Distribution of Wealth – 8086

Austin Campbell, Deep Run High School

Summary

In this lesson, students examine how wealth and power are distributed throughout different time periods, places and nations. In order to understand what wealth and power are considered and how they are obtained and divided within specific time periods, students work as a team to perform research. Finally, the students communicate their research to others in order to analyze, compare and evaluate the information exchanged.

TIPC Ratings

The students apply research techniques demonstrated by the teacher by using the provided questionnaire to find the answers that specifically fit their topic. Through these questions the students find information for further analysis and must determine the accuracy and credibility through multiple sources. As a result, students work at the the developing stage for research and information fluency.

The students work in common groups and must find various ways to communicate their research and development of the project in and outside of the classroom. Students groups use a variety of communications including, Presentation Chat function, phone calls, text messaging, twitter, email and message boards to collaborate and complete the project. With the various forms of communications, students discover which forms work the best and which to use for future assignments. Consequently, this lesson is rated as approaching.

Students answer instructor provided questions yet also answer additional in-depth questions as they encounter more topic-specific questions. During the project, other questions arise including how to modify the guided questions to fit a specific topic, how to manage the group, and how to correlate research findings between multiple individuals. The groups must decide, as a whole, what the project will look like, contain content wise and how the project will be presented specific to their topic using the digital tools provided. This lesson is rated as approaching.

After the instructor provided questions and outline are given out, the students are shown what technologies can be used and are told that the project is theirs to develop. Students utilize prior knowledge and expertise plus technology and collaboration skills to develop a unique project to present. Within the groups, students work together to develop, change and modifying ideas while developing new skills and ways of thinking. They learn to incorporate everyone’s work together into a single project. In terms of creativity and innovation, this lesson is rated as approaching.