Grade: 8th Subject: Georgia History
Theme: The impact of Savannah River flooding on Augusta, Georgia during the late Nineteenth and early Twentieth Centuries
GPS Objectives:
SS8H5: The student will explain significant factors that affected the development of Georgia as part of the growth of the United States between 1789 and 1840.
c. Explain how technological developments, including the cotton gin and railroads, had an impact on Georgia’s growth.
SS8G1: The student will describe Georgia with regard to physical features and location.
b. Describe the five geographic regions of Georgia; include the Blue Ridge Mountains, Valley and Ridge, Appalachian Plateau, Piedmont, and Coastal Plain.
c. Locate and evaluate the importance of key physical features on the development of Georgia; include the Fall Line, Okefenokee Swamp, Appalachian Mountains, Chattahoochee and Savannah Rivers, and barrier islands.
SS8CG5: The student will analyze the role of local governments in the state of Georgia.
a. Explain the origins, functions, purposes, and differences of county and city governments in Georgia.
SS8E1: The student will give examples of the kinds of goods and services produced in Georgia in different historical periods.
Lesson Objectives: At the conclusion of the lesson the student will be able to name the major river running past Augusta, Georgia, identify Augusta’s geographical region, name the boundary between the Coastal Plain and Piedmont regions, recognize the significance of the Augusta Canal in flood control efforts, recognize pivotal civic figures involved in the flood periods covered, and explain how local industry was impacted by the floods.
Learner Outcomes: The student should gain a greater respect for the awesome power of rivers along with a greater understanding of the cause and effect relationships associated with flood events.
Assessment: Assuming that each student is technologically competent for his/her grade level, monitor each student as he/she navigates the sites associated with this plan. Is the student utilizing embedded links to master vocabulary and concepts? Most important, is the student authentically engaged? Remember, this is not a rote approach lesson plan-allow the student freedom to explore within the confines of the sites and links.
Set Induction: Loosen the students up while the concept of the power of flooding is introduced; have the students play the flood game that is linked to the Savannah River WetQuest.
Procedures: At the opening stages of the lesson, the student will be instructed on how to get to the home page of the Savannah River WetQuest, given the pen-and-paper exercise, and introduced to the Watermark of Adversity website. The student will then be allowed to work at his or her own pace to complete the exercise. Special-needs students will work with a “buddy” if their disability necessitates such action, otherwise each student will work independently.
Closure: At the conclusion of the lesson, the student will be given the take-home assignment to locate their residence in relation to the current inundation map linked to the Watermark of Adversity of adversity website, and discuss flood awareness/preparation with their parent/guardian.
Materials and Resources:
1.ASU Reese Library, Special Collections Department’s
Watermark of Adversity website.
2.Savannah River “WetQuest” and links
3.Paper-based fact-seeking exercise and reflective essay
Evaluation: Utilizing the Savannah River WetQuest, Watermark of Adversity, and other associated links, the student will complete a guided-reading style questionnaire. The assessment will also afford the student the opportunity to complete a brief reflective essay over the topical material.