Author:  Patricia Solfest

Grade: 7

Objective: To provide students with background information before reading the novel Call of the Wild, by Jack London.

Wisconsin Model Academic Content Standards: 
Language Arts A.8.4 Read to acquire information
Language Arts E.8.1 Use computers to acquire, organize, and apply information
 

Wisconsin Model Academic Technology Standards:
B.8.4 Evaluate and select information from a variety of print, non print and electronic materials.
B.8.6 Interpret and use information to solve a problem and answer a question.
 

Lesson

Time: 5 periods

Introduction:  In this set of lessons, students will combine information from electronic and video resources to establish background information for the book, Call of the Wild.

Sequence of Instruction:
1. Read the poem, "The Cremation of Sam McGee", by Robert Service, to the class.
2. Ask, "What historical event is the setting for this poem?" 
3. Explain that students will be reading a novel which has as its setting, the Yukon gold rush of 1898, the setting of the poem.
4. During the first two days students will view the video, "Rediscovering America: Klondike Fever,". 
5. The teacher should model a two column note taking technique during pauses in the video to assist students in finding information on the people, setting, and events of the Yukon gold rush. (See "Activities Page")
6. Following the video, students will use the web site "Yukon gold rush" during one period to complete their search for background information by completing the Scavenger hunt sheet. (See Activities Page")
7. After students have completed the information searches, they will apply it by playing the electronic simulation "Yukon Trail," by MECC. Students may use the information they gathered to assist in playing the simulation.

Closure:
Following the simulation, ask students to describe events, people, or places in the game which were mentioned in the video or on the web site. Have them describe how the information helped them in being successful in the simulation.