Thanksgiving Unit Summary

Uncovering Truths Via Problem-Based Learning

This is a summary of "Facts in Motion," the fifth lesson of twelve from the Thanksgiving Unit Study called 'Uncovering Truths,' using a Problem-Based Learning approach.

This is a piece of the Design Approach I learned in a college course during the summer of 2009.

Uncovering Truths

By Marcie Ciampi (EDTE 226, Summer 2009)

BIG IDEAS

History books can portray incomplete truths and mistruths.

Primary sources contain different historical insights and viewpoints than those found in history textbooks.

Cultural stereotypes and myths result from inaccurate sources and inaccurate retellings.

Enduring Outcomes:

Practical:
1. Find examples of inadequacies, cultural bias, prejudice, generalizations, and incomplete truths in history.

2. Site an example of an historical event that unlike the ‘stereotypical representation’ did not bring a period of peace and good relations between two cultures.

Analytical:
1. Compare and contrast a history textbook with other historical sources.

2. Analyze and evaluate facts and myths about a specific culture of people.

Creative:
1. Design and create displays that diffuse the stereotypical representation of historical people.

Problem-Based Learning Synopsis

Teacher: poses a problem, facilitates, asks questions, challenges, keeps students involved, builds on prior knowledge, manages group dynamics

Students: actively involved participants, set up means to investigate, gather evidence, problem solve, make decisions, present solutions

*Time Frame: Can be done over a series of lessons over several days or in one lesson.

*ESSENTIAL:Relevance
=Students are solving complex, real-world problems with no "right" solution.

*Inquiry Process encourages higher-order creative thinking and sharpens problem-solving inquiry skills.

Problem-Based Learning Synopsis using GRASPS (Wiggins and McTigne 2001)with Lesson Five "Facts in Motion"

Problem: Does a point of view affect the accuracy of historical accounts?

Goal: Your task is to read and review several facts about Thanksgiving and analyze and discuss whether of not a point of view can affect the accuracy of historical accounts.

Role: You are a reporter uncovering facts about Thanksgiving and analyzing whether the facts are written from a Separatist/Pilgrim perspective or a Native American perspective.

Audience: You need to portray your studied facts to the classroom through a skit using hand motions, body motions, props, and other creative ideas, participate in a classroom discussion about perspective, and add your facts to the classroom Venn Diagram.

Situation: The challenge is to convey the facts you and your team members have discovered from the perspective of a pilgrim or Native American.

Product: You will create a skit that demonstrates fact and perspective and complete your own Venn diagram.

Standard(s): A successful presentation will include members demonstrating a fact while conveying a perspective, and include group members' thoughts about perspective.