Social Studies

Social Studies

Review of Social Studies Materials

Review of software program

The title of the software I reviewed was Neighborhood Map Machine 2.0. The publisher of this software is Tom Snyder Productions. The running time of this software varies, because students can save their work and work on projects until they master the concepts. The hardware requirements are Windows 95, Windows, 98, Windows NT, or Macintosh. The game’s objectives includes: locating places using the four cardinal directions, using scale to determine the distance between places on maps, identifying and using the compass rose, grid, and symbols to locate places on maps, using written language to communicate directions, and calculating, comparing, and converting length, perimeter, and area. This is an excellent program teachers could use in their classroom when they are studying about geography and mapmaking. The CD-ROM also provides a teacher’s guide which has sample maps, cutouts, and map lesson plans. Teachers can use this software to allow students to create, write about, and present their maps. Moreover, it provides students with an opportunity to learn about communities and explore the world around them.

Review of Video

The title of the video I viewed was Holiday Facts and Fun: Presidents Day, 2^nd edition. The producer of this video was United Learning/ Discovery Education. This clip is a fifteen minute video which is appropriate for grades k-4^th. The video gives a description about our nation’s founding fathers: George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. In the video students will learn interesting facts about both of these presidents and why we celebrate President’s Day. Some common facts they will learn about George Washington include: lived in colonial times, his mother taught him how to read and write, was a surveyor, admired his older brother Lawrence, was an officer in the militia, after his brother died he took care of Mount Vernon, and was chosen to be the 1^st president of the United States. Some facts they will learn about Lincoln include: he was born in Kentucky, age seven he moved to Indiana, his father did not believe in slavery, at the age of 19 he traveled down the Mississippi River to New Orleans, was known for his honesty, became a lawyer, and fought against slaver. At the end of this video, there is a quiz for the students to take. This would be a great video for teachers to use in their classroom, especially when they are studying about presidents or President’s Day. The video could serve as a review or springboard when ending or beginning a unit or lesson on presidents. This video could easily fit into a lesson because it only lasts for fifteen minutes. The facts and pictures in the video would be a true enhancement for students when studying American presidents.

Review of social studies textbook

The title of the textbook I reviewed is Neighborhoods and Communities. The publisher of this textbook is Macmillan McGraw-Hill. This is a second grade textbook, and the textbook’s copyright is 1993. This textbook has nine major units. The units include the following topics: living in a neighborhood, working together, working for needs and wants, living on the earth, America long ago, celebrating America, and holidays. The text meets diverse needs through cooperative learning and hands-on projects which incorporates learning through the multiple intelligences. Through the use of big books, music, visual arts, whole class activities, cooperative learning groups, songs, and poems students’ diverse needs are met. As students learn the important lessons of citizenship, geography, and history, children remain active- constantly moving, touching, exploring, and thinking. This textbook allows students needs to be met be learning through doing. The supplemental materials that come with this textbook include the following: project books (hands-on activities), transparencies, home activities, step by step teacher’s edition, music cassettes, special multicultural activities, wall maps, big books and clings, and a literature anthology.

Review of social studies kit or game

The name of the social studies game I reviewed is Name That State. This game includes a full colored game board, markers, cards, spinner, die, and instructions. The publisher of this game is Educational Insights. The authors of this game are Burt and Diana Cutler and it was published in 2000. This game is for 2-4 players. The game is designed to teach students locations, capital cities, scenic features, and important facts about the 50 states. The spinner indicates locations for players to find on the map before moving their games pieces. The game cards give additional facts and questions. The object of the game is the player who reaches home first on the game board wins. Players take turns spinning the spinner. Using the number that the spinner lands on, the player is supposed to point to the state which is marked by the number on the game board. The referee uses the answer key to check if the answer is correct. If the player’s answer was correct, they roll the die and move the number of spaces in which they rolled. If you land on take a post card, the player is to pick up a game card and answer the question. If they are correct, the roll the die and move the number of spaces in which they roll. This game could be used in the classroom when studying about geography. Moreover, it is a tool which could serve as a great review activity when studying about the states. The activity could be used as a remedial when students are struggling with remembering common state facts. Also, this game could be used as enrichment for early finishers. This is an excellent educational game which allows students to learn and have fun at the same time.

