Tech Integration Project
Lesson Accelerator: Project Overview

Gimme Five!
Software Type: Word Processing
The example project created in this Lesson Accelerator addresses NETS Performance Indicators for middle grades as used in a(n) English/Language or Arts 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 2003 (PC) - Project Launcher
Go to: Word 2004 (Mac) - Project Launcher
Go to: Word 2007 (PC) - Project Launcher
Description
Students will learn how to use the outline features of their word processing program, while studying the 5-paragraph essay format often used as a basic writing technique. The structure of the 5-paragraph essay will be the basis for the outline they create. Depending on the time allowed for this lesson, the instructor may have the students expand and apply what they have learned to writing their own piece on an assigned topic.
Goals
To provide students with the opportunity to create a standard outline, using a word processing tool, while learning about the basic writing device of the 5-paragraph essay.
Objectives
The student will be able to:
  • Students will identify the elements of a 5-paragraph essay.
  • Students will identify the main subject of their essay and state the subject as a 1st level heading in a word processing document, using outline form.
  • Students will list the following as 2nd level elements in the outline: 1) general topic statement; 2) subtopic one; 3) subtopic two; 4) subtopic three; and 5) a closing statement.
  • Students will develop their ideas within the outline format by adding supporting ideas, examples, and specific details as 3rd level headings and supporting text.
Preparation and Skill Mastery
Students should have some introduction to the concepts of using the 5-paragraph essay format to organize their writing efforts. If students will be using this format to develop an outline on their own subject, rather than following the example project, they will need to choose and research their subject area before beginning this project.
Materials
  • A computer with installed word-processing software that provides an outlining tool.
  • A copy of the text that will be entered during project completion (available at the end of this document.
Task List
The tasks to be completed for this project include:
  • Gather information about the 5-paragraph essay. This may be done through class instruction or independent research.
  • Create a word-processing document in outline form with a minimum of 3 heading levels.
  • Apply what has been learned about the 5-paragraph essay and outlining to a real writing assignment on a specified subject, if desired.
Assessment
Assessment can be based on the following:
  • Does the student present all the elements of the 5-paragraph essay in the outline?
  • Does the outline contain at least 3 heading levels, with elements placed at the appropriate level?
  • Is the student able to apply what has been learned about the 5-paragraph essay to his or her own writing?
  • Is the student able to apply what has been learned about the outlining tool to an assigned writing project, if so directed?
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:
  • This project can adapt to any timeframe, dependent upon the amount of work the student is asked to complete on their own essay. It is suitable for short, quick, improvisational writing assignments, as well as longer, more in-depth research papers.
  • Students can work individually or in groups to create, develop, and present their writings.
  • This topic of the outline can be adapted for any subject or curricular area.