Social Studies Lesson: Preserving History
Lesson Plan
45 minutesGrades4Social Studies
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Written by Diane Gavin, Sustainable Jersey for Schools
About this lesson
Students learn about lighthouse keepers, discuss a photo documentation project, and create their own.
Inquire: Students read about Katie Walker, a lighthouse keeper from the 1800s, to learn about the importance of documenting one’s local environment.
Investigate: Students explore a climate change photo documentation project and reflect on how documentation can preserve history.
Inspire: Students design their own photo montage to record the history of their class or school.
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Suggestions
- This lesson highlights the importance of observing the natural world over time and collecting data to inform scientists and decision-makers.
- This lesson launches an ongoing project to photograph an area to examine changes over time.
- The photo project could document changes in the classroom, school, or outside the school. Photos could document changes in surroundings, students, or the environment. The emphasis is on collecting data to document changes.
- This lesson highlights the fact that the important role of lighthouse keeper was historically carried out by women as well as men.
Prerequisites
- This is lesson 3 of 3 in our 4th grade Social Studies Unit Plan: Lighthouses.
- Computers are needed to access the online tools.
- Students will need materials to set up a photo station in the classroom or on school grounds. This might include cardboard or wood, depending on the design.
Differentiation
- The story, The Little Lady Lightkeeper of New York, is part of an activity book that contains other activities that could be shared and explored.
- A video story of a female lighthouse keeper, Sally Snowden, could be an alternative to the printed story.
- Teacher may lead the lesson by projecting and manipulating the online tools in MyCoast: New Jersey.
- Students can explore different locations in MyCoast: New Jersey and create an account with a parent so they can contribute photos of New Jersey locations.
- Students can visit the Photo Stations set up by MyCoast to contribute photos.
From the scientist review
Students can investigate the duties of lighthouse keepers as well as discover how to record, monitor, and preserve historical information. They will be able to understand how the climate is changing and create plans to safeguard their environment. We reviewed this lesson and it has passed our science credibility process.
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About the teacher writers
Diane Gavin
Diane has been a New Jersey middle school educator for 25 years. A graduate of Rutgers University and The College of New Jersey, she has taught science and is passionate about the middle school educational philosophy that focuses on developing student learning along with social and emotional skills. Diane likes exploring nature by hiking or biking and loves New Jersey and all it has to offer.
Sustainable Jersey for Schools
Sustainable Jersey is a network and movement of municipalities, schools and school districts working collectively to bring about a sustainable New Jersey. Acting with state agencies, non-profit organizations, foundations, academia and industry, Sustainable Jersey researches best practices for what communities could and should do to contribute to a sustainable future.
