Civil War Concept Map Activity (Middle School)

INSTRUCTIONAL OBJECTIVE: The Civil War


PRE-ACTIVITY
Description:

·The students will read the chapters in their social studies books about the civil war and find at least one other resource pertaining to the civil war.


Resource Used (If Applicable):

·Textbook
·Other resource (book, internet, etc)



INSTRUCTIONAL OBJECTIVE
Description:

·The students will research at least 3 major events pertaining to the civil war, and at least 3 specific details per each major event. One of the details must include what, in the opinion of the students, may have led up to that event.



Student Outcomes:

·The students will be able to identify at least 3 major events that took place during the civil war.
·The students will be able to identify at least 3 specific details about each civil war event.
·The students will think critically about details that may have led up to each civil war event and think critically about cause and effect.


Student Directions:

1.The students are to have read the assigned chapters in their social studies book about the civil war, and come to class prepared with at least one other resource.

2.The students will form small groups of 3-4 students, and, under the direction of the teacher, will begin identifying 3 major civil war events. They will also be asked to identify at least 3 details about the event, one of which must include something, in their opinion, that may have led up to that event.

3.The students will work in the computer lab utilizing inspiration software to create a concept map, under the direction of the teacher, that includes all of the events and specific details that they discussed as a group.



POST-ACTIVITY

Description:

·The students will present their concept map to the class and answer any additional questions the teacher, and class may have pertaining to their concept map and presentation.



Resource Used (If applicable): Inspiration Software, Overhead Projector