Lessons Incorporating Information Literacy and SOCIAL STUDIES

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Standards: I. United States History

Lesson: INTERACTIVE RESEARCH: A TIME PERIOD IN AMERICAN HISTORY

Overview: Students choose a time period to research, documenting their sources as they determine the political figures, historical events, inventions, icons, etc. To complete their peer-reviewed projects, students may choose to use Appleworks, iphoto, imovie, ipods, and more.

Standards: Research Process, Technology Use, Responsible Use

Standards: II. Minnesota History

Lesson: CONNECTION PAST AND PRESENT: A LOCAL RESEARCH PROJECT

Overview: In this activity, students become active archivists while gathering photos, artifacts, and stories for a museum exhibit that highlights one decade in their school's history. The final project can be exhibited in the classroom, library, or other common areas.

Standards: Research Process, Technology Use, Reading/Media Literacy, Responsible Use

Standards: III. World History

Lesson: ANCIENT HISTORY CYBER JOURNALISTS

Overview: Students will describe and assess the circumstances surrounding a major historical event from the ancient world by using electronic resources to research its location, people, repercussions, etc. Students will write news articles which summarize and draw conclusions from the historical event.

Standards: Research Process, Technology Use, Reading/Media Literacy

Standards: IV. Historical Skills

Lesson: THE HISTORIAN'S SOURCES

Objective: Students will learn about primary sources -- what they are, the great variety available, and how they can be analyzed. The lesson begins with an activity that helps students understand the historical record. Students apply the skills they learn to analyze documents about slavery in the U.S.

Standards: Research Process, Reading/Media Literacy

Standards: V. Geography

Lesson: MAPS AND CURRENT EVENTS

Overview: Students will realize the value of maps in illustrating important news topics. They will brainstorm geographic questions for specific news stories, and use an atlas along with National Geographic's MapMachine to help them find answers to questions. They will create "map packages" to accompany news stories, including types of maps which illustrate points and background information related to the story.

Standards: Research Process, Technology Use, Reading/Media Literacy

Standards: VI. Economics

Lesson: COMPARATIVE ECONOMIC SYSTEMS

Overview: Students research the economic systems of a communist country and a third-world country and compare them to the United States, guided by questions and using information from the CIA World Factbook website. Students will compare one country with another by reference to factors associated with economic performance. Students will define market economies, demand economies, and developing economies.

Standards: Research Process, Technology Use, Reading/Media Literacy

Standards: VII. Government and Citizenship

Lesson: GET IT ON THE BALLOT

Overview: Students will understand the process by which legislation is created or changed. They will understand the role of the individual in the political process and write persuasive arguments for a particular position. They will become familiar with key local issues through a visit from a representative.

Standards: Research Process, Technology Use, Reading/Media Literacy