Teacher Resources

In this module students learn essential skills needed to research a topic. They learn how to evaluate a source and use the information to synthesize the information in the context of examining background information for the novel Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe. The text is a complex one, and the goal is that the research will help to illuminate the complex ideas of the book. Students will use what they learn in their research task to create a multimedia presentation. Use the presentation rubric.opens in new window Students should have access to an online citation resource. Provide students with login information to the online citation tool that your school uses.

This self-paced module is aligned to Maryland College and Career Ready Standards for English Language Arts.

Module Information

  • Grade band: 10
  • Readability: 1250-1335
  • Focus Standard:
    W.9-10.7 - Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated question) or solve a problem; narrow or broaden the inquiry when appropriate; synthesize multiple sources on the subject, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.
  • Topic: Research with reliable sources for background of Things Fall Apart
  • Completion Time: 30-45 minutes
  • Vocabulary: Visit the Glossary page or click on words highlighted within the module for a narrated definition.

This module contains several interactive features. Watch the Learn How to Use this Module tutorial to familiarize yourself with these features.

Please review the Accessibility page for all of your students.

Student Resources for this Module

In this module, students are provided with links to external websites. The sites have been chosen for their content and grade-level appropriateness. Efforts are made to minimize linking to websites that contain advertisements or comments, but some of these websites may contain these features. Teachers should preview all websites before introducing the activities to students and adhere to their school system's policy for Internet use. In addition, multimedia on these externally linked sites may not be accessible to all users, such as those individuals requiring a screen reader or using a tablet.

The following websites are linked to from this module:

Website #1:Encyclopaedia Britannica Opens a new window

Website #2: Umu Numo Opens a new window

Website #3: IGBOGuide: Igbo Culture | Igbo Language Opens a new window

Web Smarts: Learn when to trust a website and when to avoid it Opens a new window

Citation Machine Opens a new window

Easy Bib Pro Opens a new window

Noodle Tools Opens a new window

Using This Site

This lesson is built for use on classroom computers and tablets. If you have access to a desktop computer, laptop, tablet or an interactive whiteboard in your classroom, you may complete the lesson in your classroom. Otherwise, you will need to schedule time to use your school's computer lab. For technical specifications, see below.

Some activities on this site may include videos and narration, so you may want to have headphones available for students working at individual stations. For best results in viewing the videos and interactives, you should have a high-speed, stable Internet connection.

This lesson may contain PDFs for students to complete. They can print the PDFs and fill them out by hand, or download the files and fill them out on the computer. Most or all portions can be filled out online. Please check with your Instructional Technology Specialist for instructions on downloading the PDF. (Note that to complete the PDFs on the computer, you will need a viewer, such as Adobe Reader, that supports forms.)

Technology

This site is an Internet-based activity, and it was built to run on the following computer operating systems and browsers:

  • Windows 7 or Newer: IE 8, 9, 10, 11; Current version of Chrome; Current version of Firefox
  • Mac OS 10.7 or Newer: Current version of Safari
  • iPad2/iOS6 or Newer: Current version of Safari
  • Android 4.0 or Newer: Current version of Android browser
  • Chromebook: Current version of Chrome

Users running Internet Explorer 8 will not be able to use the highlighter tool. Instead, teachers should consider partnering students for a brief discussion.

Visit the Accessibility page for detailed information on the site's accessibility features.