Students Taking Social Studies to the Next Level

In 8th grade social studies, students study 20th Century United States History, including World War II. As part of an assignment, students were asked to write a letter to a relative from the perspective of an internee at a Japanese American internment camp during WWII.

One student took the assignment above and beyond the requirements. She used Google Translate to translate her letter into Japanese. Here is the text of her letter in both English and Japanese:

The letter in English:

Dear Lee,

There was news about us Japanese people being relocated. At first I
didn't believe the news, but sadly it is all too true. Once I arrived, it looked
hideous. It was just so unbelievable how terrible this place looked! Let me
tell you, there was no heat, running water, or air conditioning. It is a huge
disgrace they are doing this, epically since we are citizens!
I have been considering joining the army, but my mind is mad up. I will
not fight for this despicable place! These people who put me here are
nothing but inconsiderate jerks. This is one of the most racist things I have
ever witnessed with my own eyes! Although I was sad, I had to keep my
attitude up for my siblings . I just really wish that this would all end.
I'll be home soon hopefully, keep your head up.

Love,
Ming

The letter in Japanese:

She really got into the spirit of the assignment!

Comments

Digital Science Fair Projects

At the end of the year, many of our schools hold school wide science fairs. Students plan Science fair project tri-fold display board and implement projects and then present the process and resulting data on tri-fold display boards much like this. One class decided to go green and do away with using display boards. They conducted their experiments and recorded the data but rather than create paper reports they used their iPads. Project Data Graphs The students took pictures and video and created graphs and other visual representations and imported those into the Explain Everything app. During the science fair, students brought their iPads to the school's multipurpose room and presented their projects to attendees right from the iPads. In addition to using digital tools, these students are also developing their listening, speaking, and presentation skills - all vital to college and career readiness.

Holt Interactive Graphic Organizers

Check out these online graphic organizers from Holt: Holt Interactive Graphic Organizers The site has over 30 graphic organizers for a variety of tasks. Each graphic organizer is interactive and can be downloaded onto a computer with Adobe Reader and be filled out right on the computer. There are also Teaching Notes available with tips and lesson ideas for each organizer What we really appreciate is that they also work on the iPads! Using the "Open In" feature in an IOS web browser such as Safari or Chrome, you can import the graphic organizer into the Adobe Reader app and easily fill in the fields. Students can then take a screenshot of the completed graphic organizer to share with their teacher or import into another iPad project.

T. A. G. Strategy

We want our students to reflect on their own work but also to be able to give effective feedback to each other. This is true for writing, conversations, or digital work. It's tough for us as adults and even more difficult for our students - no matter the grade level. As we have started using Seesaw ( https://web.seesaw.me/ ) and its student Comment feature, I've seen lots of "I like ..." and "That's cool" comments. Not very meaningful. I recently came across this simple strategy called T.A.G: Tell, Ask, Give. An easy to remember acronym and a good way to get students started in making effective comments. I've seen several variations but like these descriptors for the acronym: Tell - something you learned or was meaningful ("like" if they are specific about what they like) Ask - a question Give - a compliment or recommendation (depending upon the purpose for the comment) Download a pdf here . Here are some additional

Suzanne's Ed Tech Reflections

Search This Blog