Final+Project

//The topic of this unit will be Mayan Writing.// //I plan on choosing this topic because it is part of my 8th Grade curriculum & it will all allow me to combine the old with the new by incorporating new technology into a lesson on a very ancient system of writing.// Mayan Writing 1) How did the Maya communicate? 2) How are we able to understand Mayan writing today? __**Content**__ - WHI.13 Identify 3 major pre-Columbian civilizations (Aztec, Maya, Inca) that existed in Central & South America & their locations. Describe their political structures, religious practices, economies, art & architecture. __**Technology/Literacy**__ - 6-8 3.3 Use a variety of computing devices to collect, analyze, & present information for curriculum assignments.
 * 12.1... Brainstorming**
 * //What do you think the topic of the unit you create for this course will be?//**
 * //Why do you plan on choosing this topic?//**
 * 12.3 Final Project Format**
 * Name of Lesson/Topic
 * Essential Questions
 * State frameworks: Content, Literacy, & Technology

Content - Students will be able decipher Mayan hieroglyphics. Literacy - Students will be able to translate Mayan hieroglyphics into modern English. Technology - Students will be able to use a wikispace to collaborate & communicate with teacher & classmates. Students will frequently be working in pairs doing various activities. At that time, I will circulate with a clipboard, monitoring their focus & understanding of Mayan hieroglyhics, along with their ability to translate them into English. I will also monitor the Discussion tab on the Wikipage where they will be expected to log questions about the reading. Divide paper into 3 columns: What you KNOW, What you WANT to Know, What you LEARNED. The third part will be completed after the first activity. [|KWL Chart]
 * What will your objectives be - content objectives, literacy objectives, and technology objectives?
 * How will you assess student outcomes?
 * What activities will you plan to achieve expected outcomes?
 * DO NOW: ** Students will create a KWL chart to list what they already know & want to know about Mayan Writing.

media type="youtube" key="u9LRbLXMzyM" height="390" width="480" Watch the video above on Mayan writing Complete the "L" section of the KWL chart you began as a "Do Now" Next, create a wordle based on the video. List 3 additional questions you come up with while watching the video (they may go in the "W" column of the KWL chart)
 * ACTIVITY I:**

[]

Think/ Write/ Pair/ Share
 * ACTIVITY II:**

After coming up with 3 additional questions, share with a partner Compare questions & attempt to come up with answers.

[|T/W/P/S]


 * ACTIVITY III:**

media type="custom" key="8822800"

Identify the topic of the above Wordle. How does the wordle help to identify the topic? What do you think the Wordle will reveal about the topic?


 * ACTIVITY IV: **

[] Click on the link above Read & mark up the backgroung essay on the "Teacher's Domain" page on "Deciphering the Mayan Code" Clink on link below for instructions Below is a link demonstrating how to mark up the text. []

Think/ Write/Pair/Share
 * ACTIVITY V: **

After marking up the text, you will once again consult with your partner. Consider the following: What was the Mayan Code used for? How was it almost eliminated? See instructions under activity II.

** Debrief ** Several pairs will be called on to share their thoughts & findings with the class. **﻿**You will summarize the reading on the Mayan Code in 10 words or fewer as a "Ticket to Leave" Click on the above link & read the piece in Mayan writing. Mark it up as you did in class. (See instrucrions from Activity IV) Go to the Discussion tab & post 2 questions related to the reading.
 * Closing**
 * Homework**
 * [|Mayan Writing]**

**﻿**Wikispace (includes readings & examples of activities), textbooks I have embedded several learning strategies. Among them are examples of a KWL Chart, How to effectively Think/Write/Pair/Share, & a Wordle. I am incorporating instructions on how to mark up the text on-line & posting questions to the discussion page of the Wikispace. There is a video on Youtube that breaks down Mayan hieroglyphs & emphasizes how they distinguish meanings for identical symbols, as well as how the Catholic Church tried to destroy their writing, saying it was the work of the devil. This begins with the KWL chart. They can communicate to me what they are interested in learning more about & we can pick points of interest & go more in depth with them at a later date. I would probably teach this lesson on the second day of the 8th grade unit on the Maya.
 * Materials**
 * What strategies will you embed in the activities to help students reach the lesson objectives?
 * Are you integrating 21st Century skills and/or technology in your lesson?
 * Can you find any extremely engaging material (such as a virtual tour or experience) on the web related to your unit that might be useful?
 * Where will the space for inquiry be made? In other words, at what point in the lesson will you allow students to follow an area of interest within your given topic?
 * When do you plan to teach this lesson?