Enrich the Study of the American Revolution with Technology Researching a Historical Character iLearn Social Studies Session 2 of 8

Focusing Questions What are the research skills needed to gather and organize information on a historical character? What is the process for conducting this research project? What tools can support me on this project?

Instruction

Framing Our Work Today we will: >Explore the steps for researching a historical character for a digital documentary. >Look at the ways that historians conduct research. >Model the steps for gathering and organizing research.

Brainstorm “How do historians conduct research?”

How do we help students research? GOAL: Research a specific historical figure from the time period leading up to the American Revolution. >From the list provided or teacher-approved >Either pro- or anti-revolution Review the step-by-step guide (pages 3–4 in the “Final Project Overview”) and the rubric.

Select a Character In favor of the Revolution –Thomas Paine –Patrick Henry –Phyllis Wheatley –Deborah Sampson –Crispus Attucks –Abigail Adams –Mercy Otis Warren Against the Revolution –King George III –General Cornwallis –Benedict Arnold –Thomas Hutchinson

Research Steps What are the steps you need to follow to research your historical character? Step 1: Setting up research folders (digital or paper) Step 2: Breaking down the research question Step 3: Creating the character Step 4: Gathering evidence Step 5: Organizing evidence

Step 1: Organizing Working in school-based pairs of Technology Coach and Lead Social Studies teacher: >Brainstorm some possible ways that this process can be done digitally. Share your ideas with the group when finished.

Step 2: Breaking Down the Research Question Review the Guiding Question: >How has my story helped me decide to support or resist the American Revolution? Look at the research organizer (pp. 5–6). Use the list of text and Internet resources to locate information.

Work Time

Work with your school partner and choose one of the historical characters on the list. Search one of the Internet sites for information. Record your information on the research organizer.

Follow-up Questions What additional information might you need to complete the research on your historical character? What other sources might you use to find and collect this information?

Share

Thoughts on the research process so far: >What worked well? >What did you find challenging? >What would you do differently? Share

If applicable, use this area to record comments and feedback captured during the share. Feedback

For more information Office of Instructional Technology