Virtual World 6-pack Author: Various ISBN: 9780176358129 Lesson Plan Grade Level: 6 Theme/Topic: Leisure and Recreation, Science and Technology Classification: Fiction, Nonfiction

Key Reading Strategy: Making Judgments

The lesson plans in this issue of High Wire Magazine highlight the reading strategy Making Judgments.  Opportunities to practice this strategy are indicated by the symbol.  For more information on this strategy, see page 10.  Assessment Master 10 in the Program and Assessment Guide can be used for this strategy.

Curriculum Links: social studies, science, technology

Introducing the Magazine

Setting the Scene

Tell the students that this magazine is about technologies that have changed the way we communicate and live our lives.  The topics of text
messages, online games, and online shopping will be familiar to many of the students.  This issue of High Wire Magazine provides plenty of
opportunities to make judgments about the impact of the virtual world on our lives.

Making Connections

Have the students brainstorm a list of words and ideas that are relevant to the topic of computer technology.  Ask questions such as the following:

• What forms of communication do you use?
• What new tools do you know about but haven’t used?
• How have these tools changed the way that you and your family, school, and community operate?
• How did people in previous generations communicate with their friends and family?
• What are some negative aspects of computer technology?

Have the students look at the cover of the magazine and consider what the content might be.  Ask questions such as the following:

• What is happening on the cover?
• Does the cover give you any clues as to what this magazine will be about?

For more information please see our Lesson Plan