Lesson Plan Seven

Creating an Olympic Multi-Event Game


	Grade Level: 6-8 Subject: Reading, Writing, Number Sense, Other Languages Time needed: 2-3 hours

Lesson Overview
Lesson Summary	The ancient Olympics from 776-724 BC included only one event, a stadium-length foot race called a stade. As students visit various Web sites in this lesson, they will learn what new events have been added and discontinued over the years and which events can be seen at the 2000 Olympics. Additionally, students will learn what events are included in the individual multi-events of the triathlon and pentathlon. Armed with this information, students will create a new multi-event sport for the Olympic Games. The students will name this sport, describe each of its events, and provide a rationale for why it should be considered by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as a new event for future Olympics.
Objectives	Use Internet skills to locate Olympic Web sites. Demonstrate understanding of information read on the Web sites by answering questions on a worksheet. Identify events included in the triathlon and modern pentathlon. Demonstrate understanding of Greek numerical prefixes. Write descriptive paragraphs. Audience: the International Olympic Committee.
Student Prerequisite Skills	Basic understanding of the Olympic Games.
Materials	Computer with Internet capabilities. Worksheet (attached).
Introduction
Suggested Lesson Plan Procedures	Hand out the worksheet and review Internet navigation if necessary. Assist students as needed. As students complete the worksheet, encourage them to do some independent searches on the Olympic Games. Correct the worksheet in class and expand on the topic as needed. Review the writing process with the students. Direct the students to write their descriptive paragraphs as instructed in the worksheet. Encourage students to share their final drafts in class. Perhaps students would like to vote on the sport that has the best chance of making it to the Olympics, the one that provides the clearest description, or the most creative combination of events.
Teacher Notes	If you don't have computers with Internet capabilities, you can use a projection system, print off the Web site pages for the students, or give them the information in lecture format. The brainstorming part of the writing process could take place with the entire class to generate more ideas.
Related Web Sites	The Olympics-Australian Sports Commission : Web site for Sydney 2000 Olympic Games and related topics. NBCOlympics.com : Up-to-the-minute news stories on the Olympics 2000 being held in Sydney, Australia. International Olympic Committee : The official site of the IOC, giving current information on various aspects of the Olympics. The Real Story of the Olympic Games : A virtual museum tour and other information from the University of Pennsylvania site.
Technology Supplies	Computer(s) Internet Connection Internet Web Browser
Modification for Differentiated Instruction	Special Needs Students : Some students may benefit from pairing up with another student more capable in computer or reading skills. Writing requirements for students challenged in language arts could be adjusted as needed. Gifted Students : Students who are highly capable in language arts may choose to develop a folktale on which to base their rationale for their new multi-event sport. Refer them to the explanation of the modern pentathlon given on the second Web site visited.
Student Assessment	Written Assignment: Evaluate writing based on a six traits writing assessment rubric. Pay close attention in content to the ability of the writer to clearly describe the events. The Rubrics and Definitions are available from the Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory Web site.