Thematic Unit Description Paper Name: Chelsey Helzer

Course-Section: TEAC 259

I. Unit Context

1. Write a description of the unit theme detailing what the students will be learning.

Students will learn about the U.S. Civil War through a variety of different academic
disciplines. First, they will examine a particular battle of their own choosing and
report on the key aspects of the battle, as well as its overall significance in the war
effort. Through this exercise, students will also learn how to conduct Internet
research and how to cite their sources within their paper. Second, students will gain a
deeper understanding of Civil War casualty statistics by comparing the casualty count
to other American wars. In addition, students will complete a worksheet focused on
figuring percentages. Using the worksheet as a foundation, students will then write
and answer three percentage word problems comparing the Civil War to other wars.
Third, students will create an imaginary letter or journal entry concerning the Battle
of Fredericksburg. Through this exercise, students will learn the importance of
brainstorming ideas and gain experience writing creatively.

2. What is the target subject area/class?

This thematic unit is designed to target an eleventh grade U.S. history class.
However, due to various projects, the unit will also include some writing and math
components.

3. How does this unit fit into the whole learning experience of the students?

Students will benefit in numerous academic ways upon completion of this unit. By
learning how to conduct Internet based research, write cohesively and creatively, and
practice basic math skills, such as figuring percentages, students will be better
prepared to succeed in college and the workforce.
Students will also learn the importance of interacting in group settings through
various class discussions.

4. What is the setting or situation? Describe the classroom as you see it. Include information
on what computers and other equipment are available to the students.

The classroom being used for this thematic unit has one PC computer that is designated
for the teacher’s use only. The PC has a high-speed Internet connection and contains
Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint software. Speakers are connected to the
computer for the occasions when media is used in teaching a lesson. There is also an
overhead projector and screen to be used in conjunction with the computer.
When it is necessary for the students to research independently online, they will be
allowed access to the school library that contains thirty student PC computers.
II. Audience

1. General characteristics: Describe the learners, including the size of the group, their age,
interests, experiences, and aptitudes.

In the classroom, there are 20 eleventh grade U.S. History students. Out of these 16-17
year-olds, there are 11 White students, 5 Latino students, and 4 Black students. Other
characteristics of this class include:
 12 females, 8 males
 7 Honor Society students
 4 students living below the poverty level
 10 varsity athletes
 6 students involved in band or choir
 3 students with a Behavioral Disorder
 2 students reading below grade-level

2. Entry competencies: What specific knowledge and assumptions can you make about
them? Remember to describe their computer competence.

Being upperclassmen, the students are well acquainted with the resources available to
them both in the classroom and in the library. They have had a lot of experience using
newspapers, encyclopedias, and articles to find information for school projects. All of
the students are computer literate and are familiar with Internet navigation, as well as
using Microsoft Word. However, a majority of the students are unfamiliar with finding
credible Internet resources used in academic research. Also, most students do not
understand the proper way to cite Internet resources within their papers.

III. State Objectives

1. State Goal

The goal of this unit is for students to learn more about the Civil War through a variety of
exercises. Students will develop their critical and creative thinking skills through class
discussions and writing assignments. In addition, students will gain experience working
with percentages and using Internet academic resources in their research.

2. State Objective 1

(A) Eleventh grade students (B) will write a two page report (D) within one week,
detailing the significance of a major U.S. Civil War battle, (C) using information
gathered from at least 2 Internet resources.
 3. State Objective 2

(C) Using the Table 1 statistics found online at

http://www.fas.org.sgp/crs/natsec/RL32492.pdf, (A) eleventh grade students (B) will
write and answer three percentage word problems (D) comparing the Civil War casualty
statistics with other American war casualty counts with 100 percent accuracy.

4. State Objective 3

(C) Using the ideas brainstormed in class after discussing The Letter, (A) eleventh grade
students (B) will compose a creative letter or journal entry (D) 3-4 paragraphs in length,
focusing on the Battle of Fredericksburg from an insider’s perspective.

IV. State Methods

1. Instructional Strategy: Identify the instructional strategies you might use to deliver this
unit with. Explain how the methods and media will be used to create the learning
environment.

a. Method(s) for objective 1

The Presentation method will be used for objective 1. At the start of class,
students will listen to the Gettysburg Address on YouTube. Through
presentation, the students will then learn about the Battle of Gettysburg and its
significance in the overall war effort. Throughout the lecture, students will also
be provided with pictures taken from Gettysburg using the overhead projector and
www.historyplace.com/civilwar/photos.htm. Students will then be allowed to go
to the library to research a major Civil War battle of their choice using
www.historycentral.com and one other online source.

b. Method(s) for objective 2

Using both the Demonstration and Drill and Practice methods, students will gain
experience working with percentages. Class will begin by sharing Civil War
casualty statistics with the students. Following that, the class will discuss various
battle statistics by using http://americancivilwar.com/cwstats.html and the
overhead projector. During this time, students will be shown how to derive
percentages from the information viewed on the above website. Students will
then complete a worksheet focused on figuring percentages.

c. Method(s) for objective 3

Presentation and Discussion will be used for objective 3. At the beginning of

class, students will read a letter that was written after the Battle of Fredericksburg
that can be found online at http://www.civilwarhome.com/letter.htm. The
overhead projector will be used so that all the students are able to read along.
After a brief lecture over Fredericksburg the class will then engage in a discussion
focused on the poem, The Letter. This can be found at
http://lostdiaries.com/civilwarpoetry.htm#Letter. The overhead will also be used
for this activity.
Inspiration Mind Map:

3 Internet Sources:

1. http://www.historycentral.com/CivilWar/Getty.html
2. http://www.americancivilwar.com/
3. http://www.civilwarhome.com/letter.htm