One unit that I have had a bit of trouble finding an authentic assessment for learning is the Exploration unit. It is so far back, and contains such a variety of cultures, countries and important events that have seemed difficult to find a way to connect to students own lives and experiences.
A teacher that I had spoken to about a different topic was to have an actual tea party in class in which students take turns win a partner being a modern day interviewer and also playing the role of an historical figure in the European Exploration of the Americas time period. Students will be moving around trying to interview as many Explorers as possible.
In preparation of the interview, each student should be prepared for whatever the interviewer may wish to ask out of the following categories:
Why did you leave your home country? What is your home country?
What is your biggest motivation to explore the Americas?
Can you describe any interactions with native people?
Do you think that you will be staying in your new location?
Does your religion have any influence on your reasons to explore?
What do you think of the land / waterways that you have had contact with in the Americas?
What do you miss most about your home country?
Have you found any gold, silver, or other valuable items in your new location?
Are you having any issues with your crew?
Hopefully this will go alright in September. If anyone has any dead to improve or spice it up a bit, please let me know or comment on the post.
On a side note, I found some good ideas on his site created by another teacher. http://jfmueller.faculty.noctrl.edu/toolbox/examples/examples_tasks_socialscience.htm
I like your idea of an interview! I teach explorers in the fall, so I have an Explorers Pumpkin Project. Students are assigned an explorer to research and write a paper on. Now I guess they could even create a podcast! Students present their report, along with a pumpkin they decorate to look like the explorer. I guess this could be a little too elementary for you, but they turn out so cute!!
ReplyDeleteThat is the best idea! Kids must really get into it. Thanks for adding that in as an idea.
DeleteI like the idea of role playing and interviews too. You could try to have students use Facebook or Twitter for their research and assignment.
ReplyDeleteHere's an example of how historical timelines have been made using social media. http://www.fractuslearning.com/2012/09/20/bring-history-to-life-facebook-twitter/
http://www.colleengreene.com/2012/04/10/digital-history-tools-using-twitter-for-historical-reenactment/
A good idea here too. I have seen colleagues do the Constitutional Convention with a Ning page as well. That seemed to have the feel of a facebook or twitter community. It helped students develop a voice for the activity.
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