Title: A Day with Barack Obama, 44th President of the US
Subject/Topic: US Presidents
Enduring Understandings:
America has changed over years to embrace diversity and change.
Essential Question (EQ):
What changes were exposed in the United States when Barack Obama became the 44th President of the US and what changes are currently being made ?
Student Skills Utilized:
- Ability to gather information from reference sources using computer technology
- Capability to collaborate with others on assigned tasks
- Grammar, spelling, creative, and computer skills to compose interview
Materials/Resources:
Teacher Prepared Obama Handout. This handout will describe the President’s life from birth until the current time. During this particular lesson, emphasis will be placed on the obvious changes which can be seen in the United States. One of the key concepts to be shared is the idea that without these changes, the country would not have ever had its first African American President.
Computer with Microsoft Word or other writing program
Internet Access
Printer/white paper
Construction Paper
Interview Rubric
Instant Camera and Film
Obama Life-sized stand-up
Internet Resources:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/president-obama
http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact
https://www.loriferber.com/barack-obama-lifesize-standup.html
Additional student and teacher researched online sources
Introduction/Activating Hook:
If you could ask the President one question, what would it be?
Step-by Step Procedures:
- Students will write one question they would like to ask President Obama on a colored poster strip as soon as they enter the classroom or as soon as class begins.
- Students will share question with a partner and see if their partners can answer the questions.
- A few students will share their questions.
- While students are reading teacher prepared handout and answering attached questions and their own questions, teacher will post question strips on classroom bulletin board or on wall. (max 5 mins)
- Teacher will share online interviews President Obama has done during his Presidential campaign and during his time in the Oval Office. Students will follow along on classroom computers with their partners.
- Students will work with partners to create imaginary interviews with the President of at least twelve questions (questions made by students). Students will type answers in interview format on computer. Questions that students cannot answer should be researched on the computer (teacher assistance will also be available).
- Once interview has been typed and proofed, students will take pictures with the President Obama life size stand-up and will receive digital copies of the images.
- Images will then be used alongside interviews to complete the published interview.
Tailor/Differentiation:
Lower functioning students will be paired with higher level students to motivate them. ESOL students will be partnered with a student who speaks English as a first language.
Ongoing Evaluation:
Teacher will monitor students throughout the class period(s). Interview will be rated on rubric shared with student at the beginning of the project.
Closure/Summarizing:
Students will answer essential question through assessments. Students will share interviews with classmates.
