|
How It Works:
This unit is an integrated curriculum that incorporates skills across
discipline areas that include language arts, mathematics, social studies,
writing, geography, art and information literacy skills. Students develop a sense of historical empathy, summarizing the various reasons for
settlement in the
New World. For early settlers coming to America,
it meant an opportunity to practice their religious freely as well as
experience economic
growth. Students analyze the obstacles and successes of the early
settlers in creating communities, including landforms, resources and
waterways.
The
student learns about Colonial America through literature and the exciting
process of interactive multimedia software and the Internet. There is a
variety of activities which helps the student evaluate the development of
civilizations and cultures, as well as understand the interrelationships of
people, places and the environment.
Standards:
Social Studies
Analyze the various forms and purposes of
government, employment, trade and transportation in relationship to the needs
of individual and societies.
Explain the role of money, credit, goods and services.
Use appropriate map for specific purpose and gain geographical
understanding.
Study the relationships among the movement of people and the
development of societies.
Examine the impact of human migration upon a state or
region.
Language Arts
Make inferences using information derived indirectly from
text, e.g., cause and effect.
Compare life experiences to situations/events found in
literature.
Write to share information, inform a specific audience and
address key questions, issues, or situations.
Mathematics
Use a variety of methods, such as words, numbers, symbols,
charts, graphs, tables, diagrams, and models, to explain mathematical
reasoning.
Estimated Class Periods To Complete:
10 or more
Software Materials Used:
Life & Times of Colonial America by Visions Software
Grades 2-12 or any other American History software;
Internet;
software to complete multimedia presentation such as HyperStudio, PowerPoint,
or KidPix; word processing software; and various fiction and non-fiction books
Keywords:
Dwellings, bastion, accoutrements, barter, self-sufficient,
interdependence, livelihood, barge, canoe, Conestoga wagon, staple crops,
triangular trade, enumerated article, unite, independence, colony, plantation,
parliament.
Students:
This project is suitable for intermediate grades in
elementary school. Activities may need to be adapted to meet the needs
of the students in your classroom. The lessons provided support a
variety of learning activities that can be done individually or in
collaborative groups. Students will need basic skills in reading and
writing as well as technology.
Overall:
The intent of this project is to develop historical
awareness while providing useful lessons that allow students to understand the
influence of varying values and philosophies on the development of colonial
life in America. They gain knowledge of the role of various systems in the social,
political and economic development of colonial times. The project does
this through literature and the integration of multimedia, high interest
software and video. The lessons are designed to incorporate other
subject areas. The activities provided keep the students enthusiastic
about learning more about historical events which helped shape the United States
into what it is today.
Tips:
Have all printable worksheets ready for students. Check all
the internet links prior to beginning unit. Make sure all students are
computer literate and can independently navigate through the internet. A
mini-lesson on the multimedia software such as Hyper Studio would be necessary
for students who are first time users. Share and explain all rubrics
used to assess student work.
|
About the Teacher:
Miriam Gomez has been teaching in the Miami-Dade Public
School System for 12 years. She received her Bachelor’s and Master’s
Degree from Nova
Southeastern
University. She taught 2nd grade for three years and has been the Media
Specialist for nine years. She provides information literacy skills and
computer training to students.
She taught an advanced
Academic Excellence Program for seven years. As an active participant of
Citibank FamilyTech program, Miriam provides opportunities for all the
students in her school to be involved in technology projects as part of their
information literacy curriculum.
Subjects:
Social Studies, Language Arts
Grade Levels:
3-5
Email Miriam
|
