Tech Integration Project
Lesson Accelerator: Project Overview

Memory Game
Software Type: Spreadsheet/Word Processing/Page Layout
The example project created in this Lesson Accelerator addresses NETS Performance Indicators for middle grades as used in a(n) Science (Geology) curriculum. It could also be used with older learners or adapted for lower grades. See the section on Extending and Adapting at the bottom of this page for ideas on how to use this same project for different subjects, grades, and skill levels.
Project Launchers
Lesson Accelerator Project Launcher pages contain video tutorials that show you, step-by-step, how to create this project using specific software applications, as well as a movie showing you what the finished project looks like. They also provide a download of all the example files used in the project, so you can recreate it.
When you've reviewed all the information on this page and would like to go to a Project Launcher, click the application name below that corresponds to the one you'd like to use for the project.
Go to: Word 2004/Excel 2004 (Mac) - Project Launcher
Go to: Word 2003/Excel 2003 (PC) - Project Launcher
Go to: Excel 2007/Word 2007 (PC) - Project Launcher
Description
This project involves entering data into a spreadsheet that is then merged into a word processing document. Students can print cards from the merge document that will be used to play a matching game. The subject matter used in the example project matches geological terms with their definitions. The project can be easily modified to fit any area of study by simply entering different matching pairs in the spreadsheet, before merging the information into the word processing form.
Goals
To give the student an opportunity to explore how data entered in a spreadsheet can be merged into a word processing document.
Objectives
The student will be able to:
  • Enter data in a simple spreadsheet.
  • Create a word processing document to merge data into.
  • Add placeholder fields in the merge document.
  • Merge and preview the resulting merged document.
  • Print the merged data for creating Memory Game cards.
Preparation and Skill Mastery
Students should have mastered basic computer skills, such as the use of input devices (mouse and/or trackpad), opening and saving files, and printing documents. They should also be familiar with data-merge concepts; how merge placeholders in the word processing document act as containers for spreadsheet data.
Materials
  • A computer with spreadsheet and word processing software installed
  • The list of geological terms provided with this Lesson Accelerator, if students are completing the project as demonstrated in the tutorial movies. Or, their own set of terms and definitions to create matching pairs.
  • A printer
  • Instructions for playing the Memory Game, included in this Project Activity Guide
Task List
The tasks to be completed for this project include:
  • Creating a simple, 2-column data list in the spreadsheet application.
  • Entering terms and definitions in the spreadsheet.
  • Creating a merge template in the word processing application.
  • Adding field placeholders to the merge document.
  • Previewing and printing the merged information.
  • Playing the Memory Game!
Assessment
Assessment can be based on the following:
  • Was the student able to open a new spreadsheet and enter terms and definitions for their matching pairs?
  • Was the student able to create a merge template with field placeholders to hold their spreadsheet data?
  • Was the student able to preview and print their merged data, using their merge document?
Extending or Adapting
Here are some possible ways that this lesson plan might be extended or adapted for different timeframes, grade levels, and skill/ability levels:
  • The example project uses geological terms and their definitions for the matched data pairs. The subject of this project can be easily modified just by changing the data pairs used in the spreadsheet to relate to a current area of study.
  • ESL, foreign language, or younger students could enter word-image pairs in the spreadsheet for language practice, pattern or number recognition.
  • Students who need a more challenging activity could make use of the drawing tools in the word processing program to embellish their "cards."
  • Additional fields could be added to the spreadsheet for inclusion on the cards. For example: include a field that gives the geographic location of an example of the term. The additional fields can be included on the matching card pairs, or the merge template could be modified so that 3 or more cards are printed for each data set, increasing the difficulty of the Memory Game.