“OMG, Have You Seen This?” Determining if an Article is Worth Sharing on Social Media

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According to a 2016 study, over 60% of U.S. adults get news from a social networking site.  These numbers are even higher if you focus solely on Millennials.  Millennials are people who reached young adulthood in the early 2000’s.  A 2015 report suggests that 88% of Millennials get their news from Facebook.  This seminar will show you how to sort through the hundreds of posts you read each day to determine what is factual information that is worthy of sharing with your friends.StandardsCC.8.5.9-10.D Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including vocabulary describing political, social, or economic aspects of history/social scienceCC.8.5.11-12.H Evaluate an author’s premises, claims, and evidence by corroborating or challenging them with other information.

Material Type: Lesson Plan

Author: Tracy Rains

Problem Based Module - #FakeNews: Social Media’s Role in the 2016 Election

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In this project, you will explore a real-world problem, and then work through a series of steps to analyze that problem, research ways the problem could be solved, then propose a possible solution to that problem. Often, there is no specific right or wrong solutions, but sometimes one particular solution may be better than others. The key is making sure you fully understand the problem, have researched some possible solutions, and have proposed the solution that you can support with information / evidence.This project will focus on the following:Habits of Mind: Questioning and posing problemsCritical Thinking Skills: Analyze/evaluateBegin by reading the problem statement in Step 1. Take the time to review all of the information provided in the statement, including exploring the websites, videos and / or and articles that are linked. Then work on steps 2 through 8 to complete this problem-based learning experience.

Material Type: Lesson Plan

Author: Tracy Rains

“I Am Woman, Hear Me Roar!” The Second Wave of Feminism

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The first wave of the Women’s Liberation Movement (also known as “feminism”) occurred during the mid to late-1800s. The main objective was votes for women. In the mid-1960’s, the second wave of feminism appeared with a goal for women to obtain a stronger role in American society.  This lesson will examine the second wave of the Women’s Liberation Movement by exploring the changes in the traditional role of women and discovering the role that The Feminine Mystique played in those societal changes. You will discover how the Women’s Movement is still pushing for equality today.StandardsCC.8.5.9-10.D Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including vocabulary describing political, social, or economic aspects of history/social science.CC.8.6.9-10.G Gather relevant information from multiple authoritative print and digital sources, using advanced searches effectively; assess the usefulness of each source in answering the research question; integrate information into the text selectively to maintain the flow of ideas, avoiding plagiarism and following a standard format for citation.

Material Type: Lesson Plan

Author: Tracy Rains

“We Shall Overcome” Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 60s.

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The Civil Rights Movement for African American equality is one of the defining social movements of the 1950s and 60s.  Ordinary people took to the streets to demand equality.  This lesson will explore the various forms of protest that defined the movement.  Two of the most notable leaders of the movement were Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X.  While both men shared the common goal of equality, their approaches were very different.  Martin Luther King preached nonviolent civil disobedience, while Malcolm X demanded equality “by any means necessary.” You will examine famous speeches and articles written by both men to form your own opinion of which approach is more effective to have your demands met.StandardsCC.8.5.11-12.FCC.8.6.9-10.GCC.8.3.12.D

Material Type: Lesson Plan

Author: Tracy Rains

“...With Liberty and Justice For All.” Contemporary Civil Rights Issues

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Civil rights activist, Coretta Scott King, once said, “Freedom is never really won, you earn it and win it in every generation.” The signing of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was a win, but it did not mark the end of the movement. This lesson will examine the numerous groups that are still fighting for civil rights today, including African Americans, Muslims, women, and members of the LGBTQ community. This lesson will provide you the opportunity to check your “privilege” and compare it with the groups who are fighting for equal rights to this day. You will be encouraged to keep an open mind while learning about each group and to listen with understanding and empathy.StandardsCC.8.5.9-10.D Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including vocabulary describing political, social, or economic aspects of history/social science.CC.8.6.9-10.G Gather relevant information from multiple authoritative print and digital sources, using advanced searches effectively; assess the usefulness of each source in answering the research question; integrate information into the text selectively to maintain the flow of ideas, avoiding plagiarism and following a standard format for citation.5.1.12.C Evaluate the application of the principles and ideals in contemporary civic life.Liberty / FreedomDemocracyJusticeEquality 

Material Type: Lesson Plan

Author: Tracy Rains

Problem Based Module: "Hands Up! Don't Shoot!"

