Overview

Help kids in grades 6–8 learn American history in a whole new way. Get a complete lesson plan and resources for creating "fireside chat" podcasts in the classroom.

Fireside podcasts—American history and 21st century learners

This lesson plan was a winning entry of the 2008 TEE & Scholastic "Best-Ever Lesson Plan" contest. The following lesson plan and resources appear in their original form as they were submitted to TEE in 2008.

Target Grade Level

Sixth Grade Students

Time Allotment

3 weeks

Fireside Podcast Link

http://msprinkle.edublogs.org/fireside-podcasts/

Subject Area

World War II

Objective—Including National and Virginia State History, Writing/Language and Technology Standards

Students will work in groups to create a "Fireside Chat Podcast." During this activity, students will research World War II. Students will create a storyboard for their podcast project including an introduction, historical content/analysis, connections between past/present, historical perspectives, and a summary. As students create their podcast script, their storyboard will focus on the following written/language objectives: writing descriptions and explanations including planning, creating a central idea, organizing, elaborating, selecting vocabulary, revising, and delivery.

Media Components

• HP 2133 Mini-Notebook PC
• MP3 Player with Recording Feature.
• Audacity-Free Online Audio Editor and Recorder
• Bubbl.us-Free Online Graphic Organizer
• Online Databases such as http://www.americanhistory.abc-clio.com/Login/Login.aspx

Procedures:

Introductory Activity

• As students enter class, the teacher will use the MP3 recorder to ask several students the following question, "What comes to mind when you hear World War II?" Record responses using the MP3 player. Students may also use the recording feature of Audacity (already downloaded to the Mini-Notebook PC) to record their thoughts using the mini-notebook.
• Using the MP3 player and mini-notebook, the students will listen to the recordings. Discuss our study of World War II and "Fireside Podcast" group podcasts.

Learning Activities

• Students will be placed in groups of four. Each student is assigned a WWII task including 1.) Allied and Axis Power Leaders and Dictators, 2.) Reasons for American Involvement, 3.) American Homefront, Major Battles and Turning Points, and 4.) the Holocaust
• As students learn about WWII, they will use Bubbl.us and/or a "Storyboard" worksheet to organize, develop, write, revise, and perfect their scripts.
• Time in class will be given so students may work collaboratively with group members to create a fabulous podcast.
• Students will be given group time to use the Mini-Notebook PC and the MP3 player to practice and record their scripts.
• As students finish, add podcasts to http://msprinkle.edublogs.org/fireside-podcasts/ for viewing.

Culminating Activity

• Using the Mini-Notebook PC, the Fireside Chat Blog, and an LCD project, the students will participate in a "Fireside Chat Podcast Party—F.C.P.P."
• Projects will be graded using a rubric assessment tool.

Why Podcast?

The power of voice is great! Students, no matter their age, love sharing what they create. Podcasting provides a way for teachers to engage students and allows them to demonstrate their knowledge, while allowing them to work collaboratively with others. Modern technology equipment like the Mini-Notebook PC and Web2.0 tools like podcasting help students become 21^st century learners. This lesson teaches students to problem solve, use creativity, and ultimately become a digital-age learner.

Download complete lesson plan (107 KB Microsoft Word file)