This document outlines a digital storytelling project for 9th grade history students on major events of 20th century America. Students will work in groups to research and select 10 significant events between 1890-2001, finding images and primary sources for each. They will create a 5 minute digital story using a tool like Vuvox or Dipity to explain the events and their importance. The goal is for students to assess, analyze, and understand the context of key American historical events through interactive digital story modeling of experiences. Their final products will be assessed using a rubric to evaluate higher-level thinking and inclusion of research requirements.

1. Digital Storytelling The 20th Century in America By Dan Saska

2. “storytelling is a natural form of communication, and it can be a powerful tool for human learning.” - Jonassen

3. Overview: “The Product” Students will create a five minute digital story focusing on at least ten American events, which effectively encompass 20th century America and provide an overview of the events.

4. Learner Goals To assess American history To determine any significant events from 1890-2001. To analyze the events To conclude why the events are significant

5. Literature Review of Digital Storytelling Variety of sources All confirm that digital storytelling is a “powerful” tool for education and reflection Digital stories “tap into students’ existing visual, oral, print, textual, and technological literacies.”

6. Mind Tool Overview Learners: 9th grade students, mixed ability Procedure: Students will Get into groups of three to four Reflecting upon the entire year/come up with ten events that are most influential and significant to the “big picture” of history. Research these ten events in depth, finding at least one image and one primary source (speech, quote, newspaper quotation, legislation, etc.) that correspond to the event. Write a two-sentence explanation of why this event is important and what it changed. Use their research and choose a digital storytelling tool (Vuvox, Dipity, or Joggle). Create storyboards, and create the digital story.

7. The Mind Tool’s Characteristics The students will be modeling experiences (stories) Digital storytelling will allow students to interact with experiences while engaging in problem solving, which is the essence of conceptual change. Since the students will be modeling experiences of Americans, they will be using hypermedia.

8. Assessment Final product should address higher-level thinking (analyzing, synthesizing) All requirements (primary sources, explanation of event, etc.) must be met Use of a rubric

9. Standards Met: Students analyze contributions of individuals, political groups, and events to history Creativity and Innovation standards Research and Information Fluency standards

10. Rubric Used: