Procedure
" The Boomtown Brief "
4th Grade
by Joanna Dutkevitch and Courtney Voita
Introduction: Travel through a time long ago and learn about the California that many of us may not even know. 1848 was a magical year, so grab your gear as we warp through time. You are now the chief according to the reporting crew, the information you provide should be something that no one else knew.
Task: As chief of the "Boomtown Brief" you are to create the front cover of the weekend paper. Gather as much information as the resources allow and be sure to answer all of the questions within your articles.
A) Print Gold Country Inquiries
Use the links listed below to answer all of the questions.
B) Using your answers, create two newspaper articles.
The articles should be typed on the newspaper layout provided
Article 1:
This is the main article.
Create a well written article in the space provided.
Use the information from questions 1-6.
Article 2:
Watch the Brain Pop movie and write a film review.
Pretend you are a critic and expert on the Gold Rush.
You may use the link below to help you.
C) Once the newspaper page has been printed. You must complete the crossword puzzle at the bottom of the page.
Answers to the clues can be found in the PBS resource link
Evaluation: The evaluation is based on the newspaper page the student will turn in. This is meant to be an individual or small group activity. The task will be graded using the following matrix. All of the information from the student questions should be included in the written articles.
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Newspaper : Boomtown Brief |
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CATEGORY |
4 |
3 |
2 |
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
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Knowledge Gained |
Can accurately answer all questions related to a) stories in the newspaper and b) technical processes used to create the newspaper. |
Can accurately answer most questions related to a) stories in the newspaper and b) technical processes used to create the newspaper. |
Can accurately answer most questions related to a) stories in the newspaper and b) technical processes used to create the newspaper. |
Appear to have little knowledge about the facts and the technical processes used for the newspaper. |
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Articles - Supporting Details |
The details in the articles are clear, effective, and vivid 80-100% of the time. |
The details in the articles are clear and pertinent 90-100% of the time. |
The details in the articles are clear and pertinent 75-89% of the time. |
The details in more than 25% of the articles are neither clear nor pertinent. |
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Articles - Interest |
The articles contain facts, figures, and/or word choices that make the articles exceptionally interesting to readers. |
The articles contain facts, figures, and/or word choices that make the articles interesting to readers. |
The article contains some facts or figures but is marginally interesting to read. |
The article does not contain facts or figures that might make it interesting to read. |
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Film Review - Worthwhile |
The information was accurate and there was a clear reason for including the editorial in the newspaper. |
The information was accurate and there was a fairly good reason for including the editorial in the newspaper. |
The information was occasionally inaccurate or misleading, but there was a clear reason for including the editorial in the newspaper. |
The information was typically inaccurate, misleading or libelous. |
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Use of Primary Sources |
Reading of primary source material was thorough. |
Reading of primary source material was fairly thorough. |
Reading of primary source material was incomplete. |
Reading of primary source material was not done. |
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Spelling and Proofreading |
No spelling or grammar errors remain after one or more people (in addition to the typist) read and correct the newspaper. |
No more than a couple of spelling or grammar errors remain after one or more people (in addition to the typist) read and correct the newspaper. |
No more than 3 spelling or grammar errors remain after one or more people (in addition to the typist) read and correct the newspaper. |
Several spelling or grammar errors remain in the final copy of the newspaper. |
Conclusion: Press time is coming near, so make sure you check that the information is clear. As your chief duties are under wrap feel free to share what you have!
1. Where did the gold rush take place?
2. Who discovered the gold?
3. How many people came to California?
4. When did the people come to California?
5. What was the name given to the travelers?
6. What were the various methods of transportation that were used?
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Film Review |