General Information:

Main Activities:

Internet
Resources:

 

 
 [TLC Homepage]  [About the Project]  [Activities] [SUNRAY] [PT3]


Lesson Plan 1

Title:  The Spanish-American War
Subject Areas: Social Studies & Lang. Arts
Grade Level:  Fifth
Teacher:  Barbara Hartsoe
School:  Bank Street El. / Fort Mill El

Summary of Lesson:   This is an interdisciplinary unit lasting about 7-8 days.  During this time, students will study the Spanish-American War, conduct research using both conventional and Internet sites, and publish a 1-2 page “gazette” on the Spanish American War using Microsoft Word or Works.
Lesson Details
Objectives: 
  1. The student will be able to enumerate reasons why the US became involved in the Spanish American War, and the effects of our involvement.
  2. The student will demonstrate the ability to analyze and interpret information from various sources.
  3. The student will employ the conventions of writing at a developmentally appropriate level, and will write in an organized and coherent manner.
  4. The student will demonstrate word processing skills.
Setting: Computer Lab and Multiple Computer Classroom
Procedures: 
  1.  Introduction of project and unit.
  2. Classroom instruction on Spanish-American War. (Use textbook as guide or foundation.)
  3. Examine various local newspapers.  Discuss “who, what, where, when, why, and how”.
  4. Review writing expectations such as: main idea, supporting details, sequence, voice, etc.
  5. Conduct research on Spanish-American War using both conventional materials and Internet sites. May be done in classroom.
  6. Model for students the use of Microsoft Word to produce a newsletter.  Provide a tutorial for students to practice skills. Classroom or lab.
  7. Students pretend to be reporters in 1898.  They use their research to write news articles, which they publish in a “gazette”. Lab or classroom
  8. Students will share their publications with classmates.
Technology 
Specific Activity:
  1. The student will review information at specific web sites as assigned by the teacher.
  2. The student will learn how to produce a newsletter using Microsoft Word.
  3. The student will publish a 1 or 2 page newspaper detailing events from the Spanish-American War.
Assessment:  The student will be graded based on a checklist or rubric.  See one example below.

Technology Skills
Student uses at least 2 fonts.
Student uses at least 2 sizes of type.
Student uses at least 2 columns
Student inserted at least 1 graphic.

Writing Skills
Paragraphs contain main idea and supporting details.
Writing has a logical sequence.
Vocabulary is developmentally appropriate.
Sentence structure is varied.
Use of capitalization is developmentally appropriate.
Use of punctuation is developmentally appropriate.
There are no spelling errors,
OR no errors that detract from the comprehension.

Social Studies Content
Reveals at least 2 reasons why the US entered the conflict.
Gives information about the Maine.
Includes information on at least 2 key persons involved in the conflict.
Describes at least 2 major events during the war.
Includes at least 2 details on the terms for an armistice.
State Standards Addressed:         
Social Studies 5.2 The learner will demonstrate an understanding of the major developments in the United States from the end of Reconstruction through World War II.
Reading/English Language Arts IB The student will continue to read and demonstrate comprehension of a variety of literary forms including fiction, nonfiction, and poetry.
Reading/English Language Arts IF The student will understand text in terms of its historical and cultural context and relate to other content areas.
Reading/English Language Arts IV (A) The student will write for a variety of purposes…
  • Organize information
  • Use vocabulary effectively
  • Vary sentence structure
  • Write several related paragraphs…
  • Edit…
  • Use available technology
Reading/English Language Arts IV (E)

The student will publish in a variety of formats…
Reading/English Language Arts IV (G) The student will use the writing process to record information accurately and to research and report information.
Reading/English Language Arts V The student will synthesize information from a variety of appropriately selected resources
  • Skim materials to develop a general overview of content or to locate specific information
  • Continue to communicate the information and findings in written and oral forms
Reading/English Language Arts VI (Technology) (B) The student will develop basic technology skills
Reading/English Language Arts VI (Technology) (C) The student will process, store, retrieve, and transmit electronic information
  • Use search strategies …
Reading/English Language Arts VI (Technology) (D)

 The  student will communicate through application software

  • Create a 1-2 page document …
  • Use simple computer graphics …
Materials
Resources:  

Social Studies textbook, encyclopedias,  miscellaneous nonfiction resource and trade books, and the following web sites-
http://www.smplanet.com/imperialism/remember.html
ARTICLES AND PICTURES   Remember the Maine
http://www.wccusd.k12.ca.us/elcerrito/history/span-amerwar.htm
ARTICLES AND PICTURES   The Spanish American War
http://www.mce.k12tn.net/industrial_nation/sa_war.htm
Short and easy to read.  Picture of the Maine.
http://lcweb.loc.gov/rr/hispanic/1898/trask.html
Good info on people - political leaders  (Higher reading level)
Software:  Microsoft Word  
Miscellaneous: No additional … 

 

©2002 Winthrop University. All rights reserved. 
Last updated on February 15, 2002.
Contact Lisa Harris with comments.