The History of The White House
Title: The History of the White House
Subject/Topic: US Presidential History
Enduring Understandings:
The White House has changed throughout the years, not only in design but also in terms of who has lived there.
Essential Question (EQ):
How has the White House physically changed throughout the years?
Student Skills Utilized:
-Ability to gather information from reference sources using computer technology
-Capacity to compare and contrast persons, places, and idea
-Capability to collaborate with others on assigned tasks
-Facility to use computer technology to share information
Materials/Resources:
Access to classroom computers and the Internet, art supplies (poster board, construction paper, styrofoam, paints, blank paper, pencils, markers, crayons), Microsoft PowerPoint, and assessment rubrics
Introduction/Activating Hook:
Picture of the White House enlarged on the classroom projector.
Step-by Step Procedures:
1) Teacher will ask students to raise their hands if they recognize the current building on the screen. Other pictures of White House through the years will be shared (at least 5 distinct pictures) and will lead into a discussion of the history of the White House.
2) Teacher will ask essential question involving the physical changes of the White House
3) Review of information found at http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/history in collaborative groups of 4 -5 students
4) Students will be given choice of group alternative assessments
- PowerPoint presentation
- Poster Project and essay answering essential question
- Open House Invitation for public to view the White House (brochure describing layout and rooms of the White House inviting public to take tour)
- Model of the White House with brief essay
Tailor/Differentiation:
Lower functioning students will be paired with higher level students to motivate them. ESOL students will be placed in groups with at least two students who speak English as a first language.
Ongoing Evaluation:
Teacher will monitor students throughout the class period(s). Assessments will be measured according to rubrics distributed to students before they begin projects.
Closure/Summarizing:
Students will answer essential question through assessments. Students will also present projects to class.
