President's Day Lesson Plan: Get to Know a President
A Research and Discussion Activity for Grades 8-10
Grade Level: 8-10, but can be adapted for younger or older students.
Subject(s): Social Studies, History, Current Events
Duration: Approximately 2-3 class periods (variable by number of students/length of presentations).
Description: Students will choose a former President of the United States, learn about his time in office, and then present a short report (5-10 minutes).
Goals: 1) To give students an opportunity to learn about past Presidents, 2) To help students build research skills, 3) To help students build writing and presentation skills.
Objectives (students will be able to): 1) Discuss in brief a past President's term in office, 2) Recall historical facts and details, 3) Use basic research skills to gather information, 4) Learn to present a report to a class, 5) Cite sources correctly.
Materials:
- A list of former Presidents of the United States
- Library access, or materials for students to peruse about the presidents (encyclopedias, books, Internet access)
Procedure:
Have students choose a president from the list of former United States Presidents. For larger classes, let students pair up or form small groups (no more than 3-4 maximum). Make sure each student/group chooses a different President.
Students should be given library time to find materials about their President to compile their reports. Encourage students to choose at least three sources, including at least one or two in print. Students should cite sources.
As homework, students should write a two to three page paper about a President's term in office. Be sure to have students include highlights and particular successes, as well as struggles that President faced. Each student or group should then give a small presentation about that president to the class, and be able to answer basic questions about their President's term.
Assessment: Observe students throughout the process. If students work in groups, ensure that all students participate. Grade reports and presentations on accuracy and composition.
Published by C.A. Young
C.A. Young has worked in technology and education, played bass guitar in a gigging band, worked on a historical dig, engaged in political protests, volunteered at a film festival, written over 50,000 words i... View profile
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