Lesson Plan 2--3000 B.C. to 2000 A.D.? (History/English)
By Belinda Evans
Outcome: Students will understand the general parameters of the group project and why we are studying this area of history while focusing upon writing systems which led to printing, plus choosing group role assignments.
Conditions: One to two class periods, depending upon levels of students.
Materials: Paper and writing utensils, dictionaries and encyclopedias.
Classroom Activities: (Groups should be set up for project ahead of time)
1. Who (which persons) are responsible for the advancement of writing systems from 3000 B.C. to 2000 A.D.? (Draw on prior knowledge, if none, use everyday examples such as computers.)
2. What advancements have been made--was this an important time period in printing? (hieroglyphics/petrograms/printing press and Gutenberg, add more relevant terms if possible).
3. What else do you know about this time period? (Students could brainstorm and one person from each group writes on a timeline on the board.)
4. Where did civilization begin? When?
5. Why should we study history? People? Politics? Social systems? Economics? (Have dictionaries ready for words students don't understand.) Are these areas of interest today? Why would they change technology? Have groups discuss and answer in one sentence on board.
6. Hand out Timeline for Group Project Completion to be used as an example of a timeline they are to prepare for presentation to the class. However, this timeline should be filled out by students showing name of recorder, facilitator, organizer, and planner and returned to teacher at class end. This timeline will have completion dates required by the teacher printed on it.
7. For tomorrow, each group needs to hand in a rough draft of a timeline you believe fits with the theme of advancements in writing systems/printing from 3000 B.C. to 2000 A.D.
Method of Assessment: Access Lifeskills Rubric--Cooperation, initiative, teamwork, and problem solving during discussion/group assignment.
Modifications/Accommodations: Group atmosphere allows for and enhances all learning levels--all must be involved, however.
Standards Addressed: 1.0 Word Analysis, Fluency, and Systematic