Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Task 2 Collaborative Lesson
Task 2 Collaborative Lesson
Using research to locate background information about theme of The Devils Arithmetic.
The Devils Arithmetic: Unit 2
Jessica Cox
Curriculum Area: ELA, Grade: 6
Desired Results:
Standards of Excellence:
ELAGSE6RI1: Cite textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well
as inferences drawn from the text.
ELAGSE6RI3: Analyze in detail how a key individual, event, or idea is introduced, illustrated,
and elaborated in a text.
AASL Standards for the 21st Century Learner:
1.1 Skills
1.1.1 Follow an inquiry-based process in seeking knowledge in curricular subjects, and make the
real-world connection for using this process in own life.
1.1.2 Use prior and background knowledge as context for new learning.
1.1.4 Find, evaluate, and select appropriate sources to answer questions.
1.1.5 Evaluate information found in selected sources on the basis of accuracy, validity, and
appropriateness for needs, importance, and social and cultural context.
1.1.7 Make sense of information gathered from diverse sources by identifying misconceptions,
main and supporting ideas, conflicting information, and point of view or bias.
1.1.9 Collaborate with others to broaden and deepen understanding.
1.2 Dispositions in Action
1.2.3 Demonstrate creativity by using multiple resources and formats.
1.3 Responsibilities
1.3.1 Respect copyright/intellectual property rights of creators and producers
1.3.3 Follow ethical and legal guidelines in gathering and using information.
1.4 Self-Assessment Strategies
1.4.2 Use interaction with and feedback from teachers and peers to guide own inquiry process.
1.4.3 Monitor gathered information, and assess for gaps or weaknesses.
1.4.4 Seek appropriate help when it is needed.
Essential Questions:
How does the context and background knowledge of the time period improve my understanding
of the text?
How do I cite textual evidence to support analysis of what the texts says explicitly as well as
inferences drawn from the text?
How do I conduct short research projects to answer questions?
How can I present information using a web 2.0 tool?
Students will be able to
The purpose of this unit is to provide evidence of information literacy skills. Therefore, the
performance task provides students an opportunity to use their research skills and create a
presentation using Glogster. Students will use print (non-fiction books and reference materials)
and digital resources (websites) to gather background information about the Holocaust to prepare
for their reading of The Devils Arithmetic. With the information they gather in their small group,
they will create a glog to present their information to the class.
Learning Plan:
1. Using Blendspace, the SLMS will review with the students the importance of avoiding
plagiarism and the ethical use of information.
2. In whole group, the SLMS will begin a discussion of the Holocaust and background
information the students have. The students will discuss how to locate information on a
topic and ways students can find out more information on a topic.
3. Students will identify resources they could use to gather information. (Print and non-print
resources will be discussed.)
4. The teacher will give students questions to research, the directions, and the rubric for the
performance task. The SLMS will discuss the instructions. Questions are differentiated
for students. Some students will work in partners. Students will have two or three
questions to answer. While researching, students should take notes and make notes of the
resources so they can cite the sources. A curated resource list has been created to help
guide students.
https://www.tes.com/lessons/pN30rbSzPjcGoA/
Questions for research:
1. List the basic beliefs of the Jewish religion.
2. What was the Holocaust?
3. List the Jewish holidays and how they were celebrated.
4. Discover what is meant by the term bear witness, especially in reference to the
Holocaust.
5. Create a list of known Holocaust survivors that have gone on to bear witness in a
public or private way.
6. Who was Adolf Hitler.
7. Explain what a Nazi was.
8. Make a timeline of World War II.
9. Who were the Allies and name their leaders.
10. Name the Axis countries and their leaders.
11. What was a concentration camp?
12. Where were concentration camps located?
13. What was a Jewish ghetto?
14. Identify European countries boundaries in 1943. Compare to present boundaries.
15. Discover what countries remained neutral during World War II and why.
16. Explain the significance of the Star of David symbol.
17. What is a synagogue and a rabbi?
18. What was Hitlers Final Solution?
5. The students will research their questions while the SLMS and teacher circulate around
for questions.
6. The students will create a glog using Glogster of their research findings.