Inventions: What if...?

Civil War: Pieces of the Puzzle Lesson 4

Grade Level:
6-8

Subject(s):
Language Arts
Social Studies
Learner Outcomes;
Students will create a 3.8 paragraph in which they predict how the American Civil War may have been different had certain inventions or discoveries been devised before 1961.

Time Frame:
2 (50 minute) class periods

Materials:
Paper and pencil for notes

Technology Tools/Courseware:
Internet resources
Data Projector/Computer
Microsoft PowerPoint
Student computer(s) with MicrosoftWord or similar word processer

Teacher Notes:

This lesson is an introduction to the 3.8 paragraph writing model.

This writing model can be applied to other subject areas and/or topics.

Students should be directed to one of two particular websites that list inventions/discoveries. One site(a timeline) is particularly useful for younger students (grades 6 and 7). The other site (a list) is better suited to eighth graders.

Procedures:
   1.   Introduce the 3.8 paragraph using a Power Point presentation. Direct students on the use of the formula of a 3.8 paragraph (see Teacher notes). Students will be instructed to take a brief quiz near the end of the presentation. Answers to the six multiple-choice items are included in the presentation.
    2. Grade 8: Examine the list of Inventions & Discoveries provided by Infoplease.
         Grades 6 and 7: Examine Technology Timeline.
    3. Grade 8: Choose one invention or discovery that was not available until after 1865. Write a 3.8 paragraph discussing how the Civil War may have been different had this invention or discovery been available before the war began. The students should be directed to develop three points about a single invention or discovery.
          Grades 6 and 7: Choose three different inventions or discoveries. Write a 3.8 paragraph discussing how the Civil War may have been different had these items been available before the war began.
    4.   Direct students to use a writing model that includes pre-writing, composing a rough draft, self- and peer editing, and a final draft.

Modifications:
Students may work in pairs to develop a 3.8 paragraph.

Enrichment activities:
Students may develop the 3.8 paragraph into a five paragraph essay by expanding each of the five sections into separate paragraphs.

Evaluation/Assessment:
Students should be evaluated for knowledge of the 3.8 format. See rubric. Teachers may choose to evaluate content and mechanics with thier own point system.

West Virginia Instructional Goals and Objectives (IGO's)
Language Arts
    Writing: 6.53, 7.51, 8.48
                  6.56, 7.54, 8.55
                  6.60, 7.62, 8.58
    Language: 6.131, 7.65, 8.64
    Computer Technology: 6.154, 7.173, 8.151
Social Studies
    History: 8.48
    Computer/Technology: 8.70

National Standards
Language Arts Standard 1, Grades 6-8, Benchmark III

Workplace Process Skills:
Morgan County Career Development System
Grades 6-8: Skills to interact with others

References:
www.infoplease.com--Kids' Almanac
www.pbs.org
Civil War Internet Sites

Created By:
Mary Hansen
Sally McCumbee
Susan Thomas
Warm Springs Middle School, Berkeley Springs, WV


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