Vocabulary development is not a particularly enticing topic for most fifth graders. It is important to tie any vocabulary study to recreational reading or a topic they are studying. However, it is also important that they develop the skills to increase their vocabulary on their own. As they enter middle school, they need to know how to use both print and online reference sources to find out more about the vocabulary that they are expected to develop. Another skill that must be developed is writing for various audiences. This track addresses these needs. Students choose a word from a teacher-created list. Students then search online and print resources (dictionaries and thesauri) for information about that word. They use print and online sources to find out how the word has been used in literature, ie. Shakespeare's works. They interview adults, both in person and by e-mail, to further determine how the word is used. They write a paper with their findings. They create a visual interpreting the word for their peers. They reflect on using the various sources, especially the Internet. This track incorporates the following standards: Language Arts: Writing (3-5) The student will develop the structural and creative skills necessary to produce written language that can be read and interpreted by various audiences. Language Arts: Reading (3-5) The student will develop the reading skills necessary for word recognition, comprehension, interpretation, analysis, evaluation, and appreciation of the written text. Technology Standard #5: The student will use a variety of technologies to improve classroom learning, increase productivity, and support creativity.