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TEACHING AND LEARNING AMERICAN HISTORY  - SOCIAL STUDIES STUDENTS ELEMENTARY EDUCATION CURRICULUM UNITED STATES THEME UNIT RESOURCES PROCESS US ACTIVITIES

 

 

Teach and learn about great Americans.
 

HISTORY - GREAT AMERICANS LESSON PLAN

 

A lesson plan on great Americans in history.

 

 

Suggested Grades:

3rd Grade - 4th Grade - 5th Grade

 

Introduction:

This unit of study works well as a team project among teachers of the same grade. It allows students to share with large groups and learn from each other. Additionally, this project helps to lead class discussions and draw information past and present. History comes alive and holds the interest of all students.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GREAT AMERICANS

Materials:
1. Biography of a Great American (see suggested list below)


2. A report cover, or folder with a picture of The Great American


3. Submit any copies of additional research from books or the internet.


4. A costume (to dress-up) resembling The Great American you are researching (or)


5. A life-size drawing or figure of The Great American.

Method:
1. Each student is to select a biography from the library, or purchase an appropriate biography for the project. The purchasing option allows students to highlight important facts for their report.


2. All students should have 2 possible choices for their report and approve all choices with the teacher. This will prevent any class duplications.


3. After reading the approved biography students should answer the following questions in their own words, while developing 4 complete paragraphs.


• Part A General Background: When and where your Great American was born? This section should also include something about their childhood or family.


• Part B Education: Describe how this Great American received their education and the type of education they had. Explain what experiences or people helped shape their life.


• Part C Contributions: Explain in detail how this Great American contributed to our country?


• Part D Interesting Facts: Why did you choose this Great American? Explain what you found most interesting about The Great American you chose.


• Place all report information in a folder decorated with a picture
of "The Great American" researched.

4. As part of the unit on Great Americans each student is asked to participate in a "Great American Day". Each student can either dress-up as the person they have researched, or they may choose to draw a life-size figure of their subjects.


5. Be creative!! Drawings maybe tracings or silhouettes.


6. Each student should prepare a brief 2 minute speech identifying their Great American. They may use note cards to write down the facts that they wish to share.


Example:
My name is Abraham Lincoln. Many people have nicknamed me "Honest Abe" I was born in the year 1809. I grew up in a log cabin. I was also the 16th President.

 

In order to ensure parent and child cooperation-Teachers should send home parent handouts explaining project, information, requirements and due dates.

 

Teachers may evaluate students using a rubrics. To include: Content of the report (looking for information and diversity of sources). Quality of report (based on editing, final draft preparedness), Organizational skills (ability to follow directions and report organization) and finally, Comments.

 

US HISTORY LESSON PRINTABLES

 

Great Americans Suggested List

 

 

 

More Social Studies, American History, and Geography Lesson Plans and Worksheets

 

 

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