Lesson Theme: Geography

Target Audience: Grades 1-3 (ages 5-8)

Objectives:
TSWBAT use strategy, memory, and matching skills while
working with clues to catch a thief.
TSWBAT consult team members about decisions.
TSWBAT gain knowledge about geography.

Instructional Materials:
Web Site: Rainforest Action Network


Software:
Where in the World is Carmem San Diego?, Jr. Detective
Edition by Broderbund.

Type of Classroom Activity:
Group setting with large screen projector to show computer
for whole class.
Small group interaction with software.

Pre-requisite skills:
Students will be able to work in small groups with teacher
supervision.
At least one student in each group will be able to use
mouse.

The Lesson:
1. Students will be introduced to the theme by asking them
if they know what a detective is. Have they ever seen
Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego? on television?
Tell them they have an assignment to act as a detective
and use clues to catch a thief.
2. As a class, use the software Where in the World is
Carmen Sandiego, Jr. utilizing the large screen projector.
Ask a different student to make each decision as required.
3. Assign students to groups. Assign jobs to each member
of the group. Job titles are: Stretch-uses mouse and
guides group; Dee-Jay-keeps track of the clues; Chief-job
is to keep group talking; and Camera Kid-tells Stretch
where to put pieces of the wanted poster.
4. Remind students their job is to catcha thief. Use the
hints in the program. All members must agree on each
decision. Listen to your teammates! The first decision
is to decide on an alias.
5. Each group that reaches the rank of Super Sleuth will
have a day to be first in line to all activities.
6. When all groups reach the rank of Super Sleuth, the
class will get extra recess time.

Related Activities:
1. Students will complete a teacher-generated word search
activity using the names of characters from the software.
2. Teacher will access Rainforest Action Network.
Utilizing the large screen projector, the class will explore
facts to be used to help students complete "Pack Your
Bag" activity.
3. Students will use words or pictures to "Pack Your
Bag" for a trip to the Rainforest.
4. Students will complete a flag for their team.
5. Students will cut out magazine pictures of people and
places and glue them onto cardboard to make a collage.
When it is dry, cut it into a puzzle.

Time Considerations and Tips for classroom management:
One activity will be completed during the social studies
period each day. Free time at the beginning and end of
each day may be used to complete activities as needed.
One group will be assigned to the computer while the
other students work on the related activities. One
related activity will be completed each day. Computer
assignments will be posted. Teacher will introduce each
related activity with a "Did you know..." discussion about
the topic. Teacher will monitor ongoing activities and
initiate class discussion about progress in cases.