1 class periods of 45 minutes each
Small Groups
Communication
This lesson is used as an introduction to the French Revolution and how to use a GPS.
Teachers need to know how to use a GPS system so they can help their students. Teachers also need to have knowledge of the French Revolution.
Students do not need any prior knowledge, though if they know how to use a GPS system, it would help their group.
Students will have a basic knowledge of the French Revolution and how to use a GPS to locate waypoints.
1. Prior to the lesson, the teacher needs to locate pictures dealing with the French Revolution. I used those listed on this lesson plan, as well as some from the two books in my bibliography. Cut these pictures out, and glue them onto a large sheet of posterboard, forming a collage. If you plan on reusing the collage, laminate it as well, either before or after cutting it. After the glue has dried, cut the posterboard into fourths (they do not need to be exact fourths). Cut each fourth into smaller puzzle pieces and put them into separate tupperware containers. I did four groups because there were only 4 GPS units to use in the class. You can do more groups if you have access to more than four and want the students in smaller groups.
2. Also prior to giving the lesson, teacher should hide each of the containers and mark the waypoints of each on the GPS. I only marked one waypoint on each GPS so as not to confuse the students.
3. Divide students into four groups (more if you're using more than 4 GPS units). Show them how to turn on the units, select the waypoint they will be searching for, and select "GoTo" so the compass screen comes up, showing them which direction to go.
4. Send each group on their way, with the instructions to return to the classroom after locating their cache and put the pieces of their puzzle together.
5. When all groups have put their mini puzzles together, they need to put all of them together in one giant puzzle.
6. Discuss briefly what the students already know about the French Revolution. Find out what they would like to learn.
I grouped the students so that there were all different types of learners and levels of understanding in each group.
Most of the assessment of this lesson is done verbally, though the KWL chart could also be used as a grade. Discuss with the students what they enjoyed about the activity and what they learned about using a GPS unit as well.
Kirchberger, Joe H. The French Revolution and Napoleon. Facts on File, New York. 1989. Tackett, Timothy. When the King Took Flight. Harvard University Press, Cambridge, MA. 2003.