The document outlines a lesson plan for a research project where 5th grade students will research and report on famous women in history. Students will complete a written report and VoiceThread presentation. In their reports, students will include details about the woman's life such as their name, birthplace, accomplishments, obstacles overcome, and education. Students will gather credible sources, cite them, and assess each other's work. The goal is for students to learn about notable women and practice important research, writing, and presentation skills.

1. The more one does and sees and feels,
the more one is able to do, and the more
genuine may be one's appreciation of
fundamental things like home, and love,
and understanding companionship.
Amelia Earhart
Women in History
Research & VoiceThreads
Presented by Mary Beth Corbin
CPS - Project ELITE

2. The Project Marie
Curie
Participants: 5th Graders
Objective: Students will research a famous
woman in history and will complete a written
report as well as a VoiceThread.
A VoiceThread is an application where students
will narrate to a series of images about their
notable woman in history.

3. Learning Standards
AASL Standards Anne Frank
1.1.1 Follow an inquiry-based process in seeking knowledge in curricular subjects, and make the real-world
connection for using this process.
1.1.4 Find, evaluate and select appropriate sources to answer questions.
1.1.5 Evaluate information found in selected sources on the basis of accuracy, validity, appropriateness for needs,
importance, and social and cultural context.
1.1.8 Demonstrate mastery of technology tools for accessing information and pursuing inquiry.
2.1.6 Use the writing process, media and technology skills to create new products that express new understandings.
3.1.4 Use technology and other information tools to organize and display knowledge and understanding in ways
that others can view, use and assess.
4.1.8 Use creative and artistic formats to express personal learning.
Illinois Learning Standards
16.A.2b Compare different stories about a historical figure or event and analyze differences in the portrayals and
perspectives they present.
16.A.2c Ask questions and seek answers by collecting and analyzing data from historic documents, images and
other literary and non-literary sources.
3.C.2a Write for a variety of purposes and for specified audiences in a variety of forms including narrative and
persuasive writings.
3.C.2b Produce and format compositions for specified audiences using available technology.

4. Research Activities
Students will choose a famous woman in history they are
interested in researching.
Betsy Ross
Present outline to students indicating what information they
need to locate and address in their written report.
Begin research in the library gathering both books and on-line
information on their person.
Complete a written report on their famous women in history
addressing all key areas as indicated in the outline as well as
a bibliography.
Present written report to classroom teacher.

5. Outline
Full Name
Date and Place of Birth
Significant life events
Education and/or Jobs
Obstacles/Challenges/Struggles
Accomplishments

6. Assessment for Written Report
Meets the standard (3)
Needs Improvement (2) Does not meet the standard (1)
Student gathered information from a variety of quality electronic and print sources.
Student carefully analyzed the information collected and drew appropriate conclusions
supported by evidence.
Information is logically and creatively organized.
Student documented all sources. Sources are properly cited.
Mother Teresa

7. VoiceThread Activities
Research and save “creative commons” images on chosen notable
woman in history.
Upload images in VoiceThread and place images in the order that they
will be used.
Review report/script and decide what will be used in VoiceThread.
Conference with teacher/librarian showing images and script that will
be used in VoiceThread.
Record VoiceThread.
Conference with teacher/librarian showing final VoiceThread.
Present “Women In History” VoiceThread to class.
Harriett Russell Strong

8. Assessment for VoiceThreads
Meets the standard (3)
Needs Improvement (2) Does not meet the standard (1)
-! Images and pictures have been used effectively to enhance
communication.
-! Slides are in the appropriate order.
-! The narration is clear, background noise is minimized as
much as possible.
-! Proper nouns and verbs are used.
-! Voice projects well and has variation in tone, volume and
speed.
-! Strong, clear voice with good articulation and pronunciation.
-! Speed of speaking allows the listener to understand easily

9. What worked....
Cooperative classroom teacher.
Research & report completed before
voicethreads recorded -- incentive.
Classroom cart of laptops.
Flexible schedule for teachers.
3 recording stations
Students became experts on
VoiceThreads and helped each other.

10. Final VoiceThreads
Florence Nightingale by Kaitlin D.
http://voicethread.com/share/1019990/

11. Victoria Woodhull by Anthony K.
http://voicethread.com/share/1020028/

12. Abigail Adams by Edmond M.
http://voicethread.com/share/1020022/