The Dewey Decimal System

THE DEWEY DECIMAL SYSTEM A WebQuest for 5th and 6th Grade

Designed by Dollene Smith [email protected]

INTRODUCTION

Have you ever tried to dig a hole without the proper tools? I am sure you didn’t get very far. Similarly, you won’t get too far if you don’t know how to dig for books in the library. You must have the right tools to look for your books. So pick up your shovel and let’s get to finding those great treasures for your reading enjoyment and information. Let’s find out how to search for books using the Dewey Decimal System!

You will discover information related to the Dewey Decimal System and will work individually and as a group to use and create an innovative method for finding books in the library

PROCESS

1. Press the control button and click on the URL below to get a better understanding of what the Dewey Decimal System is and what the numbers represent. http://www.uafortsmith.edu/Librarytools/DeweyDecimalClassificationSystem#What_is_the_Dew ey_Decimal_Classi

2. Press the control button and click on the URL below to access the Kids Guide to the Dewey Decimal System. Once you have accessed it, go to the print icon under the File icon on the tool bar and print a copy of the list.

http://www.scottpublib.org/dragon/Dewey.html

3. Click on the Table icon below and complete activity 1. This activity will help you to locate books in the library using the Dewey Decimal System. Use the Kids Guide to the Dewey Decimal System sheets you printed off to guide you. Complete this activity without assistance from your group members. When you have completed the activity, move to step four. Table.doc

4. Now that you have successfully located books using the Dewey Decimal System in activity 1, try your hand at activity 2. You are to work in groups of three or four for this activity. Click on the Blank Table icon below and print a copy of the Dewey Decimal System Activity 2. Close out the page and move to the next step.

5. Click on the Shelf List icon below and choose 5 books with a Dewey Decimal number on it. Write the name of the books, the authors’ names, and the Dewey Decimal number in the table provided in the Table 2 icon. Group members should choose a scribe to write down the books, a scout to find the books, an evaluator to tell if you are correct in finding the books in the correct area, and a carrier who will hold the books in the blue book bin.

Print Shelf Barcode List.xls

Table 2.doc

6. Take a blue book bin and your completed sheet with you to the area where you think the books are housed. Find the books and place them in the book bin. Once you have done this, share your findings with your group members and the Library Media Specialist. If you are having difficulty locating the books, call on the librarian for assistance.

7. On a plain sheet of paper, brainstorm activities for helping you to search for books using the Dewey Decimal System. Discuss your activities with your group members. Using a graphic organizer, list four of them. To choose a copy of a graphic organizer, click on the link below. Groups will share their activities after everyone has completed activity 2.

http://www.enchantedlearning.com/graphicorganizers/

EVALUATION

Evaluation.doc

CONCLUSION

1. On a plain sheet of paper, reflect on your experience, sharing your successes, frustrations, difficulties, and triumphs during the activity. Also share what you would do to help you and your classmates to find books using the Dewey Decimal System.

2. When all groups have completed the activities, everyone will be given the opportunity to share their reflections.