St. Patrick's Day

Grade Level: 7-12

Subject/Content: Social Studies (U.S. History, World History, Cultures, Sociology)

Summary of Lesson: Students will read about St. Patrick's Day and how it's celebration has changed throughout time

Focus Question: How have immigrant cultures such as the Irish shaped the United States?

Resource(s): Student Resource Center

Procedures by the Teacher:

1. Arrange for student access to Student Resource Center
2. Copy notes sheet & worksheet
3. Provide research time for follow-up assignment

St. Patrick's Day Background Notes Name ________________________________ Hour _______ Directions: Locate the article "Reflections on the St. Patrick's Day Parades" from Student Resource Center, read it and use it to complete the chart below as notes. Facts about St. Patrick   What he is remembered for How he is celebrated   Symbols of the day and their meaning (draw symbols)

 

"Reflections on the St. Patrick's Day Parade" Article Questions Name _________________________________ Hour ________ 1. When did the tradition of a parade to celebrate St. Patrick's Day begin? 2. How are St. Patrick's Day celebrations in Ireland and the United States different? 3. What are some ways other than parades that people in the U.S. mark St. Patrick's Day? 4. How does the author feel about St. Patrick's day parades? Why does he feel this way? 5. The author describes people jumping up to "applaud Curley's excoriation of the British". Use a dictionary to explain what this means. Why would be people happy about it? 6. What are some other ways that people celebrate St. Patrick's day, according to the article? 7. In your own opinion, what are some other celebrations in the United States that have become "vulgar and trite"? Explain your thoughts.

Steps/Activities by Student(s):

1. Read the introduction to the article "Reflections on the St. Patrick's Day Parades" found in Student Resource Center and complete the notes chart provided
2. Review and discuss this information as a class
3. Read the article "Reflections on the St. Patrick's Day Parades" found in Student Resource Center and complete the worksheet provided
4. Complete the Related Activities research assignment about immigration

Outcome: Students will have an understanding of the meaning behind St. Patrick's Day and will evaluate the impact of immigrant cultures in the United States

Related Activities: Students will work in small groups (2 -3) to research the impact of one immigrant culture on the United States using the Gale online resources. Students will use their research to create a posterboard or PowerPoint displaying what they found. This poster will be presented to the class

Standard Date: July 23, 2007

Content Standard(s):

• Compare and analyze societal patterns for preserving and transmitting culture while adapting to environmental or social change
• Demonstrate the value of cultural diversity, as well as cohesion, within and across groups
• Examine the interactions of ethnic, national, or cultural influences in specific situations or events

Performance Indicators:

• At Level 1, the student is able to:
• Explain the background/meaning of St. Patrick's Day
• At Level 2, the student is able to:
• Evaluate the relevance of modern St. Patrick's Day celebrations
• At Level 3, the student is able to:
• Evaluate the impact of various immigrant cultures on the United States

Computer Literacy and Usage Standards 9-12:

• The student will develop skills using a variety of computer resources to increase productivity, support creativity, conduct and evaluate research and improve communications
• The student will use technology resources to improve problem solving and decision making skills and apply these skills to real world situations

ISTE NETS for Students

• Create original works as a means of personal or group expression
• Interact, collaborate, and publish with peers, experts or others employing a variety of digital environments and media
• Develop cultural understanding and global awareness by engaging with learners of other cultures
• Plan and manage activities to develop a solution or complete a project

Information Power; Information Literacy Standards 1-4:

• Standard 1: The student who is information literate accesses information efficiently and effectively
• Standard 6: The student who is an independent learner is information literate and strives for excellence in information seeking and knowledge generation
• Standard 9: The student who contributes positively to the learning community and to society is information literate and participates effectively in groups to pursue and generate information