This lesson is for : Grade 12
Summary
The 16th Century, during the height of the Renaissance, was a groundbreaking time for both literature and the arts in Europe. This time period also played host to a large number of technological, scientific, religious, and social advancements in human history. During this era, William Shakespeare revolutionized the theatre; DaVinci painted the Mona Lisa and the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel; the Church of England was established; guns became commonplace on the battlefield; and, the Protestant Reformation began.
In this week-long research project, two AP English 12 classes divide and conquer the history of the 16th Century through collaboratively producing a detailed timeline coupled with in-depth group presentations on selected subtopics. Through this process, students become experts on their selected topics and gain an overarching understanding of this time period, which will serve as valuable background knowledge when completing the essay portion of the AP exam for this course.
TIPC Ratings
Research & Information Fluency
Rating: Ideal
Explanation:
- Locating and assimilating relevant and reliable information on a selected topic is the main focus of this project.
- Students are required to use databases, print sources, and other material while completing research.
- Students may also use notes, textbooks, and other materials from Social Studies and Art History courses ithey are currently taking or have taken in the past.
- All sources of information must be cited using MLA formatting
Communication & Collaboration
Rating: Ideal
Explanation:
- Students work with a self-selected partner to research and present their topic to the class
- Partners communicate with each other outside of class through the use of shared Google docs, text messaging, emailing, etc.
- Through the use of a shared Google Sheet and Timeline.JS, each class as a whole collaborates on creating an interactive digital timeline that can be accessed online and used as a study tool
- Students educate their peers through delivering oral presentations paired with physical and digital visual aids
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
Rating: Not observed
Explanation: n/a
Creativity & Innovation
Rating: Ideal
Explanation:
- Students are given choice throughout this project — from selecting their own tpartners and opics, to selecting the best digital tool to use for their visual aid
- Students are encouraged to go beyond the parameters of the project, from incorporating additional digital tools to dressing in period costume, playing music, acting, etc.
Student Artifact
Tudor Talk from Freeman Videos on Vimeo.
Lesson Materials