Review of five children’s books

Gutman, D. (1999). The Kid Who Became President. New York: Scholastic.

This is a hilarious book about about twelve-year-old Judson Moon who wins the 2000 election and takes on his role as President of the United States. Judson discovers what presidency is all about as he takes on the amusing task of being the nation’s first kid President. From his Inaugural Address to battling wars through video games, this book will make students laugh. The book gives insight on the duties of the President. Teachers could use this book in the classroom, when doing a unit on civics. Also, teachers can use this book to introduce students to what the duties of the President are. This is great for grades 2^nd-5^th.

Hall, D.(1983) Ox-Cart Man. New York: Puffin Books.

This short historical fiction follows a 19th century New England family through the year. The book is about a family's self-sufficiency and hard work, with every family member shown helping to gather foodstuffs, spin, weave, knit, and carve products that can be sold to buy items such as kettles and knives. The colorful illustrations in the book help students see what the slower-paced life looked like in the 19^th century. Teachers could use this book when doing a unit on economics. Also, teachers can use this book to show how the world of economics has changed over the years. This is great for students K-3^rd grade.

Smith, D. (2002) If The World Were A Village: A Book About The World’s People. New York: Kids Can Press.

This is a great book to use in the classroom when studying about geography. The book makes the world more understandable by breaking down the world into a global village of 100 people. Moreover, the book makes comparisons of nationality, language, education, age, and basic needs. The illustrations are colorful and multicultural, allowing students to explore the cultures of the world. This is a great book to use with students when exploring both the culture and geography of the world. It is appropriate for grades 2^nd-5^th.

Takabayashi, M. (2001) I Live in Tokyo. New York: Houghton Mifflin Company.

This is a great book to use in the classroom when studying about culture. This book gives vivid illustrations that depict what Tokyo looks like. Moreover, the book is about a boy named Mimiko, who lives in Tokyo. Through the daily life of Mimiko students will learn about the holidays, food, traditions and festivities in Tokyo. This is appropriate for students in 2^nd-5^th grade.

Viorst, J. (1987). Alexander Used to be Rich Last Sunday. New York: Alladin.

This book is about a boy named Alexander who is given a dollar. Alexander thinks he is rich. He immediately imagines all he can do with his money. However, his money starts to disappear quickly. He realizes everything that can be done with a dollar. This book is a great book to teach economics in the classroom, because it teaches about the value of earning and saving money.

Review of 10 websites

Geography

http://www.nationalgeographic.com

This is an excellent website to use when teaching about geography. It has a section specifically designed for educators. There are maps, photos, lesson plans, geokits, current events, professional development opportunities, and many games that teachers can use in their classroom classroom. The site offers a plethora of information and activities for students as well. There are many games some of which include: The Geo Bee Challenge, Copycat Continent Memory, and Geo Spy: Fast Paced Map Game. There are also interactive activities and adventures for students. Some of the adventures include: The Underground Railroad, Traveling West with Lewis and Clark, and The Secret of the Maya Glyphs. Also there are color sheets for students to use. This site is an outstanding site to use in one’s classroom. The information is unlimited and the activities are very engaging.

http://50states.com

This is an excellent website to use when studying about the states in America. Teachers could use this site to quickly get important facts regarding any state. Some of the facts the site offers include: capitals, state birds, border states, climate, current events, state flag, state flower, and a map of each state. There is a huge forum for teachers. This forum has hundreds of websites which offer websites that have geography games, activities, and lesson plans. There are also activities for students. This site provides study guides, coloring pages, geography games, and facts and trivia about each state. Also students can view pictures of every state’s bird, tree, and flag. Moreover, the site provides the words to every state song. This site is outstanding and could be used as a very resourceful tool in the classroom when studying about geography.

