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Background:
This lesson comes after students have been taught how to evaluate websites for their dependability. They must also know how to summarize, not copy and paste. They must also know the difference between fact and opinion. They should know how to site their sources.
Materials:
Websites:
Process:
The slips of paper which contain the years the students have been alive are placed in a container to be randomly drawn. The year the student chooses is the year assigned to that students, unless the student has not yet been born.
If the year given them is prior to memory, the students may need to interview family members, look at personal scrapbooks or family photos, or the worst case scenario -- research what a typically human will experience during that time in their life (walking, talking, school…). This is a personal essay so the content will vary but should have some organization.
After the student has had a personal reflection, it is time to explore why this year was significant to the world. Students will need to explore a variety of websites listed above. The search term is simply the year they have been assigned.
Students will choose significant events in that year which may or may not be related. They must include a description of the event in their own words, not a copy and paste.
This is an informational essay so it should contain facts. Also, students should cite their sources. This essay should be logically organized. It should also be their original work, using factual dates and events explained in their own words.
Possible Technology Extension:
To increase the technology aspect of this assignment, students may be required to create a podcast of their informational essay. This will include photos, music, and narration. These will be shared with the class.
Another option would be a PowerPoint or Keynote presentation. The slides would contain photos, animation, information, and a sources slide. The narration or oral presentation would be live.
Assessing the Assignment:
Assign a number 0-5 with 0=opportunity for re-teach and 5=mastery.
