Lesson Plan for Project-Based Instruction
Grades 5 to 8 (leaning toward the younger grades)
Key Vocabulary
Concentration camp
Einsatzgruppen (just for exposure)
Euthanasia Program
Final Solution
Ghetto
Holocaust
Nazi/Nazism
Content that is focus of lesson the Holocaust
Lesson objectives
Content objective students should be able to envision themselves under circumstances described in the book
Investigation objectives to glean from reading Number the Stars and other research what daily life was like for Jews during the Holocaust and to assess performance of group members, including themselves, in preparing the project
Problem Situation
Statement of problem (teacher designed) Not a statement, but a question: how did Jews adapt to life under the Nazis?
Composition of study teams
Number and size of groups groups of four
Criteria for membership mix of stronger and ?academically challenged? students
Materials and logistics requirements
Materials needed a diorama of chapter one prepared by teacher for an example and photos from the era
Supplies and equipment needed shoeboxes, construction paper, scissors, glue and markers
People to contact librarian for copies of book
Peer evaluation rubric
Rubrics
Rubric for Group Work
Group member did NOT contribute
Group member gave a couple ideas but did not help construct the diorama
Group member encouraged others on their ideas and actively participated in all aspects of group project
Group member had a positive attitude and gave some ideas and assistance
Name of Student
____________
____________
____________
____________
Project rubric
3
1
2
Item
no specific examples from the book
diorama showed a semi-accurate description from the novel diorama was a completely accurate description of the novel
Accuracy
diorama was carefully constructed and the materials were used to create an appealing project
materials were not appropriately used materials and desired intent is clear
Creativity
tone, volume, good use of vocabulary all performed and an engaging presentation was made
tone and volume appropriate and correct terminology used
incorrect terminology
Presentation
Conducting the lesson
Procedures for orienting students to the problem each group will prepare a diorama depicting information gleaned from a chapter of the book, using the teacher?s diorama as an example. They?ll also prepare a written and oral presentation of that chapter. They will also complete peer review rubrics at home.
Procedures for organizing students into study teams arrange desks into groups of four for duration of lesson
Notes/hints to remember as students work because students will begin reading the book a week before the formal lesson begins, daily reminders that they need to be reading are in order
Important dates to remember
Day -5  through 9-Distribute book and instruction that it is to be read as homework Day 1 Construct groups. Assign each group a chapter to work on. Distribute rubrics for performance and peer evaluation.
Day 6 Share dioramas and oral reports. Hand in written report. Peer evaluations completed at home. Day 7 Hand in peer evaluations
Gannt Chart of dates and activities*
Distribute and introduce book
Day -5 Day 5
10 days Day -5 to Day 5
Compose groups
Day -1 Day 1
1 day
Day -1 to Day 1
Assign students to groups and assign each group a chapter; distribute performance rubric; share teacher's diorama
Day 1 Day 1
Day 1
1 day
Day 1 to Day 5
Students construct diorama and begin preparing oral and written reports 5 days
Day 5
Day 1
Groups present dioramas and oral reports; hand in written reports
Day 6
Day 1 to Day 5
Day 7 if needed
1-2 days
Distribute peer evaluation rubric
Day 7
Day 6 1 day
Day 6 or Day 7
Procedures for presentation of dioramas and reports in chapter order
Pitfalls to avoid: avoid straying from text; also watch for even work distribution and student participation.
Resources
http://www.ushmm.org/   (web site for the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum)
http://netsquirrel.com/pepperdine/edc634/
Number the Stars by Lois Lowry
Many thanks to Betty, the whose adaptation of this lesson plan was freely drawn upon.
Hosted by www.Geocities.ws

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