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Lesson 1

We will learn about the Central Question for the unit: What does it mean to be an American?

We will analyze the Culminating Task and Culminating Task Checklist, identifying specific knowledge (the concept of Americanness) we are expected to gain throughout the unit and specific skills we will need to be successful on the Culminating Task. We will also review the Unit Text List in anticipation of our required reading. We will conclude by completing an Anticipation Guide.

Lesson Goals

  • Can I explain my thoughts about what it means to be an American?

  • Can I explain what we will be studying during the year?

  • Can I describe the goals and norms we will ascribe to?

  • Can I explain how the Foundation Unit prepares us for the rest of the year?

Texts

There are no texts for this Lesson.

Materials

Tools

Reference Guides

Question Sets

Editable Google Docs

Activity 1: Read

We will learn about this unit and how it relates to the rest of the year.

The Foundation Unit prepares you for the rest of the year. Review the Course Overview to understand what you will do and learn this year.

Activity 2: Read

We will review the Unit Text List to familiarize ourselves with the texts we will analyze and discuss throughout the unit.

Step 1

Access and review the Unit Text List. Note the information that is included about each text. These texts are also listed in the activities in which they appear, under the Materials tab. You will notice that each text has an icon by it. These indicate where the text is located, which corresponds to the Location column in the Unit Text List.

Text locations:

  • Tradebook: These texts are full-length novels or nonfiction books you will most likely have copies of.

  • Digital Access: You can find these texts online. Use the information provided in the Unit Text List or on the Texts tab for the activity to conduct a web search for the resource. Digital Access resources include online articles, videos, podcasts, and other web sources.

  • PDF Texts: These are formatted PDFs of texts that are available for download on the Materials tab.

  • CD/DVD: These materials are available on CD or DVD and might also be available through online content providers.

Step 2

Review the Independent Reading Text Options. Here, you will find suggested options for independent reading related to the unit.

Activity 3: Listen – Write

We will review the unit’s Central Question and complete an Anticipation Guide to discover what we currently think about being an American.

Step 1

Review the unit’s Central Question:

What does it mean to be an American?

Share your understanding of what it means to be an American by completing an Anticipation Guide. Listen to each statement. After each statement is read, note your response (strongly agree, agree, disagree, strongly disagree) on your Anticipation Guide. Silently walk to the corner of the room (strongly agree, agree, disagree, strongly disagree) that best aligns with your belief. Do not discuss your responses. After each statement is read and you and your classmates have chosen their corners, look to see how many people are in each corner.

Choose one of the statements and do a quick-write explaining your thoughts. Discuss the following questions as a whole group at the end of the exercise:

  1. What surprised you about the responses?

  2. What would you like to learn in this unit?

Step 2

Finish the following statements in your Learning Logs:

  • Today, I think being an American means...

  • During this unit, I hope to learn more about...

Activity 4: Read – Discuss – Write

We will read and analyze the Culminating Task. We will identify specific knowledge we are expected to gain throughout the unit and specific skills we will need to succeed on the Culminating Task.

Step 1

In a small group, read and discuss Part 1 of the Culminating Task and Culminating Task Checklist. Respond to the following questions:

  1. What do I need to know to succeed on Part 1 of the Culminating Task?

  2. What do I need to do to succeed on Part 1 of the Culminating Task?

Discuss the questions as a whole group.

In a small group, read and discuss Part 2 of the Culminating Task and Culminating Task Checklist. Determine what skills and knowledge you need to succeed on the Culminating Task. Respond to the following questions:

  1. What do I need to know to succeed on Part 2 of the Culminating Task?

  2. What do I need to do to succeed on Part 2 of the Culminating Task?

Discuss the questions as a whole group.

Step 2

Use the Culminating Task Progress Tracker to determine what you need to know and do to succeed on Part 1 of the Culminating Task. For each element identified, assess how prepared you are for this lesson.

Activity 5: Discuss – Write

For homework, we will survey people to discover their thoughts about being an American.

For homework, survey 10 people (students and adults). Ask the following question:

  1. What does being an American mean?

Bring your survey results in for the next lesson.