Modern History Research Project
Author: Sarah White
Grade
Level: 9–12
(Download Word version)
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