Using Subscription Databases

Using Subscription Databases

Library/Media Grade 6
60 minutes

Instructional Strategies
! Review of electronic library resources (OPAC, databases, print materials)
! Explain and describe subscription databases
! Demonstrate subscription database searching
! Distribute instructions and rubric including topics for searching
! Facilitate individual practice
Low-Performing
! Set students in groups combining students of various skill levels during searching practice instead
of individual practice
! Check for understanding using informal checks and effective questioning and use re-teaching
as necessary during individual/group practice
! Provide visual instructions for search techniques
ELL
! Set students in groups combining students of various skill and language levels during searching
practice instead of individual practice
! Provide visual instructions for search techniques
Gifted
! Demonstrate advanced searching techniques
! Demonstrate usage of subscription databases outside of the school library (public library, etc.)
Learning Activities
! Work individually on computers to search for database resources
! Print resource lists for specific topic
Low-Performing
! Students will work in groups of various skill levels to search for databases resources
! Students can utilize subscription databases for lower grades
ELL
! Students will work in groups of various skill and language levels to search for database resources
! Students can utilize subscription databases created specifically for ELL
Gifted
! Students can use advanced searching techniques outside of the schools subscription databases
and provide additional resource lists above the 2 required databases, up to 5 databases
Assessment
Search results will be assessed using rubric that details the topics and number of resources to find.
Low-Performing
! Students can show comprehension of searching techniques through demonstration
! Students can choose a topic of personal interest
ELL
! Students can show comprehension of searching techniques through demonstration
Gifted
! Students can show completion of resources found by using school or non-school subscription
databases and advanced searching
! Students will be expected to find resources in up to 5 databases
Lesson Timeline
5 minutes: Teacher reviews existing library electronic resources
3 minutes: Teacher describes the objective for the lesson (displayed on projector)
5 minutes: Teacher explains the purpose of subscription databases and hands out instructions/rubric
12 minutes: Teacher shows how to find subscription databases and demonstrates search
techniques
25 minutes: Students work individually on computers to find resources using subscription databases
while teacher facilitates
5 minutes: Students print resource lists and turn in to teacher
5 minutes: Teacher recaps lesson and previews the next library session for students


Standard and Grade Level
Indicator
Electronic Resources: Demonstrate
search techniques for subscription
(fee-based) databases (e.g.,
author, title, subject).
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lesson, students
will be able to search using
keyword, author, title, and subject
searches amongst the librarys 10
subscription databases and be
able to demonstrate searching on
a specific topic using these
methods in at least 2 databases.
Prerequisite Knowledge/Skill
Understanding the differences
between subscription databases
and the Internet, and basic
knowledge of Internet browsing.
Materials
! Main computer and projector
! Library computers/laptops
! Printer
! Instruction sheet and rubric
handouts
! Topics from general education
teacher for searching
Low-Performing
! Instructions will be provided
incorporating images with
words to help demonstrate the
searching process in a
nonlinguistic way (nonlinguistic
representation)
! Graphic organizers to help
students organize information
found in subscription databases
ELL
! Instructions will be provided
incorporating images with
words to help demonstrate the
searching process in a
nonlinguistic way (nonlinguistic
representation)
Gifted
! Instructions will be provided for
additional subscription
databases outside of the school
library, and for advanced
searching techniques beyond
keyword, author, title, and
subject