Personal-Narrative:Gala Celebrations 4 Telecommunications
Grace/Subject
Grade 9 / World History / Technology
Time Required for Completed Lesson
30 minutes for introduction and 40 minutes for presentations, time will vary based on size of class; work can be completed in class or out of class
NJCCCS
6.2.12.C.1.e, 6.2.12.D.2.e, 6.2.12.C.3.d, 6.2.12.C.4.d, 6.2.12.D.5.c, 6.2.12.D.6.a
Common Core State Standards
SL.9-10.4. Present information, findings, and supporting evidence clearly, concisely, and logically such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning and the organization, development, substance, and style are appropriate to purpose, audience, and task. SL.9-10.5. Make strategic use of digital media (e.g., textual, graphical, audio, visual, and interactive elements) in presentations to enhance understanding of findings, reasoning, and evidence and to add interest. SL.9-10.6. Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and tasks, demonstrating command of formal English when indicated or appropriate.
Materials
Computer lab or laptop cart if working on assignment in class; lap top with projector required for presentations
Anticipatory Set
Open class with a discussion about telecommunications and celebrations. How do people communication? How has communication changed? How do we celebrate milestones in our lives – births, marriages, birthdays? Share with students article - Happy Anniversary: First email Sent with an Attachment Turns 20! (See resources below for link) Brainstorm with class a celebration honoring this telecommunications milestone.
Procedures
Divide classes into small groups – 2 or 3 students in each group. Groups can be assigned telecommunications milestones or pick their own milestone. Each group should have a different milestone. Milestones can included Gutenberg’s improved Printing Press, the Optical Telegraph, the American Postal Service, the Pony Express, the Stagecoach, the Telegraph, Morse Code, the Telephone, the Radio, the Electronic Television, the Internet, Pagers, Cellular Devices, Social Media Websites, and E-mail. The student groups will work as party planners. Their task is to plan and present a Gala Celebration honoring their telecommunications milestone. The plan can be presented in a PowerPoint or Prezi format. The plan must include the following: a meaningful date and location for the celebration, an invitation, decorations, guest list (of living and deceased dignitaries), basic menu, entertainment and party favors. Student groups are given two weeks to complete their presentations. (See resources section below for links)
Accommodations
Be sure to pair students with a higher level learner to help her/him with activity. Be prepared to share additional notes with students and if necessary extend due dates.
Assessment/Evaluation
Group Project and Presentation Rubrics
Integration
Language Arts (presentation skills, research skills)
Closure
Review and return rubrics to students. Decorate the classroom or bulletin boards with printed invitations for the Gala Celebrations.