Teacher Resources
In this activity, students write informative/explanatory texts describing individuals in world history. This self-paced module is aligned to College and Career Ready Standards for Literacy in Social Studies/ History Frameworks.
Please note, in the second part of the Learn It section, there are links to writing samples. These are real examples from students, and some do contain spelling errors.
Please review Accessibilityopens in new window page for all of your students.
Module Information
- Grade band: 6-8
- Readability level: Lexile Level 1180
- Focus Standard: WHST.6-8.2
- Topic: The Role of African Americans in the Civil War
- Completion Time: 20 minutes
- Vocabulary: Visit the Glossary page or click on words highlighted within the module for a narrated definition.
In addition, students are directed to submit their writing to the teacher. Use the WHST.6-8.2 rubric to score the writing. For the Conquer It section essay, be sure to look for a synthetic summary and use effective feedback strategies to help students improve their writing.
This module contains several interactive features. Watch the Learn How to Use this Module tutorial to familiarize yourself with these features.
Student Resources for this Module
In this module, students are provided with links to external websites. The sites have been chosen for their content and grade-level appropriateness. Efforts are made to minimize linking to websites that contain advertisements or comments, but some of these websites may contain these features. Teachers should preview all websites before introducing the activities to students and adhere to their school system’s policy for Internet use. In addition, multimedia on these externally linked sites may not be accessible to all users, such as those individuals requiring a screen reader or using a tablet.
Library of Congress: Civil War and Reconstruction
Project Write Graphic Organizers
CCSS Literacy eHandbook: Write Informative/Explanatory Texts
Student Writing Tips: Inform/Explain: Writing to Inform or Explain
Student Writing Tips: Sources: Using Information in Your Writing
The Fifty-fourth Massachusetts Infantry
The 54th Massachusetts: History on the Battlefield
Robert Gould Shaw and 54th Regiment Memorial
Teacher Resources for this Module
Click on the links below for more information about the following topics on writing informational texts:
Researching a Topic: Student Writing Tips: Research: Gathering Information through Research
Informational Writing Tips: Student Writing Tips: Inform/Explain: Writing to Inform or Explain
Transitional Words and Phrases
N.Y. Times: Compare-Contrast, Cause-Effect, Problem-Solution: Common 'Text Types' in The TimesThis resource provides examples of cause and effect, problem and solution, and compare and contrast texts.
Using This Site
This lesson is built for use on classroom computers and tablets. If you have access to a desktop computer, laptop, tablet or an interactive whiteboard in your classroom, you may complete the lesson in your classroom. Otherwise, you will need to schedule time to use your school's computer lab. For technical specifications, see below.
Some activities on this site may include videos and narration, so you may want to have headphones available for students working at individual stations. For best results in viewing the videos and interactives, you should have a high-speed, stable Internet connection.
Technology
This site is an Internet-based activity, and it was built to run on the following computer operating systems and browsers:
- Windows 7 or Newer: IE 8, 9, 10, 11; Current version of Chrome; Current version of Firefox
- Mac OS 10.7 or Newer: Current version of Safari
- iPad2/iOS6 or Newer: Current version of Safari
- Android 4.0 or Newer: Current version of Android browser
- Chromebook: Current version of Chrome
Users running Internet Explorer 8 will not be able to use the highlighter tool. Instead, teachers should consider partnering students for a brief discussion.
Visit the Accessibility page for detailed information on the site's accessibility features.
