Tracing the Impact of Historical Figures

Title: Tracing the Impact of Historical Figures

Author: Sarah White

Grade Level: 9-12

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

Summary of Lesson: Students will research and trace the impact of one significant historical figure, create a display and present to their classmates. This lesson is easily adapted to any unit or time period of study by simply choosing significant people from the era or unit to be studied.

Focus Question: How do individuals alter the course of history?

Databases(s): Biography Resource Center

Steps / Activities by the teacher:

1. Prepare a list of individuals to be researched by students. Create a list of individuals significant to the place, time period or topic of study. For best results have each student research a different person. Be sure that everyone on the list is found in the database.
2. Provide student access to Gale Biography Resource Center database
3. Make copies of the flowchart notes sheet

Steps/Activities by student(s):

1. Research assigned individuals and complete flowchart notes sheet
2. Prepare for class presentation

Outcome:  Students will evaluate the impacts of various individuals on history.

Related Activities: Students may create a visual display or PowerPoint presentation to accompany their class presentation.

Standard Date: December 30, 2006

Content Standard(s):

• Analyze and evaluate the influence of various forms of citizen action on public policy
• Apply concepts such as role, status and social class in describing the connections and interactions of individuals, groups and institutions in society
• Analyze group and institutional influences on people, events and elements

Performance Indicators:

• At Level 1, the student is able to:
• Describe the contributions of individuals
• At Level 2, the student is able to:
  • Analyze the long-term impact of these individuals
• At Level 3, the student is able to:
  • Evaluate the overall effectiveness of these individuals and their methods

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.

ISTE NETS for Students

• Routinely and efficiently use online information resources to meet needs for collaboration, research, publication, communication and productivity

Information Power; Information Literacy Standards:

• Standard 1: The student who is information literate accesses information efficiently and effectively
• Standard 2: The student who is information literate evaluates information critically and competently
• Standard 3: The student who is information literate uses information accurately and creatively