History

www.si.edu

This is a very resourceful website for teachers and students. On this site teachers can explore and use online resources from the Smithsonian Institution. Teachers can click on the history and culture link and gather information regarding American history, biographies, politics, and religion. Also the site has a teacher link. This link offers hundreds of lesson plans by grade level. This website offers activities for students as well. There are photo galleries, games, and activities for students to explore. The main topics students can explore include: art, science, history and culture, and people and places. This is an excellent site which can provide interactive and valuable resources to one’s classroom.

http://www.americaslibrary.gov/cgibin/page.cgi

This is a great site for teachers and students. On this site teachers can explore the following topics: meet amazing Americans, jump back in time, explore states, join America and play, and see, hear, and sing. The site has much information regarding explorers, presidents, and famous people who have helped shape America. The site has songs you can listen to which are about the history of America. This site offers many games and activities for students. The Dynamite President game allows students to learn about our nation’s presidents. Also there are timelines which help students visualize our nation’s past. Overall this site is excellent because it is easy to navigate and offers an abundance of information regarding American history.

Civics

www.freethechildren.org

This is an outstanding site for teachers to use in their classroom, because it gives students an opportunity to become active and global citizens in their world. The ultimate goals of this site include: school building, alternative income, health care, and peace building. Through the cooperation of this site, students can make a difference in their world by adopting a village, building a school, volunteering overseas, donating money, and by sending supplies and health kits to kids, who are in desire need, all over the world. Through this site, teachers can address the importance of being active citizens who help the world when people are in need. Moreover, the focus of this site is kids helping kids gain in the power of knowledge. Students can help by donating money and supplies to places like Kenya and Sri Lanka who are in dire need of assistance and the rebuilding of their environments. Overall this is an excellent site because it allows kids and teachers to actively make a difference in their world.

www.50ways.org/kidshelp/index.html

This website provides excellent resources for actively engaging our students in making a difference the world. The purpose of this site is to give people an opportunity to make a difference in the world in which they live. Teachers could use this site to find service learning projects. Teachers can use this to find ways for their students to volunteer and help kids who are suffering in our world. Teachers can use this site to help teach about being good active citizens, because it gives student hundreds of ways they can help, donate, or volunteer in their community and world. The site has a list of small ways to help, medium ways to help, and big ways to help. Some of the organizations and things it says you can do include the following: collect toys and school supplies for kids in shelters, shop online and donate a percentage of your purchase to kids in need, join the Earth Share organization and help protect our planet, join the Kids Peace organization and help at risk students, and donate to Toys for Tots. These are only a small portion of the ideas and organizations you can get your students involved with. The site has a link for students. On this link it has a list of things students can do. Some of the things it listed included: donate outgrown clothing, take food and goods to shelter, make personal care kits, and be a pen pal. This is an awesome website that is drenched in ideas which will promote students to become active citizens of their world.

Economics

http://www.moneyfactory.com/

This website provides resourceful information about the world of money. The purpose of this site is to familiarize people, educators, and students with the history and process of money and moneymaking. Teachers could use this site when they are teaching money concepts. Moreover, teachers could use this site to research money facts. This website provides pictures, the history behind money and money making, fun facts about money, and it has an area for teachers to share ideas about incorporating money education in the classroom. This site would be great for students to because it has classroom games and activities on the topic of money. The games allow students to design their own money, explore how to catch counterfeit money, and learn random trivia about money. This is a great site for both teachers and students, because it familiarizes them with anything they could ever want to know about money.

http://www.socialstudiesforkids.com/subjects/economics.htm

This is a great website which is full of fun, illustrated, and easy to read articles about economics. This purpose of this site is to help students and educators understand the world of economics. It has easy to read articles for students on many topics. Some of the topics include: wants and needs, supply and demand, stock market, inflation, how money has changed, the importance of trade, and making a budget. This site would be an excellent enrichment for teachers to use when teaching about economics. The articles the site has could be added to a teacher’s lesson plans when teaching about economics. The pictures and articles this site provides do an excellent job of explaining economic concepts. This is a very resourceful site because it familiarizes students and teachers with common economic concepts, and it gives students and teachers a better understanding of the world of economics.

