Web 2.0 Applications:

• Blogger, Weebly or other group blogging/database application with privacy settings.
• Flickr account to host the images.
• Google Docs to collaborate on database design prototypes and share editing/feedback for reviews.
• VoiceThread to record audio versions of the written reviews.
• Gliffy to design the website prototype.  The "user interface" shapes will be especially useful.
  

Hardware:

• Laptops with word-processing software and internet access.
• Digital cameras with still and video capabilities OR mobile phones with similar capabilities.
  
• Scanner.
• Projector and document camera.
  

Software:

• Adobe Photoshop
• Microsoft Office Powerpoint
• Word processor

Elements for an "excellent review":

• Real reviews from Yelp.com, newspapers and other legitimate sources (e.g. Cape Cod Kidz Eatz).
• Guest speaker: Invite a review specialist from a newspaper or magazine to come in.
• "Review" chapters from various writing resource books and website articles.

Graphic Organizers:

• Pre-writing "pros and cons" graphic organizer.

Checklists:

• Elements of an "excellent review." (To be created as a class.)
• Mechanics / editing.

The Hook:

• Field trip(s) to the library, park.
• Pizza, ice cream, etc. to sample and compare.