Technology Vocabulary Activity

Subject:  CTE

Grade:  8

Technology tools:  Computer(s)

Tools used:  Spreadsheet

Activity type:  Lesson, Tutorial

Goals and Objectives: 

• Evaluate the changing role of technology and its effect on society.
• Discuss security, confidentiality and ethical issues as related to computer usage.
• Utilize spreadsheet software.
• Identify and explain spreadsheet terminology.
• Create and save basic spreadsheets and apply formulas.
• Retrieve, edit, manipulate, and print various spreadsheets.
•  Using spreadsheets to create crossword puzzles for vocabulary review.

This activity was shared at our CTE professional development day when teachers shared best practices with one another.  I decided to try it and it was a great integration activity that could be used in any subject area.

My CTE classes were studying the effects of technology on society.  Our current topic was viruses.  Vocabulary terms included virus, worm, trojan horse, antivirus software, firewall, hackers, etc.

Students were to divide into groups of 2 or 3.  Each group worked together to create a crossword puzzle using the vocabulary terms for the unit.  We utilized spreadsheet software to develop the crossword puzzle.  Students were instructed on how to change the row and column sizes, create textboxes for the clues, and how to create borders for the crossword boxes. Students were to create a crossword using at least 10 vocabulary terms.

Students were learning the vocabulary as they created the crossword puzzles and they also reviewing the vocabulary as they worked the crossword puzzles created by other students.

Students printed their crossword puzzles as the answer key.  The students then cleared the answers and printed the crossword puzzle as a worksheet.  The crossword puzzles were distributed to students in my other two classes to complete.  As the students worked the crossword puzzles, they noted any errors in spelling, context clues, or other mistakes that might have been made with the crossword puzzle.  I used this information to assess the project and grade it.

Students seemed to enjoy this activity and worked the entire class period.  One student made this comment at the end of class, "This was fun, I can't believe it is already time to go."

Sherry Shuford,  Grandview