Culture

http://www.kidlink.org/

This website provides an awesome way of networking your students with students all around the world. The purpose of this site is for kids to learn and form relationships with kids from other cultures. Teachers could use this site when they are teaching about culture. There is no better way to learn about culture than letting someone who lives in that culture talk about their customs, beliefs, and traditions. Both teachers and students can use this website as a way of networking. Students are required to first answer and post these questions on the site: Who am I?, What do I want to be when I grow up, How do I want to become better when I grow up? When I grow up, what can I do to make this place happier and better? Students also put a picture of themselves on their profile. This is a very resourceful site to use in the classroom. This is a fabulous way of letting students and teachers network and form global relationships with kids all over the world.

http://www.yahooligans.yahoo.com

This is a fun, entertaining, an educational website for both teachers and students. Some of the topics this website provides information on includes: social studies, (U.S. states, countries, and holidays) science, (animals, dinosaurs, weather) language arts, math, music, art, and entertainment. This site also has videos of many different places in the world. This would be very resourceful when students are studying about specific places, because the videos would allow them to visually interact with what a place looks like. This site is loaded with activities for students. It has games on issues such as holidays, flags of countries, location of places, and state and country capitals. Also there are many reference tools students can use. Some of the tools include: a dictionary, an encyclopedia, a world fact book, a world almanac for kids, and a thesaurus. There is an Ask Earl link on this page. Students can post questions they have about educational issues and Earl will respond back to the students. This is a great resource for both teachers and students. It’s easy to navigate and it offers insightful information for one’s classroom.

Review of a community, national, or state resources

The historical site known as the Green Farm would be an excellent resource to use when teaching social studies. The Green Farm is located on Jennie Green Road in Falls of Rough, Kentucky. This is in Grayson county, Kentucky. To make contact with this historical site you can call 270-879-3486 or send an email to this address greenmasion@greenfarmresort.com. The Green Mill Farm was built in 1823. The mill was operated continuously by the Green family for over 140 years. It was part of 6000 acre farm-timber complex supporting several family owned industries. Farmers from seven counties brought grain for milling into flour and cornmeal. This historic site has been restored and people can view the general store, mill, the family’s historic mansion, the waterfalls, and farmland. Jennie Green, one of the daughters of Willis Green, had a ticket to board the Titanic. However, at the last minute she decided not to go. This would make for an interesting history discussion in a social studies classroom. Teachers could use this resource to show students how the farming and trading industry has changed over time. Moreover, teachers could use this to teach about how important farming was to Americans in the past. Teachers could easily relate this site to economics, because this farm was a trading site for hundreds of people. Teachers could use this site to teach about the cultural lifestyle of Americans in the past. The website link for this site is http://www.greenfarmresort.com/. I would highly recommend anyone to visit this educational and historical site.

FILM Strategy

Monument/Memorial: Guthrie Bell Tower

Function:

What purpose is the marker serving?

The overall theme behind the Guthrie Tower Bell is our nation’s freedom, family, service, and sacrifices. The 125-foot Guthrie Bell Tower is a memorial to freedom and those who gave their lives defending it. It is a symbol of service. Reminding our nation’s citizens that men and women serve this great nation where we can live in peace and harmony. It is a symbol of family and sacrifice. Reminding us families are suffering daily because their son, daughter, husband, wife, niece, nephew, granddaughter, or grandson paid the ultimate price for freedom. The bells of freedom echo throughout Western Kentucky University’s campus each day. The services of these brave men and women have given the United States a pleasant past to sleep on and a brighter future nearing. Moreover, the purpose it has for the students, faculty, and staff at Western is to celebrate the freedom we share as American citizens, and remind us that our freedom did not come free.

What materials were used to construct this monument?

Brick, concrete, granite and bronze compose this monument. The tower stands 125.5 feet tall with clock faces on all four sides. The tower has a 47-bell carillon that will weigh about 25,000 pounds. The largest bell is 59 inches in diameter and weighs about 4,630 pounds. Granite bench etchings surround the 125.5 foot bell tower. Famous quotes from people are etched on the benches.

Should it be renovated?

No, this tower is Western Kentucky University’s newest landmark and is currently in excellent condition.

Importance:

What event or person does this marker commemorate?

The 125 foot bell tower honors the memory of Lowell Guthrie’s brother, Sgt. 1^st Class Robert Guthrie, who was killed in the Korean War, and all those associated with Western who lost their lives in service to this country. Sgt. 1^st Class Robert Guthrie grew up in Alabama, became an Eagle Scout, and decided he wanted to serve his country. Sgt. 1^st Class Robert Guthrie paid the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. The Guthrie Bell Tower commemorates all of the men and women who gave their life for freedom.

