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Lesson 1

We will introduce the section by reviewing the Central Question and the Framing Questions. We will also deconstruct the Culminating Task and begin to respond to the following question: How does the use of primary and secondary sources affect modern storytelling?

Lesson Goals

  • Can I take necessary action to prepare for the task of writing my essay?

  • Can I recognize points of connection among texts, textual elements, and perspectives to make logical, objective comparisons?

Texts

There are no texts for this Lesson.

Materials

Tools

Editable Google Docs

Activity 1: Read

We will introduce the section by reviewing the Central Question and the framing questions.

Review the Central Question of the unit:

How do storytellers use primary sources?

Review the Framing Questions for this unit, particularly Questions 8 and 9:

  1. How did Lin-Manuel Miranda interpret primary and secondary sources to create Hamilton: An American Musical?

  2. Who is Alexander Hamilton?

  3. How did Lin-Manuel Miranda interpret primary and secondary sources to create the character of Alexander Hamilton?

  4. How did Lin-Manuel Miranda interpret primary and secondary sources to portray Hamilton’s relationships?

  5. How does Lin-Manuel Miranda’s interpretation of Alexander Hamilton compare with the Hamilton revealed in the primary and secondary sources?

  6. Is Lin-Manuel Miranda’s interpretation of Hamilton’s character accurate?

  7. How important is it to be historically accurate when creating art that is based on a real person or event?

  8. How will I use primary and secondary sources to create an original work?

  9. How does the use of primary sources affect modern storytelling?

Review the previous entries in your Learning Log, reflect on what you learned over the previous section, and add new observations and inquiries, using the following guiding questions:

  1. Notice: What seems interesting or important?

  2. Think: What does it make me think about? What connections can I make?

  3. Wonder: What am I curious about?

Discuss with a partner how your understanding has evolved and your ideas about what this section entails and how this section will support your success on the Culminating Task.

Share your responses with the class.

Activity 2: Read

We will review and unpack the Culminating Task checklist.

Listen and read along silently as your teacher or one of your peers reads aloud the Culminating Task Checklist.

With a partner, respond to the following questions:

  1. What is the focus of the Culminating Task? What does the task ask you to do?

  2. What questions do you have about the Culminating Task?

  3. What do you need to understand and think about to succeed on the Culminating Task?

Share your responses with the class.

Next, working with your partner, reread the Culminating Task Checklist and review your Culminating Task Progress Tracker. Think about what knowledge you have gained and skills you have practiced thus far in the unit. Use the Culminating Task Progress Tracker to do the following:

  • Add or refine any skills and content knowledge required for the Culminating Task.

  • Evaluate how well you have mastered the skills and knowledge required for the Culminating Task.

  • Note where you need additional practice or support.

Be prepared to share your list during the class discussion.

Activity 3: Discuss

We will prepare for the Culminating Task by synthesizing our thinking and the learning we have built throughout the unit, considering possible topics for our own essays.

In your research group, discuss and respond to the following questions:

  1. Considering the Central Question, how do storytellers use primary sources?

  2. How did Lin-Manuel Miranda use primary and secondary sources?

  3. How did your group use primary and secondary sources when creating your piece?

Activity 4: Write

We will prepare for the Culminating Task by synthesizing our thinking and the learning that we have built throughout the unit and considering possible topics for our own essays.

Individually, take notes in response to the following prompts:

  • Explain the choices you made concerning primary source influences when creating your piece.

  • Compare your song to one of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s songs that influenced you.

  • Explain the challenge you encountered while writing your piece.

  • Evaluate the effectiveness of your choices in achieving your purpose of creatively informing the audience about the topic in your piece.

In small groups, share, discuss, and expand your initial responses to the questions. Be prepared to share with the whole class during a debrief.