Kellie Schneider

Unit Plan for Edtech 506

For this project, I would like to revamp the Prehistory (Stone Age) social studies unit I
currently teach and improve the visual design of the unit as well as increase technology
integration.

1. Unit Goals (long range-how does this unit fit with year long goals?)
The goals of this unit are to introduce/explore the history, geography, culture, economics,
and government of the Paleolithic and Neolithic time periods and their importance in modern
society.

2. Specific ways to relate goal(s) to curriculum (team/department, system and state

frameworks)
I will be referring directly to the district curriculum as I create this unit. The curriculum is
aligned with state standards. I am thinking that I could find/create graphics to introduce
prehistoric artifacts and the concept of archaeology as well as aspects of prehistoric culture.
Another idea I have is to start an illustrated timeline of some kind.

3. Characteristics of the students for whom this unit is intended (needs in the cognitive, social,
emotional and physical areas)
This unit is intended for sixth-graders in middle school. They are highly-active and have
failry short attention spans, but most of the time are eager to learn and enjoy interactive and
hands-on activities, especially those including the use of technology.

4. Introductory procedures (How will you introduce the unit and the goals?)
I like to introduce social studies units with visuals. Usually I show a video, to give the kids an
introduction to what they will be learning about and a visual frame of reference as they
continue learning. I have yet to find good visuals for the Prehistory unit and I think this is a
good chance to invest time in creating a great slide show or something to help the kids
create that visual reference.

5. Materials and media (any resource, persons or materials: be as specific as possible. Identify
resource, its availability, how it is to be used and why).
I have some resources that I have used in the past, but they are fairly limited. This is the first
major unit I teach during the school year and I have never had time to make it really great. I
do have my school library looking for some books and videos for me. I will probably working
from scratch quite a bit. I do like to search online for clipart and other images and will use
those in creating PowerPoints and graphic organizers for instruction.

6. Visuals (although this is part of the materials and media, I want this to be a specific part of
your plan). Identify visuals that will be used, their purpose, and
One site I like is www.phillipmartin.info. This site has some great materials that are kid-
friendly and relevant to my curriculum. Some of them could be viewed as extraneous, but if
used correctly, they really perk interest from students and can illustrate concepts.I will also
be looking for photographs to show “real” images to show kids what the stone age might
have looked like.
7. Assessment and evaluation of learner understanding (Identify the methods the teacher will
use to identify student learning levels and needs. Describe when these will be used during
the unit)
I would like to use two forms of assessment. One will be a written test. The other will be a
performance assessment consisting of a graphic organizer created by the students.

8. Relate assessment instruments to the outcomes stated in the goals.

The written test will reflect understanind of the five focus areas and the graphic organizer
will assess how students can make connections among these focus areas.

Adapted from Unit Plan at http://edtech.tennessee.edu/~bobannon/unit_plans.html