Erica

ASSIGNMENT DUE OCT. 22, 2009 -- GRADE FOUR

The LEARNING ACTIVITY will read as follows:

You have been recruited by the FBI. A group of aliens has landed from the planet Jupiter. They have been disguised as human beings in order to protect their true identity. These aliens are far more advanced than human beings and travel on their planet using something similar to teleportation. Because they are new to the planet Earth, they do not know anything about how to get around using our forms of transportation.

It is your job to take these aliens on a transportation odyssey. They will need to be taught as much as possible about cars, trains and airplanes. To help them learn quickly, it is your job to create an instructional SmartBoard presentation on the history and use of these methods of transportation since the industrial revolution.

An airline attendant can explain the history of airplanes as well as how and why they are used by human beings. Instruct the aliens where and how to buy a ticket for an airplane. They should also be informed on proper airplane etiquette (ie. You can not travel with liquids in your carry on, pets should be stowed under the seat, wear a seatbelt to prevent injury).

A NYC subway conductor can take the aliens on a virtual subway ride. They can explain the history of the subway by visiting the Brooklyn Transit museum website. The aliens do not know their way around the subway and should be shown maps and pictures of the subway. Aliens can be informed how to buy a Metro Card and how much they cost.

A cab driver can explain the history of the automobile in the United States. Show the aliens some of the cars that are available for purchase in America as well as the different forms of cars (SUV, sedan, convertible, etc.) Explain rules of the road, street signs, and who can get a driver’s license. Let the aliens know how the car is currently powered by gasoline, as well as how the car will change in the future.

//I like this activity a lot. It is good how each student's role in the project is specifically outlined. -Amanda//

Really cute idea Erica. I agree with Amanda that you specifically outlined each students role which will definitely help them in completing this project. What grade is this for? My only suggestion would be to provide the students with examples of proper websites they could use in their search or key terms to use in their research just to get the ball rolling. - Marie