Know Where You Stand: A Pictorial History of the City of Plattsburgh

Name of Participants: Marjorie Light, Kevin Larkin, Scott Given

Overview:
In Social Studies, students see an introductory PowerPoint on the history of Plattsburgh via old photographs and postcards. Following lessons on the War of 1812, students go on a historical walking tour of the City of Plattsburgh with Mr. Larkin, armed with digital cameras. Prior to the walking tour, students receive a mini-lesson on digital photography and picture pointers from a special presentation by Mr. Given.

Next, students would add to the knowledge gained from the walking tour by researching the various historical sites they photographed (interviewing, reading primary documents, and/or consulting resources). Then, students would use the 6+1 model in English class to write text to accompany the photographs of the historical buildings and monuments of the City of Plattsburgh.

Following completion of the descriptive text, students use PhotoShop Studio in an after school session to join the photos and text digitally into a well-designed layout. The photo and text spreads would be included in a book about the history of Plattsburgh. Finally, students would import their photos, with a caption, into a PowerPoint presentation, which could be shown to the community and placed on the team website.

Content areas:

  • Social Studies 7
  • Art 7
  • English Language Arts 7

Length of instructional time for unit:
The English and Social Studies teachers will work with the students in two-week consecutive blocks, beginning with Social Studies, then moving to ELA. The art portion will be held tenth period, so that students can use the PC lab and combine the photos and texts using Photoshop.

After the three components of the work are complete, student will then collate and produce the final products. The entire project would be completed well before students leave for December break.

Grade/age level of audience:
7 th Grade Flamingo Team, which includes the students from three different special education classes, including one 8-1-1 and two 8-1-2 classes (Mrs. McNichols, Mrs. Chase, and Mr. Coakley).

NYS Learning Standards Addressed:

Social Studies Standards:

Standard 1: History of the United States and New York

Standard 3: Geography

Standard 5: Civics, Citizenship, and Government

ELA Standards:

Standard 1: Students will read, write, listen, and speak for information and understanding.

Standard 2: Students will read, write, listen, and speak for critical analysis and evaluation.

Standard 3: Students will read, write, listen, and speak for social interaction.

The Arts Standards:

Standard 1: Creating, Performing, and Participating in the Arts.

Standard 2: Knowing and Using Arts Materials and Resources.

Standard 3: Responding to and Analyzing Works of Art.