Does this event seem important ? Why or Why not today?

Yes, the monument is very important today because our freedom has not come free. Everyday, men and women are giving their lives for our nation’s freedom. The marker is especially important right now, because our nation is fighting a war on terrorism. The recent attacks the United States have faced is a true testament to

The men and women serving our nation. They stand proud, strong, and eager to protect our nation’s freedom. It is a true reminder we have to fight for our freedom. Sadly but true when there is war there is death. Because of men like Sgt. 1^st Class Robert Guthrie, and the men and women in the army, marines, and navy we have freedom in the United States of America. The brave souls and hearts of individuals protect us, so we can live free in the land of opportunity.

Location:

Why is the marker here?

The top of the bell tower was modeled after Cherry Hall. The marker was placed here because this spot architecturally unites the north and south end of campus.

Should it be retained?

I most definitely think it should be retained. This monument serves as a true reminder of our freedom and the sacrifices made. It should be kept in good condition and remain where it stands.

Meaning:

Who erected this marker?

Arrasmith, Judd, Rapp, Architects Inc. and the general contractor for the project was Star Construction, Inc.

Was there a ceremony when it was first put up on display?

Yes, there was a ceremony held on May 6, 2002. This was a dedication ceremony which celebrated our nation’s freedom. Moreover, the monument was dedicated as a tribute to men and women’s patriotism. Many important people attended the ceremony. Ron Lewis, President Gary Ransdell, Mitch McConnell, Jim Bunning, the Guthrie family, and several students, faculty, staff, and members of the Bowling Green community attended the ceremony. The ceremony consisted of several speakers speaking on the issues of freedom and sacrifice.

What does it mean to me?

Before I researched what the Guthrie Bell Tower symbolized, this monument meant nothing to me. For three years, I have walked through the tower numerous times never having the slightest idea of the symbolism this great monument serves. I feel quite ashamed to have never even taken the time to read the etchings of the famous quotes etched on the benches surrounding the tower. In the hustle and bustle of life, we often forget about how lucky we are to live in a country of freedom. We take for granted the importance of our freedom. However, after finding out what the tower symbolizes, my opinion has completely changed. The monument means freedom to me, and it is a true reminder that freedom does not come without sacrifices. Moreover, people die everyday so I can live in the land of opportunity and freedom- The United States of America.

OSAE

Name of site: Green Farm Resort, Falls of Rough

Grade Level: 2^nd grade

Observation Questions

What is the old general store made out of?
What is the mill near?
What is the first thing you thought of when you saw the house?
What color is the house?

Speculation Questions

1. Why did people stop using the mill?
2. What type of things do you think happened on the Green Farm?

3. Why do you think this farm was important to the people who lived nearby?

Analysis Questions

How does this place compare to where you live?
If you could go back in time, what questions would you ask the people that lived here?
How do you think this home and farm will look in 100 years?
What do you think the other people of this area thought about the Green family?

Evaluation Questions

1. Is this a place where you can bring your family to buy food and supplies?

2.How well is the Green Farm working?

3.What does this historical site mean to you?

Concept Analysis

Concept: Climate

Definition: The meteorological conditions, including temperature, precipitation, and wind, which characteristically prevail in a particular region.

The average course or condition of the weather at a place over a period of years as exhibited by wind velocity, temperature, and precipitation.

Subconcepts: cold, tropical, polar, temperate, dry

Characteristicis/ Attributes: Climates support life. Climates have an average condition of the atmosphere near the earth’s surface. Climates are places in which people live. Climate involves the rainfall, temperature, and wind over a particular geographical area on the earth’s surface. Climates can be hot, cold, frigid, sultry, or tropical. Different climates have different types of weather; for example, polar climates have cold weather and snowstorms.

Examples: Lagos, Nigeria; Manaus, Brazil; Greenland, Denmark; Vardo, Norway; Ontario, Canada; Augusta, Maine; Cairo, Egypt; Lima, Peru; Bowling Green, Kentucky; New Orleans, Louisiana

Superordinate: Weather

Coordinate Concept: Temperature

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