Integrative Model

Integrative Model

Standard 2 

1) Students will understand the chronology and significance of key events leading to self-government.

Analyze arguments both for and against declaring independence using primary sources from Loyalist and patriot perspectives. 

The revolutionary war is a perfect springboard to utilize the integrative model. In this lesson, students would analyze different primary source documents from differing viewpoints about declaring independence. Technology for this lesson would include online sources to view the primary source documents. A concept mapping tool would be used to explain and similarities and differences between the different sources.

2) Reading: Literature Standard 3 

Compare and contrast two or more characters, settings, or events in a story or drama, drawing on specific details in the text (e.g., how characters interact).

Comparing characters in literature would be a great way to use this method. Students would read multiple books from the same author and then would compare main characters from those books. In 5th grade we read books from Jerry Spinelli. His books usually have short chapters that keep students engaged. Students could utilize the integrative model to compare not only characters, but different events in the stories to see if there are similarities in writing style and situations that characters face. I would have students blog about the differences and similarities of the main characters and participate in blogging as they read. 

3) Standard 4 

Students will understand that the 19th century was a time of incredible change for the United States, including geographic expansion, constitutional crisis, and economic growth.

Contrast the impact of the war on individuals in various regions (e.g. North, South, West). 

In this lesson I would compile different diary entries between citizens of the North and the South during the Civil War. Students would see the differing points of view between people living in the same country. Students would utilize concept mapping online and would collaborate with each other as they make them. 

This would be a great way to compare our country today and how people are divided on a lot of different issues. I would help students conduct a search online to view different news websites to see how perspectives change depending on location… etc… (especially during Presidential elections)