This project was created as an assignment in Planning Interactive Curriculum Connections, an online class offered by Berrien RESA and taught by Janine Lim.
Topic: Connecting History: Landmarks of the 19th Century
A point-to-point connection between Rochester, NY and St. Louis, MO.This program is created for 6th graders studying their state's historical development. It is designed to demonstrate how landmarks the students see every day have impacted the development of their state and the country's history.
The Rochester, NY class will be presenting the Erie Canal and the St. Louis, MO class will present on the Eads Bridge.
Learner Outcomes: Each student will be able to:
* Identify what year the bridge/canal was started and finished.
* Create a timeline including specific aspects of each project.
* Name the key players in both construction projects.
* Give specific examples of the impact the construction had on the future of the state.
* Provide an example of how the construction impacted the people of the time period.
* Compare the similarities and differences of the projects and their impact on state development.Methods & Activities:
This activity will be used as a core instructional component on the Erie Canal and the Eads Bridge.The 6th grade class in Rochester, NY will prepare a presentation on the Erie Canal for the class in St. Louis, MO. The class will be divided into 3 groups: the Pre-Canal Group; the Canal Group and the Post-Canal Group. Each group will be responsible for presenting their content to not only the other Rochester groups, but the class in St. Louis. The presentations can be done in a video format; PowerPoint presentation or a play. Each group will be evaluated by both sites using a rubric designed by the teachers.
* Significant people & dates of your time period
* Purpose of the construction during time period -- what benefits/negatives were experienced
* Impact the canal had on people and state during the time period
* Example of an experience of someone involved with the project during the time period
* Photograph of the structure -- then & nowAfter the presentations are completed the groups will work together in listing similarities and differences between the 2 construction projects and the impact on the respective states.
Materials:
Students will utilize the class resources on the content. In addition, each student will use the Internet to find additional sources. Students will have access to PowerPoint and movie making software.Teachers will create a subject overview on their landmark for the other class; helpful web links; and photographs.
Time:
The video conference will be 90 minutes. The research and preparation time will be determined by the classroom teachers.Student Responsibilities:
Each student will be expected to participate in a group. Each group will be graded on group effort using a rubric created by the teacher. Students will research the landmark project. In order to obtain a grade of A, all students will be expected to make significant contributions to the end product.Teacher Responsibilities:
Teachers will create an agreed upon project timeline in advance of the project. They will also create a rubric used for grading the student group presentations. Each teacher will be expected to allow their students adequate time to research and create a presentation on the landmark construction. Teachers will monitor e-mail between students, student discussions and research. Teachers will assist groups in making sure they are on-topic. All video conferenced presentations will be pre-reviewed by the classroom teacher.Video Conference Agenda:
15 minutes: Welcome & Introductions.
60 minutes (divided into 30 minutes for each class)
Each group (pre, during and post construction groups) will present on their topic of expertise for ten minutes.
15 minutesTeacher will explain the follow up project of comparing similarities and differences between landmark structures.
Connection: This will be an ISDN connection, hosted by Monroe 2 Orleans BOCES in Rochester, NY. Each class will be responsible for their own line fees.