The Dewey Decimal System

Use the links below about the Dewey Decimal System to gather information about Melvil Dewey, the Dewey System, and how the system is used in libraries.

Using the information you gathered, write a 1-page report, typed in a word processor.

Now that you have some background knowledge about the Dewey Decimal System, create a chart of pictures using the ten Dewey categories.

Using a piece of poster board and your markers, write each Dewey Decimal category; use the Kids Guide to Dewey Decimal System link below to help you with this. Now find 2 pictures in magazines for each category, and cut out and paste them under the correct category. You will be showing the class your chart and describing why you placed each picture in that particular category.

  1. "Do We" Really Know Dewey?
  2. Let's Do Dewey
  3. Kids Guide to the Dewey Decimal System
Lesson Name:   The Dewey Decimal System
Objective:   Students will learn about the Dewey Decimal System and how to use it. Students will create a 1-page report about the system and create a poster using pictures cut out of magazines and placed in the right Dewey Decimal categories.
Grade:   (6-8) Lesson Login:   dewey_system-a
Additional disciplines:
Computer Skills
Life Skills
Library Skills
Materials:
Computer with Internet access
Paper and pen
Word Processing software
Printer
Poster board
Magazines
Glue
Scissors
Markers
For AIS instruction, this lesson has been modified as follows:
In the directions, the student has been asked to write a 1-page report instead of 2-page.
Click here for the original version of this lesson.