Grade Level: 4
Subject: Social Studies
Time Frame: Three class periods

Summary

Students will work together in small groups to create a simple picture book depicting someone from Tennessee history.

Databases/Other Resources

Kids Infobits, TN History for Kids

Procedures

There will be one class period for an introduction to the project and beginning research, one class period for research and putting together a rough draft, and one class period for putting together the final product.

Steps

Steps for Teacher

• The teacher will begin by reading a picturebook about Tennessee history to the class, such as V is for Volunteer: A Tennessee Alphabet by Michael Shoulders.  

• The teacher will then explain the assignment to the students: The students will be working in groups to create a picture book about a famous person from Tennessee history.  The book will be ten pages, with text on five pages, and illustrations on five pages.  The students will also need to create a title, a title page, and a front and back cover. 

• The teacher will also show the students how to access the TEL database - Kids Infobits - and the TN History for Kids website.

•  The teacher will then divide the students into groups of three, and have them get started on their research.

Steps for Librarian

None

 

Steps for Student

1. Each group of students will need to choose a person from Tennessee history, such as Andrew Jackson, Sam Houston, James Polk, David Crockett, Nancy Ward, etc.  
2. The students will then go to Kids InfoBits and TN History for Kids to look for information about their person. 
3. The students will then create their picture book.
4. When completed, each group will present their book to the class.

Related Activities

Content Standards

Social Studies--Grade 4

 

Content Standard 5.0: History

 

History involves people, events, and issues. Students will evaluate evidence to develop comparative and causal analyses, and to interpret primary sources. They will construct sound historical arguments and perspectives on which informed decisions in contemporary life can be based. 

 

Learning Expectations/Grade Level Expectations

Content Standard 5.0: History

 

Learning Expectations:

 

Era 4 - Expansion and Reform (1801-1861)

4.5.12 Identify major events, people, and patterns in Tennessee.

 

Performance Indicators State

Content Standard 5.0: History

Performance Indicators:

At Level 1, the student is able to:

4.5.spi.2. identify major Tennessee political leaders (i.e., Andrew Jackson, Sam Houston, James Polk, Sequoyia, David Crockett, Nancy Ward).

Assessment

The teacher will evaluate each group based on the finished product, as well as observation of how they worked together and utiltized their class time.  

ISTE Computer Literacy and Usage Standards

2. Communication and Collaboration: Students use digital media and environments to communicate and work collaboratively, including at a distance, to support individual learning and contribute to the learning of others.

3. Research and Information Fluency: Students apply digital tools to gather, evaluate, and use information.

AASL Standards for the 21st Century Learner

1. Inquire, think critically, and gain knowledge.

2. Draw conclusions, make informed decisions, apply knowledge to new situations, and create new knowledge.

3. Share knowledge and participateethically andproductively asmembers of ourdemocratic society.