1. We will use a template to build our Subject Sampler. First, open the template by clicking on this link.

2. Click File, then click Edit Page. The template will now be open in Composer. Save the file to the network, hard drive or a floppy by clicking File > Save.

3. Now take a moment to familiarize yourself with the buttons on the two Composer toolbars.

4. Entering and editing text in Composer is exaclty the same as entering and editing text in any word processing program. Words will wrap automatically, so there is no need to press <ENTER> until the end of a paragraph.

5. First, we'll change the title. Simply highlight it and type in your title.

6. Next is an optional graphic. If you've found one on the web you'd like to use, we'll insert it here. Highlight the [Optional graphic...] line, then click the Image icon on the toolbar. In the Image Properties window that pops up, click Browse, then point to your picture. Note: the picture should be in the same location as your Subject Sampler file.

7. The next line is your byline. Highlight YOUR NAME, then type in your own name. Notice that this name line is a link. Here, we'll add a link to your school e-mail address. With your name highlighted, click the Link icon on the toolbar. In the Character Properties that pops up, you should see the Link tab up front, and you should see a narrow window in the center called Link To. Notice that window will say mailto:FIRSTNAMELASTNAME@nisd.net. Highlight the FIRSTNAMELASTNAME part only, then type in your last and first name (no spaces, no capitals), then click OK.

8. The next line contains links to other places in our Subject Sampler. We'll leave this alone.

9. Now, to our Introduction section. Notice the word TOPIC that appears twice. Highlight both TOPICs and type in the name of your topic. If you'd like to re-word the paragraph or add anything, feel free to do so.

10. The next line reads Activities on ASPECT OF TOPIC. Highlight ASPECT OF TOPIC and change it to your topic.

11. Now we get to the meat of the activity. This is where we add our websites and ask the questions the students must answer. The first line reads HYPERLINKED WEB SITE TITLE. First, highlight the line, then type in the name of your first website. Example: National Geographic. With the name still highlighted, click the Link icon on the toolbar.The Character Properties window will pop up again, but the Link To window will be empty. Here, you'll carefully type in the URL (website location) - i.e. http://www.nationalgeographic.com. Be sure to include the http:// or the link may not work properly.

12. Next, highlight the QUESTION THAT ADDRESSES ISSUE RELEVANT TO STUDENT? line and type your first question. Repeat for the other two questions. You may add questions if you like, but you should have at least three.

13. Repeat steps 11 and 12 for your other sub-topics. The template has seven sub-topics. If you don't use all seven, highlight and delete the ones you don't use.

14. Finally, the conclusion. In the first sentence, you'll only need to highlight and replace TOPIC: LIST ASPECTS HERE. You'll need to re-write the second sentence to solicit the response you want.

15. Check your spelling before you save. Click Tools > Check Spelling. The spell checker works much like spell check tools in word processing applications.

16. Re-save the file. That's it!