Teaching Guide for Illinois Matters- Grades 3-5
Illinois Matters] with link to it
produced by Robin Brown and Myra J. Garrett
Web Institute for Teachers, Summer, 2002
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Introduction
We have designed a curriculum guide that provides teachers with
activities that enable students to learn more about Illinois history. It will
address multiple intelligences of students and critical thinking skills.
Aim
This module aims to enable students in grades 3-5 to examine the
people, places, symbols and the branches of government that shaped Illinois history.
Rationale
Through this module students in grades 3 through
5 will become familiar with various people, places, symbols and the government
in Illinois history. As these 8-10 year olds are beginning to broaden their knowledge
of the world, they've learned about a community and now must begin to understand
and analyze Illinois history. There were many individuals that influenced the
development of Illinois. Our state has changed since statehood, students need
to know these facts. Learning about our government is an important part of being
a citizen. Students must begin to understand who has what power in state offices.
Goals and Objectives
- (SG16) As a result of this instruction students will understand
and analyze trends, individuals and movements shaping the history of Illinois.
(SG14) Students will also be able to understand, analyze and compare Illinois
state branches of government. (SG4) Listen and respond critically to gain
knowlwdge from spoken messages and formal presentations.
- Specifically, students
will do the following:
- Recognize places associated
with Illinois history.
- Recognize people associated
with Illinois history.
- Recognize symbols associate
with Illinois history.
- Recognize levels of Illinois
state government.
- Give oral and written
presentations that are organized in logical sequence for clarity and emphasis.
Audience
Grades 3 through 5, but may be adapted for other grades
and used for review.
Prerequisites
Students should have basic computer skills and use of the
internet. They should be at a third grade reading and be able to research a topic
and write about it.
Subject-Matter
Social Science and Language Arts
Instructional Plan
Teachers will have students draw a map of Illinois. Students
will research various websites for information and label points on the map.
Students will use varius websites to answer questions.Teachers may print questions
and use as homework or in class. Hangman and quizes are provided to give students
opportunity to review gained from websites.
Learning to identify and recognize Illinois symbols and their
history is part of taking pride and ownership of the "Land of Lincoln."
The websites and activities help to achieve this. The students will visit various
websites to learn about the symbols. Students must observe critiically as well
as read about the Illinois state symbols. Then they will try to complete challenging
interactive activities.
There are similiarities and differences on the local, state
and national government levels. These activities will focus on the state level.
They include learning the branches, offices,officials and resposibilities of
Illinois government. Then complete an informal quiz about them on the web.
Materials
Paper, pencil, pen and computer with internet access
Assessment and Evaluation
Student teams of four will comprise a group report about
Illinois and give an oral presentation of this report. It must include the following
elements: identifying and labeling at least four state symbols, two brief biographies,
a map of Illinois with a key indicating the current and past state capitals. Summarize
the structure and functions of one branch of Illinois government.
Appendices (optional, if needed)
Resources
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