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In this project, you will explore a real-world problem, and then work through a series of steps to analyze that problem, research ways the problem could be solved, then propose a possible solution to that problem. Often, there are no specific right or wrong solutions, but sometimes one particular solution may be better than others. The key is making sure you fully understand the problem, have researched some possible solutions, and have proposed the solution that you can support with information / evidence.Begin by reading the problem statement in Step 1. Take the time to review all the information provided in the statement, including exploring the websites, videos and / or articles that are linked. Then work on steps 2 through 8 to complete this problem-based learning experience.This project will address the following:Habits of Mind: Thinking flexiblyCritical Thinking Skills: Analyze/evaluate

Material Type: Lesson Plan

Author: Tracy Rains

Civic Engagement

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There will always be issues that we disagree with and would like to see changed, but we tend to minimize our role in society. How many times have you thought to yourself, “I’m only one person”? This seminar will explain the important role you play in government. You might not feel like you play an important role, but you do! The “dem” in “democracy” comes from the Greek word demos, meaning “people.” There are many ways that you can be actively engaged in your local, state, and federal government. In this seminar, you will learn about the rights and responsibilities you have as an American citizen and what you can do to help on a small and large scale.StandardsCC.8.6.9.-10.C--Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.5.2.9.C--Examine political leadership and public service in a republican form of government.5.2.9.D--Analyze citizens’ role in the political process toward the attainment of goals for individual and public good.

Material Type: Lesson Plan

Author: Tracy Rains

“Give Peace A Chance” Growing Opposition to the Vietnam War

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The 1960s and 70s comprised some of the most tumultuous eras in American history. The people were using their voices to express dissatisfaction with their government. This lesson provides a brief history of America’s involvement in Vietnam and surrounding areas. The focal point of the lesson is the resistance on the American homefront. In this lesson, you will discover first-hand how men were drafted for the Vietnam War and understand the draft’s role in the anti-war movement of the 1960s and 70s. You will analyze and interpret multiple primary source documents to consider anti-war sentiment in the United States.  StandardsCC.8.5.11-12.A: Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of primary and secondary sources, connecting insights gained from specific details to an understanding of the text as a whole.CC.8.6.11-12.A: Write arguments focused on discipline-specific content.

Material Type: Lesson Plan

Author: Tracy Rains

The Power of Song: The Evolution of Protest Songs Throughout History

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In this lesson, you will examine how popular music reflects the diverse attitudes of the American people at different times throughout history.  Through hands-on activities, you will learn how music can empower people to fight for a common cause. You will discover how protest songs evolved throughout history. For the culminating activity, you will create an annotated playlist of your top ten protest songs of all time.StandardsCC.8.5.9-10.D: Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including vocabulary describing political, social, or economic aspects of history/social science.

Material Type: Lesson Plan

Author: Tracy Rains

Problem Based Learning Module: Can Hashtags Change the World?

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In this project, you will explore a real-world problem, and then work through a series of steps to analyze that problem, research ways the problem could be solved, then propose a possible solution to that problem. Often, there are no specific right or wrong solutions, but sometimes one particular solution may be better than others. The key is making sure you fully understand the problem, have researched some possible solutions, and have proposed the solution that you can support with information / evidence.Begin by reading the problem statement in Step 1. Take the time to review all the information provided in the statement, including exploring the websites, videos and / or articles that are linked. Then work on steps 2 through 8 to complete this problem-based learning experience.This project addresses the following:Habits of Mind: Creating, imagining, innovatingCritical Thinking Skills: Analyze/evaluate

Material Type: Lesson Plan

Author: Tracy Rains

Market Revolution

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The word slavery is synonymous with the Civil War.  While slavery was at the forefront of the war, there were many other factors that created tension between the Northern and the Southern states.  This seminar will focus on the Northern Market Revolution prior to and during the war.     StandardsCC.1.2.9-10 Read, understand, and respond to informational text – with emphasis on comprehension, making connections among ideas and between texts with focus on textual evidence

Material Type: Lesson Plan

Author: Tracy Rains

We Won, You Lost: Reconstruction

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Once the Civil War ended, there were still a lot of hostilities. Just because someone “loses” does not mean they change their beliefs. The political, social and economic turmoil continued as new laws were created. This seminar will focus on the significant aspects of Reconstruction.StandardsCC.1.2.11-1.C Tracking details about people, events, and ideas that develop the set of ideas or sequence of eventsCC.8.5.9-10.C Analyze in detail a series of events described in a text; determine whether earlier events caused later ones or simply preceded them. 

Material Type: Lesson Plan

Author: Tracy Rains

Slavery

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Prior to the Civil War, the Southern economy was booming. There were major pieces of legislation passed regarding slavery that led to the increased tension between the northern and southern states. This seminar will focus on the legislation and the tension they caused that led to war.StandardsCC.1.2.9-10.A Determine a central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text, including how it emerges and is shaped and refined by specific details; provide an objective summary of the textCC.1.2.9-10.H Delineate and evaluate the argument and specific claims in a text, assessing the validity of reasoning and relevance of evidenceCC.1.2.11-12.C Analyze the interaction and development of a complex set of ideas, sequence of events, or specific individuals over the course of the text.CC.1.2.11-12.D Evaluate how an author’s point of view or purpose shapes the content and style of a text.

