AIM: To use Baseball as an alternative in teaching about historic figures and events in American history.
RATIONALE: Baseball has been played during critical times of
the development of our country during the 20th century.The featured athletes
span the 20th century and can be used to define particular eras of American
history. History has been additionally taught by using timelines that correlate
to presidents or events that had global impact.Occasionally, we view history
in a different medium. During the terms of presidents and global
events, there were always events that were not making global news, or calling
for a national vote. Baseball is one such event that has been played
in the United States and has kept a constant and complete record throughout
it's history. Therefore, I'm using baseball as an alternative to
traditional methods. Whereas timelines can be applied, it can draw
on a totally different focus. In this lesson, events of certain times
will be drawn from events during an athletes career. The curriculum, "Six
men who had an impact on Baseball in the 20th century", exists solely on
the World Wide Web.
This shows that development and implementation of web based curriculum
place a greater responsibility on the student. It also organizes
the great amount of information and resources that support student learning.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES: Illinois State Goal #18; Understand, analyze, and compare social systems with an emphasis on the United States. Chicago Academic Statement; C-Examine and interpret ways in which current events affect individuals and groups.
AUDIENCE AND PRE REQUISITES: Middle grade students and up, with basic browser skills, some computer skills, knowledge of links, and ability to work in a group environment.
SUBJECT MATTER: This is a history lesson that is centered on baseball players, past and present. These athletes have been chosen because they have had an impact on their sport, and have impacted someone's life as well. The lesson draws on the historic events that have taken place during their careers and their careers also.
TEACHING PLAN: After initial direction, the pages are designed for self directed activities, with the teacher as a facilitator, and with attention to individual or groups as needed. Students are encouraged to visit each link on each page. Each page has an introduction to the subject, with links that detail each. Students are encouraged to take notes or copy specific information for each lesson. Specific lessons can be drawn form one or all subjects.
MATERIALS: Computer with internet capabilities, printer, notebook, pen.
ASSESSMENT AND EVALUATION: Assessment should include performance
based evaluation.
Performance Based; Cooperative groups will prepare oral or written
presentations. They may choose from each site or athlete to present
to their classmates or teacher or both. They may also use the available
technology to prepare individual written or oral reports.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:
National Baseball Hall
of Fame
Sammy
Sosa Home Page
Try This Now.Com
Yeah Sports.Com
Home Run Records.Com
Let's Find Out.Com
BlackBaseball.Com
TBSsuperstation.com
Cubs.Com