Grade/content Area

Grade/Content Area 8th grade Social Studies

Lesson Title “Famous Discoveries and the Pioneers Behind Them”

Standards RI GSE’s Grade 5-8: HP 1, HP 2, HP 3

Assignment Your task is to learn about different discoveries in the world by picking a particular one to research, and then presenting your findings to the class. Your discovery can be but is not limited to a new invention, a scientific theory or process, a place, an idea, a mathematical formula or technique…etc. If you have an idea of something you would like to examine come and ask me before starting your research. The purpose of this lesson is for you to pick something you like to learn about such as history, science, math, art, music or any other subject and find out more about your particular interests.

Work Schedule Day 1: Project introduction, topic choice, library research Homework: Continue research Day 2: Complete research Homework: Whoever has not complete written portion do so, think about what you will do for your visual aid Day 3: Create visual aid Homework: Finish visual aid and prepare for presentation Day 4: Student Presentations

Research Process The first class meeting will be in the library for students to get the majority of their research done. In the library you can use books, encyclopedias, computers, newspapers, or journal articles. Your research should provide you with Who-Who made your discovery What-Detailed description of what your discovery is When-What year or time period did your discovery happen Where-In what country or area was your discovery made. Why-Was there a specific intent for your discovery or was it made by accident? How-How has your discovery impacted people’s lives since it was made.

Visual Aid

You must also create a visual of your choice. Your visual must be a representation of either your discovery or the person who made it. You can make a poster board, PowerPoint, diorama, flipbook, model or anything else you can think of.

Presentation

For a few minutes you will be the teacher and explain the Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How of your research and display your visual to the class. This is an informal presentation, there is no need to dress up or create an elaborate PowerPoint.

Assessment Students will be assessed on three different aspects. Research: Students will be graded on the quality of research and written assignment. Visual: Students will be graded on the amount of effort, and creativity they put into their visual items. Presentation: Students will be assessed on the delivery and enthusiasm of their presentation.