Total Duration: |
31 to 60 Minutes |
Materials and Resources: |
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Technology Resources Needed: |
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Background/Preparation: |
Rogers, William W., Robert D. Ward, Leah Rawls Atkins, and Wayne Flynt. Alabama: The History of a Deep South State. 1st edition. Tuscaloosa, AL: The University of Alabama Press, 1994. 337-342.
The Crucible of Empire, PBS Web site: http://www.pbs.org/crucible/frames/_film.html
The teacher will have also presented information about Cuba being a Spanish colony and how badly the people of Cuba had been treated by Spain. An excellent Web site providing background information on the Spanish-American War and yellow journalism can be found at The Crucible of Empire The Spanish-American War by PBS. |
Before: Engagement/Motivation Activity: During: Step 1- Project and read Alabama newspaper article from 1898 on the sinking of the USS Maine in Havana Harbor in Cuba (Q25033-Q25034). Then project and read the New York Journal article found at: http://historicalthinkingmatters.org/spanishamericanwar/0/inquiry/intro/. If you are unable to project this article, a transcription of the article is attached, as well as a digital copy of the front page. Step 2- Ask the students what emotions were triggered by reading these articles and why. Allow time for discussion. Step 3- Explain and define the term yellow journalism. Clarify that yellow journalism was sensationalized reporting designed to cause an emotional reaction in people. Be sure that students understand that newspapers were the medium in 1898. Step 4- Using the attached T-square critical thinking chart, have the students make a judgment as to whether or not the articles could be classified as yellow journalism. After:
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Assessment Strategies |
The students will be assessed on the newspaper article using the attached rubric. |
Acceleration: |
Students can research and identify or provide current examples of yellow journalism. |
Intervention: |
Direct students to the emotion-laden words in the article, list them, and discuss the power of those words. |
View the Special Education resources for
instructional guidance in providing modifications and adaptations
for students with significant cognitive disabilities who qualify for the Alabama Alternate Assessment.
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