Instructional Software

Lesson Idea Name: Introduction to African Geography

Content Area: Social Studies
Grade Level(s): 8th grade

Content Standard Addressed:

SS8H5 Analyze the impact of the Civil War on Georgia.
a. Explain the importance of key issues and events that led to the Civil War; include slavery, states’ rights,
nullification, Compromise of 1850 and the Georgia Platform, the Dred Scott case, Abraham Lincoln’s election
in 1860, and the debate over secession in Georgia.
b. Explain Georgia’s role in the Civil War; include the Union blockade of Georgia’s coast, the Emancipation
Proclamation, Chickamauga, Sherman’s Atlanta Campaign, Sherman’s March to the Sea, and Andersonville.

Technology Standard Addressed:

1b: Students build networks and customize their learning environments in ways that support the learning
process.
1c: Students use technology to seek feedback that informs and improves their practice and to demonstrate
their learning in a variety of ways.

Selected Technology Tool: Newsela

URL(s) to support the lesson (if applicable):

Type of Instructional Software:

☐ Drill and Practice ☐ Tutorial ☐ Simulation ☐ Instructional Game ☒ e-books/e-references

Features of this software (check all that apply):

☒ Assessment Monitoring/Reporting
☒ Allows teacher to create customized lessons for students
☐ Multi-user or collaborative functions with others in the class
☐ Multi-user or collaborative with others outside the class
☒ Accessible to students beyond the school day
☒ Accessible via mobile devices
☐ Multiple languages
☐ Safety, security and/or privacy features

Bloom’s Taxonomy Level(s):

☒ Remembering ☒ Understanding ☐ Applying ☒ Analyzing ☐ Evaluating ☐ Creating

Levels of Technology Integration (LoTi Level):

☐ Level 1: Awareness ☒ Level 2: Exploration ☐ Level 3: Infusion ☐ Level 4: Integration
☐ Level 5: Expansion ☐ Level 6: Refinement

Universal Design for Learning (UDL): The program allows for students to select their Lexile level to gain
access to the most appropriate level of understanding. It allows for students to read current news articles
from reputable and established news sources. The ability to change font size and printability can help make

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your lesson more for students with disabilities.
Lesson idea implementation: Have students read several articles that have been assigned. One is from a New
York Times and all are articles from the Civil War. Students can analyze primary sources. Introducing the topic
will be a journal entry from a solider during the war. Their final project will have the students write a journal
entry. Newsela has many different primary and secondary sources that can help the student identify different
points of view. Additionally, Newsela can activate prior knowledge.

Reflective Practice: This lesson idea can be expanded to other standards because Newsela has a great. The
lesson can be extended and shortened as needed for student attention. Extending the lesson can be done by
binding the pages. “Antiquing” the pages with tea bags or other methods. Produce a timeline of the Civil War
using news articles. Using a Prezi to create a timeline with sources.

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