Teacher's Page
Rationale:
A significant part of the Grade 9 Social Studies curriculum (B.C.) focuses on the Industrial Revolution. Industrialization is always furthered by new inventions, innovations, and discoveries which lead to new technology, ideas, and ways of living. A project such as this one is a meaningful way to study and understand the impact of science and technology on societies throughout history (as well as our own today!). By requiring students to research and evaluate the impacts of various scientific and technological innovations, they must come up with criteria to evaluate the impacts, and must be able to gather information, interpret it, and form their own conclusions and judgments based on that evidence. While this era (1750-1900) had many innovations which impacted society, the project is structured so that they can only choose one, and must justify their choices. This promotes critical and analytic thinking. The understanding they gain will hopefully also impact the way they view scientific and technological innovations today, and the impact that they have on our society (whether it be good or bad).
A significant part of the Grade 9 Social Studies curriculum (B.C.) focuses on the Industrial Revolution. Industrialization is always furthered by new inventions, innovations, and discoveries which lead to new technology, ideas, and ways of living. A project such as this one is a meaningful way to study and understand the impact of science and technology on societies throughout history (as well as our own today!). By requiring students to research and evaluate the impacts of various scientific and technological innovations, they must come up with criteria to evaluate the impacts, and must be able to gather information, interpret it, and form their own conclusions and judgments based on that evidence. While this era (1750-1900) had many innovations which impacted society, the project is structured so that they can only choose one, and must justify their choices. This promotes critical and analytic thinking. The understanding they gain will hopefully also impact the way they view scientific and technological innovations today, and the impact that they have on our society (whether it be good or bad).
B.C. Social Studies 9 PLOs
Materials/Resources/Considerations:
- Computer lab time to complete research and work on presentations
- A collection of relevant books & articles
- Print-outs of the Research Organizers and Nomination/Conclusion documents (or they can be done on computers in word)
- Computer lab time to complete research and work on presentations
- A collection of relevant books & articles
- Print-outs of the Research Organizers and Nomination/Conclusion documents (or they can be done on computers in word)
Prerequisites:
If the students are not already familiar with the following, class time before presenting this Webquest should be devoted to exploring these topics and having students practice/seek help.
Students must already be familiar with
- Sourcing & Bibliography
- Using the library effectively
- Efficient searching on a web browser
- Structures/procedures for gathering and organizing information
- Starting with a brainstorm about what makes a discovery/invention important or notable is a great way to introduce this project.
Also, make sure to complete a sample Research Organizer Document with the class.
If the students are not already familiar with the following, class time before presenting this Webquest should be devoted to exploring these topics and having students practice/seek help.
Students must already be familiar with
- Sourcing & Bibliography
- Using the library effectively
- Efficient searching on a web browser
- Structures/procedures for gathering and organizing information
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