Extra! Extra! Read All About It!

 

 

Level:                   Elementary/Middle/Secondary

 

Subject:                English

 

Objective:             Students will be able to write a short newspaper article regarding a particular event, in submarine history, considered a milestone in technology and science.

 

Materials:             Library

                            Internet

 

Task:                    Write a newspaper article covering an event in submarine history.

 

Activity:                Choose several events and their dates in submarine history that had an impact on our lives. Have the students write a newspaper article that describes the event, the people involved, circumstances, and potential impact on society as seen through the eyes of a reporter of that time period. Students may want to draw a picture of the event similar to the way newspapers used visuals prior to photography.

 

                             Ask a local newspaper reporter to visit the classroom. Ask the reporter to discuss how interviews are conducted, how critical information necessary for a story is gathered and the importance of “primary sources” for actual reporting.

 

Assign students to act the part of the primary person or persons responsible for the special event. Other students may want to be interviewed as witnesses to the event. For example, the reporter may interview Hunley after the launch of the Confederate submarine. What impact does he feel his new submarine will have on breaking the Union blockade? What new technology has been introduced in building the submarine? How did he select the crew members? Interview observers to the event, as well.

 

 

Circumstances of performance: This student work is to be produced under the following work conditions:

 

__ alone                                  __ in a group

__ in class                                __ as homework

__ with teacher feedback         __ timed

__ with peer feedback              __ opportunity for revision

 

Standards addressed:

 

Elementary School

E2a. The student produces a report that:

·      Engages the reader by establishing a context, creating a persona, and otherwise developing reader interest;

·      Develops a controlling idea that conveys a perspective on the subject;

·      Creates an organizing structure appropriate to a specific purpose audience, and context;

·      Includes appropriate facts and details;

·      Excludes extraneous and inappropriate information;

·      Uses a range of appropriate strategies, such as providing facts and details, describing or analyzing the subject, and narrating a relevant anecdote;

·      Provides a sense of closure to the writing.

 

Middle School

E2a. The student produces a report that:

·      Engages the reader by establishing a context, creating a persona, and otherwise developing reader interest;

·      Develops a controlling idea that conveys a perspective on the subject;

·      Creates an organizing structure appropriate to purpose, audience, and context;

·      Includes appropriate facts and details;

·      Excludes extraneous and inappropriate information;

·      Uses a range of appropriate strategies, such as providing facts and details, describing or analyzing the subject, and narrating a relevant anecdote, comparing or contrasting, naming, and explaining benefits or limitations;

·      Provides a sense of closure to the writing.

 

High School

E2a. The student produces a report that:

·      Engages the reader by establishing a context, creating a persona, and otherwise developing reader interest;

·      Develops a controlling idea that conveys a perspective on the subject;

·      Creates an organizing structure appropriate to purpose audience, and context;

·      Includes appropriate facts and details;

·      Excludes extraneous and inappropriate information;

·      Uses a range of appropriate strategies, such as providing facts and details, describing or analyzing the subject, and narrating a relevant anecdote; comparing and contrasting, naming, explaining benefits or limitations, demonstrating claims or assertions, and providing a scenario to illustrate;

·      Provides a sense of closure to the writing.