Unit Purpose:
Students will evaluate the social consequences of the Europeans arrival
in the new World in 1492. Students will integrate use of technology researching
exploration and colonization of the Americas. Below are three lesson plans that I used for the unit. The mock
trial took approximately six 45 minute class periods.( Reading selections
and background material for the unit can be found in Rethinking
Columbus)
Procedure:
Introduce subject with KWL chart:identify background
knowledge and questions to explore material.
Students read selection aloud ,as group activity,
The First Few Days from The Journal of Christopher Columbus,ed.
by Cecil Jane. (Rethinking Columbus) pages 96-97 Generate class discussion
based on questions on page 96.
Students highlight passages to remember and incorporate.
Students complete chart diagraming information from class discussion. (Compare/Contrast
Chart"How Alike"-Columbus/Tainos)
Students summarize information in written essay.
Connect new knowledge to existing KWL chart.
Procedure:
Read aloud as class activity, The Tainos, "Men
of the Good" by Jose Barreiro. The Gold People by Anna Hereford.
Prep students to reading selection by explaining assignment
for lesson. Students write two journal entries with
illustrations representing: the Taino perspective of Colubus's arrival
as well as Columbus or his sailors perspective of the
Tainos. Read aloud as class activiy The Encounter
by Jane Yolen. Enrique's Uprising
by Alvin Josephy Jr.
Mock Trial Preparation: Prep students
for mock trial-Role Play
Six 45 minute class periods.
Divide students into heterogenous groups of defendents
and jury.
Pass-out indictments for the People vs. Columbus
et.al in Rethinking Columbus pages 89-93.
Students prepare statements of defense and counterpoint
questions to defend against charges through evaluation of resource materials.
Reveiw and define court vocabulary and trial procedures.
Student groups choose representative and lawyer to
read statement of defense and ask counterpoint questions.
Students groups produce rough drafts for review and
possible revision.
Students prepare for mock trial in groups. Read aloud
statement of defense and counterpoint questions.
Jury takes oath of objectivity.
Group representatives and jury members are allowed
to ask counterpoint questions at the end of the statements.
Jury deliberates and assigns percentage of guilt.
While jury deliberates, students begin statement
of reflections re: mock trial project and performances.
Jury deliberates verdict.
Students complete statements of reflections.
Student groups reconvene to prepare for appeal.
Appeals are made, final verdicts are delivered and
final reflection is written.
Assessment:
Journal entries with illustrations: "Encounter Perspectives"
Mind Maps: diagram illustrates central theme and details: Tainos perspective
(example 1)(example 2)
Written Assignments: Comprehensive , Inferential and Reflective
Compare and Contrast Essay
Questions reflecting reading materials
Statements of Defense and Counterpoint Questions for Mock Trial Activity
