The Literacy Project- Curriculum/Activity Description

Date: 2-17-2003

Submitted by: Dr. Olu. Odusina

Subject: SOCIAL STUDIES

Level: ASE

Assessment/Evaluation: Students document their perception of Columbus’s explorations – (Why did he set out? When did he set out? What did he or did not achieve? Who benefited from his trip? How can you summarize the benefits you are deriving today from Columbus’s exploration of the 1400s? Where are we now in the 2000?

Massachusetts ABE Curriculum Frameworks

Curriculum Framework(s):

Strands and Standards addressed:

Strand: PERSPECTIVE AND INTERPRETATION

Learning Standard: Differences between fact, opinion, and interpretation. How different perspectives on human behavior, interactions, and history affect people’s understanding of the world.

Duration: 3 HOURS (To be continued until the whole U.S. History is completed.)

Brief Description (for website index): “Social Studies/Know and make connections among important historical events, themes, and issues; recognize the role the past has played in shaping the present; and understand the process by which individuals and groups develop and work within political, social, economic, cultural and geographic contexts.”

Lesson Objective(s): Students will recognize that the political and cultural environments of a historical period influence how human events and interactions are perceived and documented at that time.

Lesson Procedure:

1. Discuss the origin and significance of Columbus’s exploration to the present day America.

2. Have each student select a 100 year period he/she would like to conduct research on to map out important events/people in the development of American history.

3. Encourage students to collect data (from different sources (Internet, book, documentaries, conducting interviews with people…etc).

4. Synthesize and communicate information about important events and fundamental concepts in Massachusetts, United States and world history, including historical documents such as Declaration of Independence, Constitution, Bill of Rights, …etc.

5. Encourage the extensive use of the WORLD/U.S.A. Maps as the studies /research work progresses.

6. Have a set date for “Oral Presentation of student’s reports/findings”.

Materials Needed: Computers with Internet Access, Current Atlas Maps, Access for students to go to the local Library to loan books/video tapes, Constitution of U.S.A. etc.

Special Comments:

Students will acquire the skills of conducting internet search as a tool for gathering research data/information. (History of U.S.A. from 1400 – 1500; 1500-1600;1600-1700; 1700-1800; 1800-1900; 1900-2003).

Other teachers can use all and/or any part of this lesson and adapt it to suit their students’ needs, level, and interests.

Other Related Links and Resources (including citations for original sources):

Use of the computer as learning and research tools for gathering more information on the topic from other subject areas such as Mathematics, Health and Science Education etc.