What We Need to Know About AIDS

Project URL:
http://teachersnetwork.org/teachnet-lab/gersh/AIDS/index.htm
 
How it works:
In What We Need To Know About AIDS, ESL students take on a reporter's role and, using the Internet for research, they produce a report on AIDS, focusing on AIDS awareness and education. They explore the history of AIDS and possible ways to stop its spread. They keep individual journals and work in groups to create a student survey that gathers information about their fellow classmates' awareness of this deadly disease. Using an Internet program, they present their findings by creating a graph and then use the information to supplement their research findings. 

Standards addressed:  
Students read, write, listen, and speak for social interaction and use oral and written language for effective social communication. They employ a variety of intellectual skills to demonstrate their understanding of major ideas, eras, themes, developments, and turning points in world history and examine the impact of events on global as well as local communities.

Materials used: 
A laptop computer with Internet connection and an LCD projector are used in the classroom. Computers are necessary for each student to do research, however two students can share a computer.

The students:
Students completing this WebQuest have been studying English as a Second Language for 3-4 semesters. They should have prior knowledge of AIDS. 

Overall value:
Students use the Internet to strengthen their research skills and English comprehension. They gain an understanding on the process of surveys and, above all, gain a greater knowledge of AIDS, which should create buzz and conversation among their fellow classmates.

Tips: 
Have the students read an article on Ryan White prior to starting their WebQuest. This gives them motivation to learn more about AIDS, since they are shocked to learn that such a young boy could contract this disease.

  

About the teacher:
Cari Gersh is currently an ESL teacher at Christopher Columbus High School. She has been teaching for three years, and teaches all levels of ESL. She recently graduated with a Masters Degree in ESL and participated in the New York City Teaching Fellows program.

Email:
woobyer@hotmail.com

Subject Areas: 
ESL
Social Studies
Technology

Grade Level: 
10 -12