US History - 10th Grade
American Revolution
Steps to the American Revolution
The objective of this simulation was to have students step into the shoes of the British, anti-British colonists, and apathetic and pro-British colonists. Students then participated in the path to the American Revolution.
The classroom was divided into three sections, dividing the British and the anti-British colonists. Each of the students on the British side were given a 'brick' with one of the steps to the revolution labeled on it. As a class, we discussed each step in turn and then the student with that 'brick' would stack it on the pile in the middle of the classroom. Ultimately, a wall would be formed between the British and the colonists, dividing the two sides. At this point, the colonists would add the Declaration of Independence and knock the wall down, symbolizing the American Revolution beginning. While all of this was occurring, I had a PowerPoint on in the front of the room to show images and further information relating to each step.
This was a very engaging lesson for the students and it reached multiple types of learners. Students had an enjoyable time learning the steps to the revolution because they took sides against one another, similar to the time in which we were studying.
The classroom was divided into three sections, dividing the British and the anti-British colonists. Each of the students on the British side were given a 'brick' with one of the steps to the revolution labeled on it. As a class, we discussed each step in turn and then the student with that 'brick' would stack it on the pile in the middle of the classroom. Ultimately, a wall would be formed between the British and the colonists, dividing the two sides. At this point, the colonists would add the Declaration of Independence and knock the wall down, symbolizing the American Revolution beginning. While all of this was occurring, I had a PowerPoint on in the front of the room to show images and further information relating to each step.
This was a very engaging lesson for the students and it reached multiple types of learners. Students had an enjoyable time learning the steps to the revolution because they took sides against one another, similar to the time in which we were studying.
steps_to_revolution.pptx | |
File Size: | 2264 kb |
File Type: | pptx |
An Expanding Nation
The Monroe Doctrine Simulation
In order for students to learn the complexity and successes of the Monroe Doctrine, they took on the roles of the countries involved for a simulation. This simulation occurred before we discussed what the Monroe Doctrine was. Each country (group of students) was given an information sheet with their country's position in international relations, their desired goals, and suggestions of what to consider when developing a plan to meet their goals.
Students were given time to read and discuss their country's plan of action to get their desired end results. Each of the six countries (Spain, Portugal, Great Britain, Russia, United States, and the Latin American countries) had their own individual goals and plans. Each country then sent out a representative to meet with the other countries and try to make alliances and deals with them. The final step was the reveling of the plans. We went around and each ground had a spokesperson explain their country's goals and what they did with other countries to achieve them. Students were shocked at this point that their fellow classmates with double cross them and stab them in the back for the benefit of their country.
The class became very active and engaged in this simulation. When the activity was complete, we discussed what the pressing issues were for the time and what could be done to prevent warfare. Ultimately, this led us into our discussion of the Monroe Doctrine.
The discussion on the Monroe Doctrine was accompanied by a Prezi that can be found here.
Students were given time to read and discuss their country's plan of action to get their desired end results. Each of the six countries (Spain, Portugal, Great Britain, Russia, United States, and the Latin American countries) had their own individual goals and plans. Each country then sent out a representative to meet with the other countries and try to make alliances and deals with them. The final step was the reveling of the plans. We went around and each ground had a spokesperson explain their country's goals and what they did with other countries to achieve them. Students were shocked at this point that their fellow classmates with double cross them and stab them in the back for the benefit of their country.
The class became very active and engaged in this simulation. When the activity was complete, we discussed what the pressing issues were for the time and what could be done to prevent warfare. Ultimately, this led us into our discussion of the Monroe Doctrine.
The discussion on the Monroe Doctrine was accompanied by a Prezi that can be found here.
monroe-simulation.pdf | |
File Size: | 180 kb |
File Type: |