Project Description: The aim of this unit is to encourage children to enjoy mystery writing as a creative pastime by getting them to share their work and help each other improve their writing abilities.  Activities will include an exploration of Internet sites, conversations with published authors, online mentoring, writing style practice, novel reading, collaborative writing, and student publishing.

Measurable Objectives:
    Students will be able to ...
            * access and use Internet sites properly
            * converse with authors
            * network with other young writers
            * review and practice writing process
            * read to inspire writing
            * compose collaborative creative writing stories
            * publish written work on the WWW

Materials Needed:
            1. Computer lab with Internet access (preferred) or computer groups of 4-5
            2. Student e-mail addresses (free from GeoCities or Hotmail)
            3. Teacher generated off-line worksheets
            4. Mystery literature

Activities Online:
    Students will visit preselected Internet sites, e-mail authors, consult writing experts, review process hints, and post their work on the Internet.

1. Explore three great mystery writing sites:
        • Mia Miaow, An interactive mystery story...
        •  Nightingale Nook Villages -- Writers WANTED!
        •  Creative Writing Opportunities -- Who knows what possibilities await you???
2. Draft e-mail correspondence to published authors and keep a journal of responses
3. Collaborate with other young writers on an interactive novel
4  Check online resources for hints on writing style and theme ideas
5. Write a mystery story and publish on the WWW
6. Critique other students' work
7. Join a Young Writers' Club
 

Activities Off-line:
    Students will complete the following:
        • Scavenger Hunt Worksheets
        • E-mail etiquette drafts
        • Writing Style format & practice
        • Mystery novel and book report
        • Class collaborative creative writing story
           • Individual creative writing mystery story

Timeline: This unit will take 2 weeks in a lab setting but might need to be extended if fewer computers are available for student use.   Participation in  writing clubs will continue throughout the year.

Evaluation will take place through unit activities.  Students will be expected to work in pairs and individually to complete all measurable objectives to the best of their ability.  Rubrics will be distributed for task competency and quality guidelines.