Modern History Research Project

Author: Sarah White

Grade Level: 9–12

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Summary of Lesson

Students will use Gale databases to research a topic in modern history, create a PowerPoint presentation, and present to the class.

Focus Question

What have been the most significant historical events in the last twenty years?

Databases: U.S. History in Context, World History in Context databases

Procedures:

Steps/Activities by the teacher:

• Ask students to think about the events and issues that have affected Americans during the last twenty years.
• In a class discussion, help students brainstorm ideas for a PowerPoint presentation on a significant issue/event in American history from the last twenty years.
• Approve all of the students' topics before they start their research.
• Pass out copies of the directions to students.
• Provide time for students to access the U.S. History in Context and World History in Context databases to find sources. 
• Provide time in class for students to conduct research, create PowerPoint presentations, and present projects to the class.

Steps/Activities by student(s):

• Think about an issue/event in modern U.S. history that interests you. This issue/event should be from the last twenty years.
• In class, brainstorm ideas for research topics with your teacher and classmates.
• You will research your topic and then create a PowerPoint presentation that you will share with the class.
• Carefully read through the directions] provided by your teacher.
• After your topic has been approved by your teacher, access the U.S. History in Context and World History in Context databases to find sources for your project.
• After finding appropriate sources, begin drafting your presentation. In addition to the PowerPoint presentation, you will need to present a typed version of your presentation. This should include your bibliography. You will hand these out to the class before your presentation.
• Present your PowerPoint to the class

Outcome:

Students will have an in-depth knowledge of one topic in modern history. They will also benefit from peer research during class presentations.

Related Activities: This activity can be easily integrated with the activities suggested.

English

Students may be asked to write a newspaper article about their event or issue.

Learning Expectation: Students will use their research skills to find appropriate sources for a presentation on an issue/event in modern history. They will use their writing skills and creativity to make an engaging PowerPoint presentation that will educate their peers about their chosen issue/event.

National Curriculum Standards for Social Studies

High School

II. Time, Continuity, and Change

Social studies programs should include experiences that provide for the study of the past and its legacy.

Learners will be able to:

• A. Formulate research questions to investigate topics in history, identify possible answers, and use historical methods of inquiry and literacy skills to select, organize, analyze, synthesize, and interpret sources, and present findings.
• D. Use historical facts, concepts, and methods to evaluate an issue of importance today, and make informed decisions as responsible citizens to propose policies and take action on them.

Standard Source: NCSS 2010

Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts and Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects:

Grades 11–12

Integration of Knowledge and Ideas

• 7. Integrate and evaluate multiple sources of information presented in diverse formats and media (e.g., visually, quantitatively, and in words) to address a question or solve a problem.

Standard Source: NGA Center and CCSSO, 2010

ISTE NETS for Students

1. Creativity and Innovation

Students demonstrate creative thinking, construct knowledge, and develop innovative products and processes using technology. Students:

• B.     create original works as a means of personal or group expression.

3. Research and Information Fluency
Students apply digital tools to gather, evaluate, and use information. Students:

• B.    locate, organize, analyze, evaluate, synthesize, and ethically use information from a variety of sources and media.
• C.    evaluate and select information sources and digital tools based on the appropriateness to specific tasks.

Standard Source: ISTE NETS for Students, 2007

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.
• 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.

Standard Source: American Library Association, 1998