonyms - How can we use information that we have
- An atlas contains maps found?
- An almanac contains facts and statistics
- An encyclopedia contains general
information on a wide variety of topics,
usually in the form of articles
-Organizational features help in the search for
information

2. Students will know:
- A dictionary is used to find definitions and parts of speech
-A thesaurus is used to find synonyms and antonyms
-An almanac is used to statistical information
-An atlas is used to find map information
-An encyclopedia is used to find information on specific subjects
Students will be able to:
Find definitions
Find synonyms and antonyms for specific words
Find statistical information
Find locations
Find information on specific subjects
Stage 2: Evidence of Desired Results
Performance Tasks:
Students will work with five different types of reference materials, completing a
worksheet for each source. Once they have gained experience working with these
reference materials, the students will complete a scavenger hunt in the media center.
They will work in teams of two, identifying the correct reference source, and then finding
the required information.

3. Worksheet #1:
Dictionary Worksheet
Name_____________________________________Date__________________________
Directions: Using a dictionary, define each of the
following words. Include the part of speech. Write a sentence using that word.
1. important:
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
2. detest:
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
3. shallow:
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
4. yardstick:
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
5. currency:
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________

4. Worksheet #2
Thesaurus Activity
Name___________________________________________Date_________________
Replace all underlined words with synonyms.
1. Joshua walked quickly across the street toward the store.
2. Amber was so upset to see the injured dog that she cried all the way home.
3. After leaving the school, Martin ran quickly to the park to play.
4. The bird flapped its wings as the fountain of water wet its feathers.
5. After placing the empty cookie jar on the table, the brothers hurried quietly from the
kitchen.

5. Worksheet #3
Almanac Activity
Name______________________________________Date___________________
Find at least 3 interesting facts about each of these topics:
1. Weather:
2. Sports:
3. Animals/Nature:
4. Space/Astronomy:
5. Body/Health:

6. Worksheet #4
Atlas Activity
Name___________________________________________Date____________________
Find the answers to at least five of the following questions:
1. List four countries that border France.
1.
2.
3.
4.
2. What is the capital of Portugal?
3. Which country looks like a boot, and what body of water surrounds it?
4. Where is the Hawaii located?
5. Where are the Pyrenees Mountains located?
6. On which continent will you find Swaziland?
7. What country is between Finland and Norway?
8. What two countries border the United States?
9. Where is Venice?
10. Name four land-locked countries in Europe.
1.
2.
3.
4.

7. Worksheet #5
Encyclopedia Activity
Name_____________________________________________Date_________________
Write the subject you are assigned on the line below.
SUBJECT ASSIGNED_______________________________
1. Choose the correct encyclopedia volume.
2. Write four (4) interesting facts about your subject. Use your own words. Do not copy.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Which encyclopedia did you use? (Title of set)
What is the title of your article (What did you look up)?
What are the volume letter and number of your encyclopedia?
Volume______________ Number (#) _______________
What are the page numbers of the article?
From _________to____________
How old is your encyclopedia? _____________What is the copyright date? ___________

8. Scavenger Hunt
Scavenger Hunt
Name_________________________________Date____________
Use the correct reference source to find information on the following subject matter.
List all page numbers in parentheses. You may begin with any reference source.
Encyclopedia:
Find information on one of the following famous Georgia authors. Give the author’s place of
birth and list at least two facts about that person.
Alice Walker:
Jimmy Carter:
Almanac:
Find answers to the following questions. List the page number in parentheses.
1. What state was admitted to the union on January 3rd, 1959?
2. What planet is closest to the sun?
Atlas:
Find the following information:
1. In which Southern state will you find the city of Charlotte?
2. In what ocean does Bermuda lie?

9. Thesaurus:
Find another word for:
1. gadget
2. deal
3. list
Dictionary:
Define the following words:
1. flexible:
2. segment:
3. tremor:
Bonus questions:
1. Who signed the Declaration of Independence, only to die from a duel shortly afterwards?

10. Stage 3: Learning Plan
Where, Why, and What
Goals:
Students will learn how to use different types of reference materials to find different types of
information.
Students will be able to answer these essential questions:
1. Why do we need information?
2. How can we use organizational tools to find information?
3. How do we know that information is reliable?
4. How can we use information that we have found?
Expectations:
To successfully complete these goals, students will:
• Analyze
• Create
• Research
• Successfully complete a scavenger hunt
Relevance and Value:
To understand how to search for information
To see that different materials contain different information
To use reference materials correctly
To develop research skills
Diagnosis:
Students will complete a scavenger hunt for information using the correct sources
Hook the student
Present Animoto video of reference materials and what information can be found in each type.
(Foundational Entry Point)
Ask students to explain the uses of reference materials. (Narrative Entry Point)
Use Power Point to learn the use of a thesaurus.(Foundational Entry Point)
Explore & Equip
Students will discuss the uses of reference materials through direct instruction [(Aesthetic Entry Point)
Students will learn how to use reference materials through direct instruction (Logical Entry Point)
Students will work on an activity for each reference material (Experiential Entry Point)

11. Rethink & Revise
Students will write daily reflection about information learned. They will address questions such as:
• What did I learn today?
• How can I use the information I learned?
• What questions do I still have?
Exhibit & Evaluate
In reflections and class discussions, students will answer these questions:
• What did I learn today?
• Where can I find definitions?
• Where can I find synonyms or antonyms?
• Where can I find facts and statistics?
• Where can I find maps?
• Where can I find general information on a topic?
• How can I use the information used in this lesson?
• What don’t I understand about reference materials?
Tailor to students
Animoto video and PowerPoint will address visual and auditory learners
Research activities will address kinesthetic learners
Scavenger hunt will address interpersonal learners