Lesson Overview
This lesson is an overview in song of the Heartland Region and how it came to be.  The song and its contents will be discussed and further study developed from questions it creates in the students mind.  (Table outline for unit)
Map of the Heartland

Standards Based Goal
This unit will inform the students about little known facts in their neighborhood, community, county, state. It will show them the topography of the Region, the people who lived here before they, the evidence of the animals, and plant life of a time before now.  It will show them they do have sites of interest in their own "back yards".  The students will do demonstrations, question, come up with possible answers, create, and compare the past with the present.

Student Objectives
Students will write a paragraph about chosen area to research.  The report will contain what they already know/would like to know about the chosen topic.
Students will list resources used for research.
Students will use a computer, scanner and/or digital camera. 
Pupils will identify/visit and take pictures of historical sites in their community.

Prerequisite Skills
Some knowledge of computer, digital camera, scanner, maps and area they live in.

Time
Sequence

10 min. presentation, of which 3 min. is the music.
(3 min. role call by asking what they think the intro. indicates the unit will be about.)

10 min. quest./answer using VTEL.

10 min. for students to develop work list.

10 min. to present word list.

5 min to explain assignment of  another verse for song for next week using some of the new words from their word list.

10 min. to discuss word list and write meanings.

5 min. to catch up and sign off.

Sequence of Activities

Indicators of Engaged Learning

1. Write questions that are generated from the presentation of song.
2. Brainstorm possible answers. (Have possible questions sent to sites ahead of time to help generate other questions. (3 weeks ahead)
3. Students develop new work list and write meanings.
4. Students write another verse for the song.
5. Assignment:  Choose a topic from the list to research for next session.

    6.   Go to  Puzzlemaker on the www to make word searches and crossword puzzles.
    7.  Wooly Mammoth activity

Notes
Technical Considerations
Resources

1. Check presets/practice.
2. Student help on keyboard/chalk-board, smart cam.
3. Keep audio on in last room so can listen to some of discussions.  Switch  to a different room for word list development and meanings.
4. The VTEL will be used for interviews at a later date, as well.
5. Song is on the internet so music and words can be listened to off air.  Taping of program would help absent children.
6. Net meeting can be used for absent children or hearing impaired.
   

Special Considerations
Assuming weekly telecast, each telecast will deal with a different aspect of the Heartland for a total of app. 14 lessons.  Then students will begin giving their presentations at the end of the lessons.  Each presentation would be 7 min. to 10 min.

Assessment:
Content of questions – relationship to Heartland.
Verbal participation in discussions about answers.
Development of appropriate word list and meanings.
New verse for song.
Begin developing VTEL protocol.
Students will eventually be expected to answer the questions about the 
James River Valley Glaciers
Questions to ask about song, A Legend There.