Activity 1  Prior to web activities it is recommended that the following introduction occur.
Heterogenous groups of 4-5 students, cooperatively select a group captain.Students will discuss the things "I Know About Lake Michigan" and share their experiences. After 10 minutes of discussion they will begin writing what their group knows about Lake Michigan in the first column of the
KWL CHART 1.

Group will begin a new discussion on ideas about "What I Would Like To Know/Learn About Lake Michigan". After 10 minutes of discussion they will begin writing the data in column 2 of the          KWL CHART 1.

Teacher will ask which group would like to share their data first. Teacher will instruct students to put a check mark next to any items that are listed in their "What I Know About Lake Michigan" column that the presenting group has listed (kids may have listed some of the same ideas, this will minimize time when groups are sharing their lists). Repeat this excercise for the "What I Would Like To Learn/Know About Lake Michigan".

Teacher will show completed KWL CHART 1 from the computer on the screen (using overhead or video projector). Students will compare/evaluate data from KWL Chart 1 thus engaging in class discussion and decide on the items that the majority of the class would like to have included on the KWL CHART 2 which will determine the focus of study on Lake Michigan.

Activity  2
Students in pairs will take a virtual tour of Lake Michigan. Students will select and print one favorite photograph to share with the class and tell what special meaning and/or why this was their favorite picture.

Students will design a picture of Lake Michigan surrounded by various elements based on how they think it appears using a computer choosing from the available software such as KidPix, ClarisWorks, Paint, etc.

Activity  3
Groups will navigate two assigned web sites (per group) to search for information that the class majority previously agreed to "Learn/Know About Lake Michigan". Teacher will assign two items (per group) to cooperatively search for that information. Students will write their information on KWL CHART 2.

 Activity 4
Students will observe the "Great Lakes" on the Lake Michigan Map and recogize the states surrounding Lake Michigan.

Color the map (teacher will print this page & distribute to students). Ask what color Lake Michigan should be.

Students will collect the quarter from each state that surrounds Lake Michigan and place on the map.

Students will bring some type of cardboard to mount their map on.