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5th Grade  Project 2 weeks

Trade Tales: Adventures through Early American History

Sarah P
D2.His.5.3-5
D2.His.6.3-5
D2.Eco.14.3-5
Self Directed Learning
Academic Mindset
+ 1 more
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Purpose

This project aims to immerse students in the exploration of early American migration and cultural interactions, fostering a deeper understanding of historical context and its impact on community development. Through hands-on activities like creating interactive digital maps and engaging in a Historical Detective Challenge, students will develop critical thinking skills and self-directed learning competencies. The project encourages students to reflect on historical events and their relevance to current community dynamics, promoting a sense of belonging and identity.

Learning goals

Students will explore the impact of migration and cultural interactions on the development of diverse communities in early America. They will analyze primary sources to understand historical perspectives and trace migration routes using digital tools, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Through self-directed learning, students will reflect on their understanding of historical events and their relevance to current community dynamics, while developing a sense of identity and belonging.
Standards
  • [National Council for the Social Studies] D2.His.5.3-5 - Explain connections among historical contexts and people's perspectives at the time.
  • [National Council for the Social Studies] D2.His.6.3-5 - Describe how people's perspectives shaped the historical sources they created.
  • [National Council for the Social Studies] D2.Eco.14.3-5 - Explain how trade leads to increasing economic interdependence among nations.
Competencies
  • Self Directed Learning - Students use teacher and peer feedback and self-reflection to monitor and direct their own learning while building self knowledge both in and out of the classroom.
  • Academic Mindset - Students establish a sense of place, identity, and belonging to increase self-efficacy while engaging in critical reflection and action.
  • Critical Thinking & Problem Solving - Students consider a variety of innovative approaches to address and understand complex questions that are authentic and important to their communities.

Products

Throughout this learning experience, students will create interactive digital maps that trace the migration routes of Indigenous tribes and European settlers, annotated with cultural exchanges and trade patterns. They will also develop multimedia presentations that include primary source analyses, showcasing their understanding of historical contexts and perspectives. By the end of the project, students will present their findings in a Digital Map Gallery, guiding visitors through their map projects and sharing insights gained from the Historical Detective Challenge and Reflection Circle activities.

Launch

Kick off the project with a "Historical Detective Challenge," where students form teams to solve clues related to migration and trade patterns in early America. Using primary sources and timelines, students will uncover the impact of these interactions on community development. This engaging activity sets the stage for deeper exploration and analysis throughout the project.

Exhibition

Students will showcase their interactive digital map projects in a 'Digital Map Gallery' event, where visitors can explore migration routes and cultural interactions through tablets or screens. Each student will guide attendees through their map, explaining annotations and multimedia elements that highlight historical events and their impact on community development. This exhibition will provide students the opportunity to articulate their understanding and engage with the audience, fostering a deeper connection between historical insights and present-day community dynamics.