Artifact # 2
Social Studies Unit Plan, which is linked to a Literature Circles Unit. This lesson plan integrates the historical fiction genre of literature with the study of the historical event being explored through works of literature (pre-Revolutionary War 1700s). The lesson plan utilizes both video and computer website resources to further student knowledge on the subject of Pre-Revolutionary War lifestyles.
Context
This Social Studies lesson plan was developed during the Social Studies
Methods class of my Block experience at ASU. I recorded this lesson
plan using Microsoft Word. I researched several Websites, to gain
background knowledge for the creation of this lesson plan (these websites
are listed in the lesson plan). I also viewed several videos to help
select the most beneficial one for students to view, during the activity.
Impact
This lesson plan would allow teachers to utilize their school media
resources (television, VCR, and computer) to provide instructional information
to students. Through the activities in this lesson plan, students
can use media sources to further their knowledge on the lifestyles of Americans
during the 1700s. Fifth grade teachers could use this lesson plan
idea in their own classrooms as a supplemental unit on 1700s Colonial life.
Teachers of other elementary grades could adjust the lesson activities
to meet the needs of their grade level curriculum goals and of their students.
Alignment
This lesson plan activity involves students researching to broaden
their knowledge on the lifestyles of Americans during the 1700s.
Student research is conducted through the use of two research stations,
set up in the classroom (one with a video on Colonial life and one with
websites that explore the 1700s). The use of a video resource to
promote student research meets competencies of the NCSCS Social Studies
Curriculum (Tech. Competency 10.2).
In selecting the appropriate media resource for this lesson activity, I
viewed several videos and explored various web sites. I evaluated
the potential resources based on their probable appeal to students and
their effectiveness in portraying worthwhile information on Colonial lifestyles
(Tech.
Competency 10.6). In my selection of these videos, I became
aware of the usefulness of television resources in providing instructional
assistance to students, in an interesting way. I also became aware of the
importance of previewing possible resources to share with students.
It is essential to select video resources that hold student interest and
present significant information to students
(Tech.
Competency 12.6). In this lesson activity, students are utilizing
a web site station, selected by the teacher to further their research.
Website options for this station are cited on the lesson plan itself and
would be made aware to students. The importance of giving credit to the
creators of the web site would be emphasized during this lesson activity
(Tech.
Competency 14.1). By allowing students to find information
through their own research, versus through lecture by the teacher, they
will find the information more valuable, because they found it themselves.
I understand that it is crucial for students to experience subject matter
in a hands-on way. This allows them to find content matter more meaningful,
they “own” what they are learning
(INTASC
#1). By communicating information on the subject area of
pre-Revolutionary life, through video and web sites, the teacher is allowing
students to work with one another in finding meaning in the material with
which they are being presented. Especially at the web site station,
students are collaborating with one another and inquiring about the information
they are viewing to determine their own ideas about Colonial life in the
1700s (INTASC #6).