Subject: Computer Foundations
Topic: The Big Six Skills for Information Problem-Solving
Grade Level: 9
Student Lesson Web Page:
The Big Six, Wrestling with Research: ctap295.ctaponline.org/~mgenga/student

Ninth Grade
Language Arts:Writing Strategies: Research and Technology (Grades Nine and Ten)

1.3 Use clear research questions and suitable research methods (e.g., library, electronic media,
personal interview) to elicit and present evidence from primary and secondary sources. 

1. After participating in a sample Big Six model lesson, students will be able to identify the six steps in the information problem-solving process.
2. After participating in a sample Big Six model lesson, students will be able to define each step.
3. Given the task of selecting a computer appropriate for the student's needs, students will apply the six steps to locate necessary information from print and Internet sources. 
4. After locating necessary data, students will create a spreadsheet comparing similar computer systems.
5. Using their data, students will write a documented report discussing their choice of computer system and the criteria they used to make their selection.

Introductory Activity
The teacher proposes hypothetical information problem-solving situations and asks students to brainstorm steps/methods of determining the solution. The teacher then uses a PowerPoint presentation to show the elements of the Big6 process. The next step is for students in groups to play the "Nuts and Bolts of Big6" game which gives students practice in identifying the steps. The game can be found at http://www.kn.pacbell.com/wired/big6/game/
Game winners are rewarded, and the assignment is introduced: "You will be buying a computer. Knowing what you do now about the Big6, how will you go about making a decision?"

Enabling Activities
1. Class discussion of types of computers: platforms, operating systems, types of boxes, monitors, peripherals, etc. 
2. Students write a question identifying their tasks.
3. Step two: brainstorm session of information sources: print and online reviews, web sites of manufacturers, computer publications.
4. Using prior knowledge of search techniques, students search for information.
5. Spreadsheet creation reviewed, sample spreadsheet comparing hardware presented.
6. Model presentation given to class using PowerPoint
7. Review of documentation format.
 

Culminating Activity
Students will create a PowerPoint presentation including a spreadsheet identifying the best computer choice among similar alternatives, discuss their process and criteria, and present their conclusions to the class. 
 

Assessment
Students will be evaluated according to the following criteria:

1. Needs improvement
2. Satisfactoryómeets standard
3. Exemplaryóexceeds standard

(Click here for MS Word version.)
 

The student's PowerPoint presentation of similar computers will:	1	2	3
Assess at least three competing products.
Identify the type of computer evaluated and contain at least five clearly defined criteria for comparison.
Demonstrate clear organization, be visually appealing, and include a logical evaluation and recommendation.
Contain a spreadsheet document illustrating the comparison.
Use at least three correctly documented (MLA style) sources.

Introductory Activity

Big 6 Assignment Organizer for grades 7-12
Big 6 Powerpoint Introduction
http://www.big6.com/
http://www.kn.pacbell.com/wired/big6/game/
Pre-test
Enabling Activity

Technology reviews: 
http://www.cnet.com
http://www.zdnet.com/

Documentation:
MLA Documentation templates: Nueva Library Research Goal
MLA Style Frequently asked questions

Culminating Activity
List and link the web resources for this activity here. 
Post-test

Final Presentation

Paradise High School
Paradise, CA
Mike Genga mgenga@paradise.k12.ca.us
Last Revised: 06/03/2001