Materials

• Character Can Planning Guide
• Creating a Character Can using Publisher Student Help Sheet

Resources & Technology

• Computer for each student
• Cans and tape for attaching labels to soup cans
• Microsoft Publisher

Procedures/Activities

Students will follow the procedures below to create a label for a soup can. Depending on the level of computer proficiency in the class, the teacher may choose to model segments of the lesson before allowing students to try the specific skills on their own. It may help to distribute copies of the “Creating a Character Can Using Publisher” student help sheet for students to use while they are in the computer lab. 

By the end of the first day in the lab, students should have created a new publication, modified the page setup to conform to a 10 ¾ oz. soup can, and saved their document to their network directory.  On the last day in the computer lab, students should print their label.

Instructional Alternatives

Modifications to make the Computer Lab experience more structured: Have students create a chart of the information they want to include in their label prior to coming to the computer lab. Students could also sketch what they want their label to look like prior to coming the lab.

Alternative: Students without AUP forms can create the project using paper and pen.

Interdisciplinary Connections

By donating the soup cans to a local food pantry, students are participating in the district’s Character Education program and should gain an appreciation for helping others.