Students will learn about Mark Twain through the creation of an informative website.
Objectives
To design a web page that is both attractive and informative.
To learn about U.S. and world events during a specific time period.
To analyze and prioritize information.
Procedure
Introduction
As we study Mark Twain and his literature, you need to keep in mind that he was very much a man of his times. The world he lived in influenced his writing.
What was his world like? What were the important events that occurred during the time period that The Adventures of Tom Sawyer was published?
Task
Your assignment is to investigate his world and create a webpage. For each section below, you will need to research the years between 1851 and 1901 (25 years before and after The Adventures of Tom Sawyer was published).
You will summarize the important events in narrative form for each section and create a web page with the information you discover.
Process
Research United States history between the years 1851 and 1901. Select what you consider the high points in U.S. history during that 50 year period. Also, include two links to the web that provide more information.
Research world history between the years 1851 and 1901. What were the prominate events of the 50 year period? Provide two links to the web that provide more information.
Research medical and scientific advances during the required time period. Include advances that occurred both in the United States and worldwide. Two additional weblinks.
Research industrial advances of time period. Include advances that occurred both in the United States and worldwide. Provide two additional web links.
Write a brief commentary on the social issues that Twain included in his writings. Give Specific examples from his works.
Sunshine State Standards
LA.A.1.3.4
LA.A.2.3.5
LA.B.1.3.1
LA.B.2.3.4
LA.D.1.3.4
LA.D.2.3.3
SS.A.5.3.1
SS.A.5.3.2
SS.A.5.3.3
VA.A.1.3.3
VA.B.1.3.2
NETS Profiles for Technology Literate Students
Students demonstrate a sound understanding of the nature and operation of technology systems.
Students are proficient in the use of technology.
Students understand the ethical, cultural, and societal issues related to technology.
Students develop positive attitudes toward technology uses that support lifelong learning, collaboration, personal pursuits, and productivity.
Students use a variety of media and formats to communicate information and ideas effectively to multiple audiences.
Students use technology to locate, evaluate, and collect information from a variety of sources.
Students evaluate and select new information resources and technological innovations based on the appropriateness for specific tasks.
Materials
Computers with internet access.
Web page software ( Site Central for example).
Access to a web server to launch the web pages on the Web.
