Student Teacher’s Name: Kathleen Abair Date: December 12, 2008 Grade Level 7-12 Topic/Unit: Social Studies School: District:
Content
In this lesson students will utilize a WebQuest.
This lesson introduces students to the idea of Decision Making, how it has effected the lives of the people from the past, and how it still effects us today. Each student will take a journey into the past, research the decision of the Revolutionary War, and either choose the historical option or choose a different option. A persuasive essay, a new government contract, and a new country flag will be created. Students will try and persuade their classmates to join their side. It is a group project and will be graded accordingly.
Benchmarks
* SOCIAL STUDIES Standard I.4 Judging Decisions from the Past
All students will evaluate key decisions made at critical turning
points in history by assessing their implications and long-term
consequences.
*Technology METS 4. 2. use available technologies (e.g., desktop conferencing, e-mail, groupware, instant-
messaging) to communicate with others on a class assignment or project.
Learning Resources and Materials
Media Center
Computer
WebQuest: http://www.kn.att.com/wired/fil/pages/websocialsaz.html
Development of Lesson
Introduction
Students will be introduced to the idea of the WebQuest, and what to expect during this process. They will be told step-by-step what will need to be done. Once they go to the Media Center and pull up the WebQuest things will become clearer and the process will keep them focused. I will ask them to keep in mind how this process will relate to their lives today.
Methods/Procedures
Students will be divided into groups of 4 with 6 groups each. (If there is more than 24 students in the classroom, the groups can be divided differently.) Each group will given a stance to take: Patriots or Loyalists. They will either try and persuade their classmates to declare war on Great Britain or remain Loyal. During this process they will have many resources at their disposal. As well, they will develop a persuasive essay, construct a new government contract with their citizens, and create a new flag for their country. One student from the group will serve as moderator and present this to the class. Group Collaboration and Creativity will be heavily weighed during this process.
Accommodations/Adaptations
Groups will be drawn randomly, however, final approval will be at the teacher's discretion. The point of this group project is to work with students you do not engage with on a daily basis. Secondly, if there are special needs students in the classroom, the instructor will need to oversee that selection process; making sure that responsible students can aid in the process.
Assessment/Evaluation
An evaluation rubric will be made available. Written presentation, oral presentation, collaboration, and creativity are some of the most important aspects of this project.
All students in the classroom will take part in evaluating the process during class presentations. Their comments will be taken into consideration; the teacher has the final say.
Closure
As we wrap up this lesson, we will have discussions on the strong/weak points of the WebQuest and the students presentations.
We will also take a moment to relate this project to our own lives and today's society. Most importantly reflecting on just how difficult it is to be the decision maker. How your decision effects a lot of other people; not just yourself.
