Lesson 1 

Title:  Wandering West Virginia - Blennerhassett

Grade Level:  4

Subjects:  West Virginia History, Math, Physical Education, Language Arts, Computer Technology

Learner Outcomes:  The students will:

do the required minutes of exercise before beginning the unit
demonstrate knowledge of scale and measurement in order to determine the distances between West Virginia sites
demonstrate map skills by locating the absolute location of Parkersburg, West Virginia, using latitude and longitude
use reference materials to research the significance of historical and cultural events on Blennerhassett Island
use technology including the Internet and e-mail for research
complete a written report about the historical and cultural significance of Blennerhassett Island  for the class 4H project

Time Frame:  four forty-five minute class periods

Materials:

•      West Virginia textbooks
•      WV road maps
•      other reference books including those in the school library
•      travel brochures
•      West Virginia Magazine
•      the film "West Virginia"
•      4H "Know Know Your State" book

Technology:

•      computers with Internet, e-mail access, and Power Point
•      on-line encyclopedias
•      TV and VCR

Teacher Notes:  An acceptable use policy will be on file.  Letters and e-mail must be approved by the teacher before being sent.  This is a good time to discuss computer etiquette. The teacher will arrange for a 4H speaker to present a program about Blennerhassett Island.  The fourth grade classes are also 4H clubs which annually complete a project entitled "Know Your State".  This lesson will fulfill the required report on Blennerhassett.

Procedures:
Students will determine the distance from Charleston to Parkersburg using scale and mileage.
Students will determine the absolute and relative locations of Parkersburg using latitude
     and longitude.
Students will research the history  of Blennerhassett Island Historical Park using the materials
      listed above.
Students will e-mail for information.
Students will view a presentation by a 4H speaker .
Students will complete written reports including information on the following:
          1.  important events in the lives of Harman Blennerhassett and his wife
          2.  Aaron Burr
          3.  the Blennerhassett and Burr relationship to Thomas Jefferson
          4.  the construction and architecture of the Blennerhassett Mansion
          5.  the Native American archaeological site at Blennerhassett Island
Students will locate,  print, and label pictures of the Blennerhassett Mansion to include in the
         report.
Each student will include the report in the 4H "Know Your State" book.

Modifications:
     Students not permitted to use Internet will use other references.  Students not permitted to use e-mail will use regular mail.
     Special needs students will be paired with other students.

Enrichment:
     Advanced students can prepare a Power Point presentation of the history of Blennerhassett Island.

Evaluation/Assessment:
     The project will be considered completed when each student submits the following checklist:
     ___  demonstrate location in WV
     ___  determined distance from Charleston to Parkersburg
     ___  researched topic
     ___  completed report
     ___  viewed speaker's presentation
     ___  (optional)  Power Point presentation
     The teacher will develop a grading rubric based on the above criteria.

WV IGOs
 

National Standards:  http://www.mcrel.org/

References:
Student References:  film "West Virginia", West Virginia textbooks, reference books, West Virginia Magazine, Colonial Homes Magazine, tourist brochures
Internet Resources:   Blennerhassett
                           Parkersburg
                           West Virginia map information
                               Thomas Jefferson PowerPoint
 
 

Author:
Pat Hanson
Paula Humen
Kay McClintic
Lewisburg Elementary