History of the Local Community
Submitted by: Linda M. Sander
School or Affiliation: Kenneth Henderson Middle School, Garden City, KS
Endorsed by: These lesson plans are the result of the work of the teachers who have
attended the Columbia Education Center's Summer Workshop. CEC is a consortium of teacher
from 14 western states dedicated to improving the quality of education in the rural,
western, United States, and particularly the quality of math and science Education. CEC
uses Big Sky Telegraph as the hub of their telecommunications network that allows the
participating teachers to stay in contact with their trainers and peers that they have met
at the Workshops.
Date: May 1994
Description:
In America the history of the "West" has always intrigued people of all ages.
The "West" has been depicted in countless movies and books. But if people
actually study the "West" and its past history, they discover there were many
reasons besides land for bringing people to what is today the Central Plains, and as many
reasons as there are people for them staying.
The Central Plains has developed into an area with economic activities and problems
distinct only to it. Yet the area has much in common with other parts of the U.S. By
studying the history, economy and government of a local community a person can learn much
about a whole area.
Grade Level: Appropriate for grades 6-12.
Goal:
The purpose of this activity package is to provide students with activities which will
familiarize them with the local area they live in and develop an awareness of how their
local community has been influenced by history. The activities also help them become aware
of how the local community influences their lives today.
Objectives: Students will be able to:
- Identify and list the founding fathers of your city, and describe at least one
contribution of each to the local community.
- Identify at least five people who influenced the development of your city and county.
- Identify at least five economic activities that have contributed to the growth of your
city, county, and state, both past and present, and give examples how at least two have
changed the area.
Materials: Resources available in local community.
Procedure:
- Using materials from the local library and historical society, the students do research
and write reports about how the founding fathers established your city.
- Arrange a field trip to the county historical museum to see pictures and artifacts
surrounding the early history of the area. The curator for the museum can give students
individual help on projects and inform the group about historical information.
- Interview local citizens who have lived in your city for a long period of time.
- Using information from the Historical Society and Chamber of Commerce, students do
reports or posters about famous people who have influenced the growth of your city and
county.
Tying it All Together:
Studying your local area gives students a different view of history.
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