Summary: Students will work in groups of 2-3, or individually to research Progressive reform topics using print and web-based resources. The culminating activity for this unit is a time-period newspaper. Groups will write about a topic that we have covered in the unit that they found particularly interesting. The students will then research that topic and write 3 newspaper articles that has a thesis and uses supporting evidence to back up their argument. We encourage the students to play the role of the "muckraker," when investigating their topics. The students should focus on a problem or dilemma and propose a solution.
Standards Addressed:
1 Basic operations and concepts: Students demonstrate a sound understanding of the nature and operation of technology systems. Students are proficient in the use of technology. (Web research, Web design, Preparing images for the web, Basic Computer applications, File Management)
2 Social, ethical, and human issues: Students understand the ethical, cultural, and societal issues related to technology. Students practice responsible use of technology systems, information, and software. Legal Students develop positive attitudes toward technology uses that support lifelong learning, collaboration, personal pursuits, and productivity. (Fair Use & Copyright, Documentation)
3 Technology productivity tools: Students use technology tools to enhance learning, increase productivity, and promote creativity. Students use productivity tools to collaborate in constructing technology-enhanced models, prepare publications, and produce other creative works. (Webpages, Webquests, Image preparation, etc.)
4 Technology communications tools: Students use telecommunications to collaborate, publish, and interact with peers, experts, and other audiences. Students use a variety of media and formats to communicate information and ideas effectively to multiple audiences. (E-mail, posted webpages & webquests)
5 Technology research tools: Students use technology to locate, evaluate, and collect information from a variety of sources. (Print & Web) Research Students use technology tools to process data and report results. Students evaluate and select new information resources and technological innovations based on the appropriateness for specific tasks. Critical thinking - knowledge, evaluation, synthesis, application (Web resources,Databases, Boolean Logic)
6 Technology problem-solving and decision-making tools: Students use technology resources for solving problems and making informed decisions. Students employ technology in the development of strategies for solving problems in the real world. Critical thinking - knowledge, evaluation, synthesis, application (Webquests, Webpages)
Time needed for activity: 3- 42 minute periods and 1- 1hr 20 min period
Tools and Materials: Computers, Internet, library databases, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe InDesign & Microsoft Word
Tasks:
- Research the specific topics assigned by the teacher and create an appropriate Magazine Cover for that Era using Adobe Photoshop. Specs: 8.5x11", resolution-200, RGB Mode, 1/2" margins on all 4 sides
- Each group will write 3 articles on topics of their choice. The articles will then be assembled into a newspaper format using Adobe InDesign. Use Word to type
- Each group will provide a complete list of print and web resources used to write their papers. (Use Bookmarks!) The resources will be listed in a bibliography in MLA form. (Copyright/Fair Use Act)
- Scan and download pictures that describe your topic. You will need these for your Magazine Covers and Articles ** If you download pictures be sure to bookmark the sites from where they came so we can cite them in our resources page. (Copyright/Fair Use Act)
Topics:
- Progressive Era working conditions
- Living Conditions
- Government Corruption
- Monopolies
- Unions
- Land Conservation
- Urban Growth
- Child Labor
- Woman Suffrage
GRADING:
- Accuracy of information
- Correct spelling and grammar
- Creativity of work
- Problem Solving
- Proper bibliographic form (www.citationmachine.net) or (http://www.easybib.com/)
- Research Skills (Electronic research skills, finding credible sources, search strategies)
Presented on due date or 20 points will be deducted for each day the presentation is late.
Remember: this is a group project with a group grade. Your group members are counting on you.