World of Naaya - Teacher's Guide - Environment 1: The Woodlands

Lesson 6: Tree of Knowledge

Purpose: To introduce the Tree of Knowledge to Students
Objectives: Students will become familiar with the Tree of Knowledge and also learn about the locations a of Key Stations, where quizzes will take place.
Materials: Computers (including one for teacher), SmartBoard or projector.

Whole Class Lesson (15-20 minutes):

  1. Project computer desktop onto a SmartBoard or projector screen.
  2. Log in to the World of Naaya.
  3. Ask students how they know when they’ve learned something new (possible responses: I remember it the next time someone asks me, I get the answer right on a test, I feel smarter, etc.)
  4. Explain to students that during this session they will explore the Tree of Knowledge, a way to gauge how much they’re learning while they play in the World of Naaya.
  5. Show them where the Tree of Knowledge is located by the River. Explain that it will move to Naaya’s Forest once the stone staircase is built.
  6. Explain that the class can collaborate to make the Tree of Knowledge grow. By taking assessments and earning badges students are working together to make the Tree bigger.
  7. Allow the students to log onto their individual computers and continue to explore the environment.
  8. Challenge them to find the different types of badges in the Scrapbook as well as the location where they’ll take assessments throughout the game.

Independent/Guided Practice (10-15 minutes):

While students navigate the game, circulate to answer any questions about the Tree of Knowledge and badges they’ve earned so far (found on the Status screen of the Scrapbook.)

Lesson Summary:

Have students log out of the game and join you for a class discussion. Poll the group to see if they could find the Tree of Knowledge and if they found a location where there is a Key Station where they can take quizzes.

Extension Activity:

Ask the students to write in their Naaya journals about the most challenging aspects of the game. Which part of the game is most difficult for you? Which aspect of the game is the most fun?