CEClang.78


TITLE:  DECIMAL SEARCH

AUTHOR:  Jean M. Beaird, Greenfield Elementary
         School; Gilbert, AZ

GRADE LEVEL:  Appropriate for grades 4-8.

OVERVIEW:  This activity provides an understanding that
the 10 main classes of the Dewey Decimal Classification
System in the Library can be divided and subdivided
into more specific subjects.  In the fifth grade, the
students usually learn decimals in mathematics and are
ready to understand the function of the decimal point
in the Dewey Decimal System.

OBJECTIVES:  Students will be able to:
1.   Locate a book with the corresponding call number.
2.   Put in numerical order from the smallest decimal
     to the largest decimal the mentioned books.
3.   Students will show the book and name the title,
     author, and call number.
4.   Students will return books to the proper places.

RESOURCES:  Teacher Materials: Chalkboard or chart,
library collection, 5x7 cards with Dewey Numbers
printed on them.

ACTIVITIES AND PROCEDURES:
DIRECTIONS:
Demonstrate and describe the purpose of the decimal
point by using the following example.
(Put the example on the chalkboard or a chart.)

     796       Athletic and outdoor sports
     796.3     Ball games
     796.31    Ball thrown or hit by hand
     796.33    Ball driven by foot
     796.34    Racquet games
     796.35    Ball driven by a club, mallet, or bat
     796.352   Golf
     796.357   Baseball

ACTIVITIES:
1.   Divide the class into groups of two or three
     students.  Assign each group one of the above
     Dewey numbers.
2.   Have the students locate a book with the
     corresponding call number.
3.   Have each group report to the class in the order
     that the books are found on the shelves.
4.   Have the students show the book and name the
     title, author, and call number.
5.   After each group has returned and has had a turn,
     have the students return the books to the proper
     places in the collection.