Collaborative Learning: Adoption Level

5-8 Lesson

Revolutionary War - Sharing What We Know

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Grade Level

5 (can be adapted for Grade 8)

Classroom Configuration

  • Whole group activity, with small groups using mobile laptops simultaneously

Common Core State Standards: ELA

  • Production and Distribution of Writing
    5.W.6
    Include multimedia components (e.g., graphics, sound) and visual displays in presentations when appropriate to enhance the development of main ideas or themes.
    Research to Build and Present Knowledge
    5.W.7
    Conduct short research projects that use several sources to build knowledge through investigation of different aspects of a topic.
    5.W.8
    Recall relevant information from experiences or gather relevant information from print and digital sources; summarize or paraphrase information in notes and finished work, and provide a list of sources.
    Key Ideas and Details
    5.RI.1
    Quote accurately from a text when explaining what the text says explicitly and when drawing inferences from the text.
    5.RI.3
    Explain the relationships or interactions between two or more individuals, events, ideas, or concepts in a historical, scientific, or technical text based on specific information in the text.
    Craft and Structure
    5.RI.4
    Determine the meaning of general academic and domain-specific words and phrases in a text relevant to a grade 5 topic or subject area.
    5.RI.6
    Analyze multiple accounts of the same event or topic, noting important similarities and differences in the point of view they represent.
    Integration of Knowledge and Ideas
    5.RI.7
    Draw on information from multiple print or digital sources, demonstrating the ability to locate an answer to a question quickly or to solve a problem efficiently.
    5.RI.9
    Integrate information from several texts on the same topic in order to write or speak about the subject knowledgeably.
    Range of Reading and Level of Text Complexity
    5.RI.10
    By the end of the year, read and comprehend informational texts, including history/social studies, science, and technical texts, at the high end of the grades 4-5 text complexity band independently and proficiently.
    Comprehension and Collaboration
    5.SL.1a, b
    Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher led) with diverse partners on grade 5 topics and texts, building on others ideas and expressing their own clearly.
    a. Come to discussions prepared, having read or studied required material; explicitly draw on that preparation and other information known about the topic to explore ideas under discussion.
    b. Follow agreed-upon rules for discussions and carry out assigned roles.

    Arizona Educational Technology Standards (2009)

    1. Communication and Collaboration
      1. Concept 1: Effective Communication and Digital Interaction
        1. PO1: Communicate digitally with others
    2. Communication and Collaboration
      1. Concept 2: Digital Solutions
        1. PO1: Contribute to a cooperative learning project
    3. Research and Information Literacy
      1. Concept 2, Processing
        1. PO3: Use appropriate digital tools to synthesize research and information and develop new ideas


    Objectives:

    1. In a team of 2, students will collaborate to compare a decisive event in the American Revolutionary War, by:
      1. choosing a specific topic,
      2. researching from various sources (text book, Internet, etc.),
      3. comparing information on their topic, determining the relationship between it and the American Revolutionary War
      4. creating a shared presentation.

    Procedure:

    1. Before this activity can be started, students need to be organized into a team of 2 and have identified their topic.
    2. If available, create a Google or Gmail account for each student. This will provide access to Google Docs/Presentations or alternative online collaboration tool.
    3. Discuss project timeline and expectations.
      1. Share rubric with class
    4. Teacher will model how to choose important information and citing sources used before collaborative work is begun.
    5. Students research information from the Revolutionary war, collecting factual content and digital images.
    6. Teacher will model the use of the online collaboration tool, and how teams will be able to work together in a collaborative way to plan and complete the shared presentation.
    7. After teams have outlined their plan for the presentation, they begin constructing the project using Google Docs/Presentations or an online tool such as Prezi.
    8. A comparison between their event and the resulting American Revolutionary War is included in the presentation.
    9. This may take about 4, 45-minute class periods.


    Materials:

    1. Computers
    2. Projector
    3. Internet
    4. Student Google or Gmail accounts to use with Google Docs/Presentations.

    google.com/accounts/NewAccount

    1. Presentation tool: Google Presentations docs.google.com
      1. If Google Docs/Presentation is not available, students may collaborate in traditional ways on Microsoft PowerPoint or Apple Keynote presentation software.
      2. Or a free online collaboration tool, such as Stixy stixy.com/welcome
      3. Free online presentation tool, such as Prezi prezi.com/
    2. Sites for Copyright-free digital images:
      1. Pics4Learning pics4learning.com/
      2. Flickr-Creative Commons flickr.com/creativecommons/
      3. Library of Congress loc.gov/pictures/
    3. Reference materials for the Revolutionary War (this could easily be adapted to any unit of study)
    4. Rubric Maker: Rubistar rubistar.4teachers.org/ or Utah Education Network Rubric Tool uen.org/rubric/


    Assessment:

    Use teacher-created rubric to assess student learning.

Technology Integration Matrix

Active

Collaborative

Constructive

Authentic

Goal Directed