Teacher Lesson Plan Harvey in the Future--Year 2106

Purpose: To enable students to explore the possible future of their community through the use of primary sources, Internet web sites, and print and nonprint resources. Students will then begin to discuss their role in the future of Harvey. As stated in Illinois State Goal 16: "George Santayana said 'those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.' In a broader sense, students who can examine and analyze the events of the past have a powerful tool for understanding the events of today and the future. They develop an understanding of how people, nations, actions and interactions have led to today's realities. In the process, they can better define their own roles as participating citizens."

Grade Level: 3-6

Time Required: Total project can last for one to three weeks (depending on depth of project performed and activities chosen.) This exploration of the future will take 2-3 hours if it is done well.

Objectives: The learner/student will:

1. Discuss the future of their community, Harvey, Illinois and the role they play in creating the future.

2. Work in cooperative groups to discuss, divide tasks, and share information.

3. Explain the difference between past, present and future time; place themselves in time.

4. Research, take notes, synthesize information, and communicate information to their group and to the whole group.

5. Construct understanding about historical events and historical individuals by role playing time travel

6. Utilize technology to research, explore, gather and present information.

7. Discuss possible futures and research sources for ideas.

8. Describe how the local environment has changed over time.

9. Explain how the economy of the students’ local community has changed over time.

10. Compare, contrast and evaluate ideas and information from various sources.

11. Write letters, reports and stories based on acquired information.

12. Create a variety of print and nonprint documents to communicate acquired information for specific audiences and purposes.

Project Standards:

Illinois Learning Standards
Language Arts	Social Science	Fine Arts	Social-Emotional

and National Educational Technology Standards for Students (NETS)

Integrated Curriculum: Reading, Writing, Speaking, Listening, Social Science, Technology, Art, (Math could easily be added through demographics and historical data collection, map skills, etc.)

Overview of Activity:
Students will enter door to the past and see a time machine. This time, students are asked to research the future before they travel into time. After the research, students are to click on the door and then after a series of flashes will find themselves in the year 2106. You will need to facilitate this activity.

Reading through the web page, students are asked to think about the concept that the future is uncreated and that each of us plays a part in determining what the future of Harvey will be.. Students need to be encouraged to actually pretend to be in the time machine. There are several activities that will impact on their experience. Before beginning, it would be best if groups are chosen so that the students participate in the experience as a group. If students prefer to work individually, that is acceptable. You might find it necessary to explain to the group that every time they see words in red they should click on them. Red words are hyperlinks.

Activity 1: Research various web sites that contain predictions of the possible future. The group could break this task up so that they each become an expert in a particular area. You could ask each group to become an expert on one or two areas and then have them present the information to the total group. You could conduct this one activity and have the groups share what they have learned before getting into the time machine.

Activity 2: Take notes. Students or the teacher can print out the notes form. On the online form the students can find hints in case they get stuck with finding an answer. It is best if every student take notes. From experience, I have found that if there is only one form for the group, there are students who will be less involved. Also, by having everyone complete a form, it promotes more discussion. If you cannot complete the entire activity, at the end of this activity would be a good time to break. (60-90 minutes.)

Activity 3: Allow students time to write about and draw pictures of what they want the future Harvey to be like. Students can use computer drawing program and word processor or markers, pencils, paper, etc. (60 minutes)

Activity 4: Sharing of Harvey Vision. Students will share their writing, drawings, and their feelings about this experience. Students need time to really discuss their role in their community. Is there a project they can be involved in that would make a difference today? What kinds of things can they do now to be ready for the future?

Activity 5: Community Connections. If students are really involved in this activity, invite the mayor of the city to come and discuss some of the ideas that the students have come up with and how important the students are to the community's future. Students will need to prepare for this visit by writing questions to ask the mayor as well as decide which stories and drawings and ideas they wish to share with him.


Required Materials:
1 computer with internet access for each group or individual not working in a group
Notes form printed for every member of class
Pencils or pens to take notes
Markers, paint, crayons, colored pencils
Photoshop Elements, Paint Shop Pro or KidPix Studio on each computer
Word Processing program on each computer
Materials for any additional optional activities chosen.

Evaluation:

Students will be evaluated on their cooperative group work, information gathered, and participation in sharing of experiences.

Additional Optional Activities:

1. Time Capsule Students will put all of their writings and drawings in a time capsule that will be labeled and stored at central office and opened in 100 years. Included will be primary sources that students feel are important to share with the future generations. Photographs and anything that will decompose will be photographed and a digital record will be included.
   
   
2. My Grandchildren.
   Students bring in one photograph of themselves or take a digital picture of themselves today. They write a letter to their grandchild or great grandchild in the year 2106 telling them what they hope Harvey is like as a community to grow up in.
   
   
3. Why my Family will Stay in Harvey
   Students will interview family members to find out why Harvey is or how Harvey can become the kind of community where they will want to stay.Why do they stay here? What are their hopes and dreams for their family in the future? How can their family make a difference in the community?
   
   
4. See teacher resources for NETS activities and Illinois Learning Standard Activities.

Additional Activities Developed through Project Professional Development

Activities will be posted as they are planned through professional development.

Lesson Plan for Harvey in the Past
Lesson Plan for Harvey in the Present