Description:
Why did your ancestors come to the U.S? What was happening in their countries of origin at the time they emigrated? Research possible reasons why your ancestors came to the U.S. Create a poem, speech, powerpoint or any other form of oral presentation to convey your findings to your peers.
Goals & Objectives:
Instructional Goals:
Students will go through all the steps of the research process and to feel confident in their ability to find information they seek.
Learning Objectives:
5-8th grade students will be able to use at least one print and one electronic resource to research why and how their ancestors came to the U.S. They will extract information to synthesize a presentation.
Motivational Goals:
Students are able to relate to their research experience by making it personal and giving students a chance to share their findings with their classmates.
The research process will motivate students to continue exploring information resources and the finished product will give students confidence in their research skills.
Materials & Sources:
Uncover yourself worksheet, checklist job aid, internet access, books for research.
Procedures:
Day 1
-Hook students by taking a survey of how many cultures are represented in the class.
-Tell the class that each student will research their own cultural backgrounds and make a presentation of their findings.
-Stress that any form of oral presentation may be used (i.e. poem, powerpoint, speech, song.)
-Tell the students that they must use a minimum of one print and one electronic resource and properly cite them.
-Pass out the worksheet with 5 questions that they must include the answers of in their presentation.
-Present teacher's Uncover Your Past presentation as a model for students to follow. Give students remaining time to find resources.
Day 2
Use this class to work on project and clarify any questions that arise.
Day 3
-Point out some of the good things students are doing and congratulate them on the progress they are making.
-Make sure that everyone is progressing in a timely manner.
Day 4
Presentations. Videotape the presentations to show to other classes.
Assessment:
Assessment can be made by viewing presentations and giving points for completing steps in checklist job aid.
Sources:
