Submitted By: sandles59@aol.com

Affiliate Group: Greater Concord NH, 2003/2004

School District: Concord, NH

Grade Level: Sixth

Intended Audience: Teachers

Standards Addressed:
Curriculum Standards:

Concord School District:
English/Language Arts Grade Level Standards:
• Use reading strategies with a variety of materials in order to comprehend literal meaning, draw inferences, and evaluate information.
• Use oral language effectively to communicate a wide range of ideas, feelings, and facts both formally and informally for various audiences.
• Research a topic in order to develop a focused final product
• Listen actively in order to comprehend, interpret, and evaluate what is heard in both formal and informal contexts.

Curricular Connection:
Social Studies - A look at life in the 1500's through 1700's. A look at world geography.

Objectives:
1. Students will develop knowledge of piracy in a particular area using at least three sources - internet, books, and encyclopedias. (see attached-A)

2. Students will review note-taking methods and complete notes using class handout. (see attached-B)

3. Students will complete a “mini-project” on selected topic.

4. Students will develop skills in completing a bibliography according to the Concord School District “Works-Consulted” outline.

Context:
The students will be reading Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson. The entire unabridged text will be read in class over a period of 6 weeks. While this book is well known and considered classic literature, the vocabulary and writing style are challenging to most average readers at this age. This particular lesson (mini-unit) is designed to introduce the book and should be implemented prior to reading the novel. “Pirates of the Past” is designed to be completed in one week.

Schedule:
• 45 minute period to review the project outline and select topic
• 45 minute period to activate prior knowledge and develop research questions
• 30 minutes to review note-taking strategies and bibliography format
• 45 minute period in Media Center to access Encyclopedia (paper and electronic)
• 45 minute period for in-class presentations

Background Information:
This mini-unit is designed to introduce the book Treasure Island.
It is important to know the story prior to beginning this introduction. In this way, connections to the text can be made throughout the lesson. In addition to reading Treasure Island, it would be help to consult the following texts for general information:

1. Pirates by Richard Platt - (Eyewitness edition), 1994.

2. Piracy and Plunder: A Murderous Business by Milton Meltzer, 2001.

3. Pirates! “A General History of the Robberies and Murders of the Most Notorious Pirates” by Charles Johnson, 1998.

Teaching Suggestions:
Lesson 1: Briefly discuss “piracy”. Pirate “lingo” can be displayed around the room. Generate pirate terms create a visual web on poster/newsprint. Explain project outline. Distribute handout of topic choices. (See attached-A)

Lesson 2: Discuss project topics and develop research topics. Students select research topics and develop research questions. Answer questions regarding research. If possible, show students examples of completed projects (something similar to what is expected). The bulk of the research and preparation is homework.

Lesson 3: Model note-taking strategy using a pirate reference sheet. Student will use the method outlined on a handout (attached-B). This activity is done as a class. Go over (review) the format for setting up a bibliography using an overhead and handout.

Lesson 4: Students will access an encyclopedia as a resource. They may use paper or electronic encyclopedia materials.

Lesson 5: Wrap-up and final questions. Students will have questions about citing sources and documentation. At this time, review and model the bibliography format. Allow for presentations if there is time

Discussion Questions:
Questions should create a connection between the newly learned facts (research) and the story content. It is helpful to remind students that while the story Treasure Island is fictional, pirates are a real part of our history. Stevenson drew on his knowledge of the lifestyles and mysteries of pirates to create an adventure that has been read for over one hundred years.

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