Step 1:
Before you decide which side of the debate you agree with, you will first look at some information found on the internet. You first step is to collect information from the following sites about vaccines. You will need to print a copy of the Student Notes Page. (Unless your teacher has already given you a copy)
Take notes for each of the websites in the appropriate column(s) on the sheet. You may find sites that offer information on both sides of the debate. You may also find sites that only offer one point of view. You will be given time in class to fill in the boxes on the second page for print resources. (books, magazines, etc...)
Step 2:
Now you will look at 2 of the websites for a different purpose. You have to decide whether or not these sites are reliable. Can we trust what they say? Is the information coming from a factual source? These are all questions you need to consider when looking at each site. You will need to print out a copy of the Website Evaluation Checklist in order to make these decisions.(Unless your teacher has already given you a copy)
We will discuss your thoughts and what information you collected about these sites as a class to determine which sites we think are useable for this assignment. Be prepared to share your answers with the class.
If you finish before we are ready to discuss, start brushing up on your persuasive and letter writing skills by using the links below:
Step 3:
Time to organize! Fill out the Persuasion Map with information to support your argument. Remember, stick to the facts!
Step 4:
Time to write! Open Microsoft Word (or your school's wordprocessing program) and type your letter. Your teacher may tell you to use the "Letter Generator" linked at the bottom of this page. Dont forget to include all of the parts of a friendly letter.
*BONUS:
Think you're an expert? If you have time once you have finished your letter, go back to the Persuasion Map. See if you can now convince other teachers and students that it is important to evaluate websites. Be sure to give reasons why people should not just use whatever they find.
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This site was created by Kristin Milito, who is currently a fourth grade teacher.
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This page was last updated on July 30, 2007