January 2003     Vol.4 Issue 1

Suggested lesson plan for "Two kids
plan better science websites"

Readability: Sixth grade reading level

Possible hard words: Proper names: Jim Hoff, Bobby Givens, Mike Crisco
Other words: novice, nuclear, components

BEFORE READING: This is a straightforward article with few hard words. Have the young reader read the few possible hard words, providing any help if needed. Then ask him or her to read the article aloud to you. Inform the reader that questions will be raised after the reading.

DURING READING: Supply any words needed to keep the reading fluent.

AFTER READING: Use questions to check understanding and stimulate a discussion. Examples follow:

1. How does this year's robot compare with last year's for Jim Hoff?
2. What would Jim Hoff like to do when grown?
3. Why would you guess Bobby Givens thinks that admission to MIT will be a "stretch" for him?
4. Why does Jim Hoff think his robot can beat Mike Cisco's robot in a "sumo wrestling" contest?