Material Type: Lesson Plan

Author: Tracy Rains

Problem Based Learning Module: States Rights

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In this project, you will explore a real-world problem, and then work through a series of steps to analyze that problem, research ways the problem could be solved, then propose a possible solution to that problem. Often, there is no specific right or wrong solutions, but sometimes one particular solution may be better than others. The key is making sure you fully understand the problem, have researched some possible solutions, and have proposed the solution that you can support with information / evidence.Begin by reading the problem statement in Step 1. Take the time to review all of the information provided in the statement, including exploring the websites, videos and / or and articles that are linked. Then work on steps 2 through 8 to complete this problem-based learning experience.

Material Type: Lesson Plan

Author: Tracy Rains

Know Your Rights!

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As American citizens, you are born with rights, but do you even know what those rights are? In this seminar, you will learn about the creation of the Bill of Rights and how those freedoms are still protected by the United States government today.  Standards5.1.9.D Compare and contrast the basic principles found in significant documents: Declaration of Independence, United States Constitution, Bill of Rights, PA Constitution.5.1.12.E Analyze and assess the rights of people as written in the PA Constitution and the US Constitution.CC.8.5.9-10.B Determine the central ideas or information of a primary or secondary source; provide an accurate summary of how key events or ideas develop over the course of the text. 

Material Type: Lesson Plan

Author: Tracy Rains

Nonfiction Text Structures

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In this seminar, you will learn about various text structures in nonfiction writing and be able to identify which type an author is using. Understanding these structures will help you determine an author’s purpose and allow you analyze (break down) the author’s message or main points. As you get better at identifying different text structures, you will notice these patterns and apply them to different types of writing: articles, recipes, speeches, etc. Some of this information may be a review; that’s a  good thing. Be sure to apply that prior knowledge to new experiences here, looking for patterns that seem familiar to you. As you recognize those patterns and apply them to new situations, you will be using a skill called abstracting, which helps you understand new or confusing concepts.StandardsCC.1.2.9-10.B: Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences and conclusions based on an author’s explicit assumptions and beliefs about a subject.CC.1.2.9-10.C: Apply appropriate strategies to analyze, interpret, and evaluate how an author unfolds an analysis or series of ideas or events, including the order in which the points are made, how they are introduced and developed, and the connections that are drawn between them.CC.1.2.9-10.I: Analyze seminal U.S. documents of historical and literary significance, including how they address related themes and concepts.

Material Type: Lesson Plan

Authors: Bonnie Waltz, Deanna Mayers, Tracy Rains

Introducing a Topic

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In this seminar you will learn how to develop and introduce an informational writing piece.  Sometimes figuring out what you want to write about is the hardest part. You will learn how to find a topic that interests you. You will recognize the importance of knowing your audience and who will be reading your writing. You will also learn how to hook the reader in the beginning of your writing piece. StandardsCC1.4.4B Identify and introduce a topic in informative writing.

Material Type: Lesson Plan

Author: Tracy Rains

Keep the Facts Coming

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In this seminar you will understand the importance of choosing your topic and researching and naming facts about your topic. You will also learn how to figure out your subtopics that you will be using to write your informational piece of writing. You will be able to tell the difference between a fact and an opinion. Time order words are also very important when you are writing a multi-paragraph piece.  You will learn how to quickly organize your thoughts and your writing. StandardsCC.1.4.4 C Develop the topic with facts definitions, concrete details, quotations and other information and examples related to a topic including illustrations and multimedia.

Material Type: Lesson Plan

Author: Tracy Rains

Building a Conclusion

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In this seminar you learn how to communicate an effective conclusion for an informational form of writing with clarity and precision.  You will learn the three key points that must be in your writing in order to effectively conclude your thoughts and ideas.  You will make a comic book, read informational pieces that are also learning activities to enhance your social studies and science curriculum.StandardsC.C.1.4.4D Group related information in paragraphs and sections, linking ideas within categories of information using words and phrases; provide a concluding statement or section.

Material Type: Lesson Plan

Author: Tracy Rains

Problem Based Module: Informational Writing

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In this project, you will explore a real-world problem, and then work through a series of steps to analyze that problem, research ways the problem could be solved, then propose a possible solution to that problem. Often, there are no specific right or wrong solutions, but sometimes one particular solution may be better than others. The key is making sure you fully understand the problem, have researched some possible solutions, and have proposed the solution that you can support with information / evidence.Begin by reading the problem statement in Step 1. Take the time to review all the information provided in the statement, including exploring the websites, videos and / or articles that are linked. Then work on steps 2 through 8 to complete this problem-based learning experience.

Material Type: Lesson Plan

Author: Tracy Rains