Maya Labat

10/2016

Lesson Plan Title: Electronic Historical Timeline Leading up to Independence Day

Concept/ Topic to Teach: History, Social Studies

Grade Level: 7th grade

Length of unit: 1-2 weeks

General Goals:

After students have watched numerous educational videos, had discussions on three important
documents that lead up to Independence Day, and created their own amendment activity students
should be able to know key points in historical events that lead to Independence Day.

Specific objectives:

The specific objectives for this lesson plan is for students to equally participate in groups of 3-4
to develop and research a historical event that contributed to Independence Day. Groups will work
together to create a short description with images in Microsoft word describing the event in the year
they chose in the classroom. Together all of the word documents will be composited into the classroom
url creating a timeline. Each group will present their event and word document in front of the class for a
final grade. Both the word document, all research, and presentation will be graded based on the rubric
for that assignment.

Special Needs Adjustment:

One might have to adjust a lesson plan due to a child with special needs. In this particular
classroom I have a student who is hard of hearing. In addition to using a hearing aid. This lesson plan is
adjusted in these ways:

 We use symbols and imagery whenever possible, for example when we break out in groups we
use a breaking hand gesture. When it’s time to listen we place our hands next to our ears.
 I also have a written fill in the blank sheet for this student so they can better take notes during
class.
 All of the lectures given are on the monitor so they can read key notes as I am speaking.
 This student is able to wear headphones while watching videos to hear clearer.

Required materials:

 Internet connection
 url access
 word processor
 Timeline year sheets
 Assignment directions handout
 Fishbowl
 Projector
  Computer/ monitor
 PowerPoint
 Mouse
 Keyboard
 VGA cable for monitor

Anticipatory Set (Lead in):

The teacher will begin the topic by asking these questions:

 What are some iconic symbols in relation to celebrating 4th of July?

 Why do you think those symbols represent Independence Day?
 What documents contributed to the celebration of Independence Day?

Step by Step Procedures:

1. The teacher will assign groups of 3-4 students to a group. From there a student helper will be
holding a fishbowl with folded up sheets. Inside of those sheets will be the year the group has to
do research on.
2. The groups will have one class period to do research on their assigned year using specific
education based websites. Each student will have to cite their research.
3. The students will brainstorm on ideas for their word document page including the event and
year plus a visual (ex: Clipart, images from the web, an image they uploaded).
4. The students will then work together in groups to create a word document and upload it into
the class url. Students will check to see if the link works in the url.
5. Students will come up with a presentation in 5 min or less discussing their year and event that
happened along with their word document that will be shown on the monitor. Students are
encouraged to think outside of the box when presenting. This can include music, a poem, or
acting out a scene that pertains to the assigned year and the event.

Plan for independence practice:

This lesson plan calls for at least 30 min of independence practice each class period to compile
research, brainstorming ideas, and practice their presentation. Independence practice will be graded
based on observation and turn in research notes.

Closure (Reflect Anticipatory Set):

To conclude this lesson plan all students will have presented their year and event including
images that pertain to that event linking symbolisms in Independence Day. Students will have an
understanding of a timeline of events based on all presentations and can use the online timeline as a
studying tool for finals.

Assessment Based on Objectives:

 The teacher will evaluate the groups’ participation, research documents, word document
upload, and final presentation based on the rubric for this assignment
 The student must pass with at least 70 out of 100 points possible.
Possible Connections to Other subjects:

Art, theater, History, and Government.