I. One of the main components of the CD ROM is the Benchmark Description. This document will:
- Provide a background history of the Benchmark, which can be a building, other structure or site.
- Provide a brief overview of how the Benchmark may be used to teach various academic subjects.
II. The next two components are a Bibliography and Recommended Websites. Bibliography
The bibliographies (Recommended Readings) included on the CD are annotated. These readings were selected for their content and ability to provide information on the history of and surrounding area of the Benchmark as well as preservation specific information. All of these readings can be available in a Preservation Resource room in your school. The bibliography also includes a section titled Other Recommended Readings that your school if desired may choose to obtain for further background on the benchmark sites.
Recommended Websites:
This is a list of web sites that can provide additional information and resources. Each entry contains a brief description.
III. Another key component of the CD ROM is the section for Topic Modules.
Topic Modules are not lesson plans but contain ideas and suggestions that you can incorporate into or build your lesson plan around. Topic Modules exist for each of the four main academic subject areas, in most cases.
Each Topic Module contains:
- The Main Idea that explains the Benchmark relevance/connection to the topic at hand (e.g. the growth of business, essay writing, erosion or polynomials).
- Suggested Aims - these are ready-made Aims that incorporate some aspect of the benchmark. Teachers may choose to build a lesson around.
- Suggested Activities - these are Activities that teachers may choose to incorporate into their lessons or to assign as a project.
The most important objective in the use of the CD ROM and its contents is that you and your fellow teachers collectively, collaboratively, and interdisciplinarily increase the frame of reference your students have in which to place each academic specialization.