Leigh Medders

Medders' "Social Studies Culmination" project employs computer technology to help students learn first-hand about Social Studies. Assigned an e-mail "pen pal" from another state with whom they correspond weekly, students discuss set topics about the pen pal's home state (e.g., weather, landmarks, special celebrations). Students maintain a log of information attained, chart weather patterns on graphs, and report on their state every two weeks. In addition to gaining appreciation for social and geographical diversity, students get the exposure needed to help them become computer literate.