Thinking Outside the Box with WWI Primary Sources! (A Mini Breakout Game)
A Learning Activity is a strategy a teacher chooses to actively
engage students in learning a concept or skill using a digital tool/resource.
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Phase:
Before/Engage
Activity:
See Advanced Preparation Directions first, please.
The students will be divided into groups (2 or 3 students per group). Give each group the envelope prepared by the teacher and a device with internet access (the link works on mobile phones).
The students will access the link on the envelope (when they realize the clue is a website: goo.gl/fk73gZ) and will be directed to a Google form quiz on the WWI draft card that is in the envelope.
Students will answer four questions about the draft card. Each time they finish the quiz, they will view their score and read feedback. When all four questions are answered correctly, the combination to the four-digit lock on the toolbox will be in the feedback. Question 1: Great job! You're TOO smart! Question 2: High FIVE! You got it right! Question 3: Excellent... You WON! Question 4: Great! Nothing else FOR you to learn... Therefore, the code is 2-5-1-4. (If students aren't getting the clue, remind them to review instructions and feedback. Never give them the combination!)
When students unlock the box, they will get the primary source analysis document and any other treat the teacher may choose to place in the box. Then, they should re-lock the box so other groups may continue working until all groups finish the game.
Students should then analyze the draft card in their groups using the primary source analysis document from the toolbox.
The students will discuss findings as a class and how WWI may have impacted not only Curtis McCall but other Alabamians and Americans as well.
Assessment Strategies:
Informal Observation/Discussion
Google Form/Quiz
Work Product: Primary Source Analysis Form
Advanced Preparation:
1. Gather materials needed: Small toolbox, 4-digit lock (reset-able), devices with internet access for student groups
3. Place the Draft Card in an envelope for each group and write the following on the outside of the envelope:
gee
oh
oh
dot
gee
el
slash
ef
kay
seven
three
gee
capital zee
(This is actually a website! goo.gl/fk73gZ Students will figure it out!)
4. Print ONE of the following primary source analysis forms (one per group) and place in the toolbox. The teacher may choose to place another treat in the box for students as well. Choose the ONE most appropriate for the level of your students.
5. After the teacher has placed a primary source analysis sheet for each group in the toolbox, set the four-digit lock to 2-5-1-4, place it on the box, and lock it! You are ready to play the mini Breakout game!
***Have other primary sources ready to discuss as you move forward with your unit on WWI. This is just an introduction to engage students with the WWI topic.***
Variation Tips (optional):
See #4 in Advanced Preparation for options based on student level.