Lesson Title: Timeline on Abraham Lincoln

Date: July 1, 2008

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

Grade Level: 8^th Grade

Subject: Computers

Time Frame: 40 minutes

Number of Students: 20

Rationale

Understanding the Goal of the Lesson:

1. Students will develop skills using the computer to research.
2. Students will develop skills using the Excel program to create a timeline.
3. Students will develop an understanding about the life and accomplishments of our 16^th President, Abraham Lincoln.

Primary Source Understanding Goal:

Primary source documents such as photos and first hand accounts or stories might help to bring the life and accomplishments of Lincoln to life.

IL Standards – Essential Knowledge and Skills:

Social Studies

Events, Trends and History

State Goal 16: Understand events, trends, individual movements shaping the history of Illinois, the United States and other nations.

A.: Apply the skills of historical analysis and interpretation

16.A.2c:Ask questions and seek answers by collecting and data from historic documents, images and other literary and non-literary sources.

NETS 2007 Standards

4. 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.

6.   Technology Operations and Concepts

Students demonstrate a sound understanding of technology concepts, systems, and operations.

Students:

a.       understand and use technology systems.

Materials:

      Computer, Internet, Excel Program, Printer, Printer Paper

Resources:

      Library of Congress web site. www.loc.gov

Background Information:

      Prior knowledge of the Excel program needed for this lesson.

Preparation of Learning Environment:

The students will research Abraham Lincoln as a class using the Library of Congress web site. Then students will work independently on their Timeline.

Lesson Focus: Motivation and Prior Knowledge

• Engages students in the Abraham Lincoln topic by using the Library of Congress web site.
• Organizes information by creating a chronological Timeline.

Instructional Plan:

Instructional Detail

·         Ask students what they know about Lincoln.

·         Students will share prior knowledge about Lincoln.

·         Discussion to explore the myths about Lincoln.

Explanation and Practice:

·         Library of Congress web site exploration

·         Look up information pertaining to Lincoln and create a Timeline to show important events and date during Lincoln’s life.

Demonstration:

·         Demonstrate how to locate information on the Library of Congress web site.

Activity:

1.      Distribute requirements and discuss instructions to complete Timeline with 20 entries.

2.      Specify that they will have 30 minutes to do the research and complete the Timeline.

3.      Students will then proceed in doing the research on Lincoln and creating their Timeline.

4.      When finished, students will print their Timeline.

Modification:

·         Special Education students will create the Timeline with 10 entries and may have extended time if necessary.

·         Individual help will be given if necessary.

Extension Activities:

Students can choose a time in Lincoln’s life to more fully explore.

Closure:

To close the unit on Lincoln, students display their Timelines.

Student Assessment: