Gale Schools - Lesson Plans - Secondary - Social Science - The Great Depression Through Primary Sources

The Great Depression Through Primary Sources

Title: The Great Depression Through Primary Sources

Grade Level: 9-12

Summary of Lesson: Students will use primary sources to learn about the Great Depression.

Focus Question: How did the Great Depression affect people’s daily lives? How did individuals and the government respond to the crisis?

Databases(s): Student Resource Center

Procedures:

Steps / Activities by Teacher

Steps/Activities by student(s):

Click on the "Great Depression" link from the home page of the Student Resource Center database.
Examine at least ten pictures under the Multimedia tab.
Read at least three sources under the Primary Sources tab.
As the student examines the sources he should take note on what is seen, paying special attention to the focus questions above.
Put students in groups of 3 – 4and have them use their individual notes to write 5 statements about the Great Depression based on their combined research. Example: During the Great Depression many people left their homes in search of work.
As a class groups should share their statements and then develop questions they would like to find the answers to as they continue their study.

Outcome: Students will get a basic overview of life and issues during the Great Depression.

Related Activities: Advanced Placement students may develop a DBQ based on the sources they have examined.

Standard Date: July, 2008

Content Standard(s):

Locate, access, analyze, organize, synthesize, evaluate and apply information about selected public issues — identifying, describing and evaluating multiple points of view.
Practice forms of civic discussion and participation consistent with the ideals of citizens in a democratic republic.

Performance Indicators:

At Level 1, the student is able to:
- Describe how the Great Depression affected people’s lives.
At Level 2, the student is able to:
- Connect the primary sources to information from their textbook.
At Level 3, the student is able to:
- Synthesize the sources used into a well-written prompt with supporting evidence.

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

locate, organize, analyze, evaluate, synthesize, and ethically use information from a variety of sources and media.
locate, organize, analyze, evaluate, synthesize, and ethically use information from a variety of sources and media.
plan and manage activities to develop a solution or complete a project.
collect and analyze data to identify solutions and/or make informed decisions.
use multiple processes and diverse perspectives to explore alternative solutions.

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.