Reconstruction Remix: Historical Podcast Battle
Created byBridgette Fordham
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Reconstruction Remix: Historical Podcast Battle

Grade 11Social Studies1 days
In this 11th-grade social studies project, "Reconstruction Remix: Historical Podcast Battle," students delve into the complexities of Presidential and Congressional Reconstruction, examining the impact of Lincoln's assassination and Johnson's impeachment. Students create a podcast to compare and contrast these Reconstruction plans, analyze their effects on African Americans, and evaluate their lasting impact on American democracy. Through research, script writing, recording, and editing, students develop a comprehensive understanding of the Reconstruction era while honing their communication and analytical skills.
Reconstruction EraPresidential ReconstructionCongressional ReconstructionLincoln’s AssassinationJohnson’s ImpeachmentAfrican AmericansPodcast
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Inquiry Framework

Question Framework

Driving Question

The overarching question that guides the entire project.To what extent did Presidential and Congressional Reconstruction shape the experiences of African Americans and the future of American democracy?

Essential Questions

Supporting questions that break down major concepts.
  • How did Lincoln’s assassination shape the course of Reconstruction?
  • In what ways did Presidential and Congressional Reconstruction plans differ?
  • What were the goals of Presidential Reconstruction?
  • What were the goals of Congressional Reconstruction?
  • What impact did Johnson’s impeachment have on Reconstruction?
  • How did the experiences of African Americans vary under Presidential and Congressional Reconstruction?

Standards & Learning Goals

Learning Goals

By the end of this project, students will be able to:
  • Students will be able to compare and contrast Presidential and Congressional Reconstruction plans.
  • Students will be able to analyze the impact of Lincoln’s assassination on Reconstruction.
  • Students will be able to evaluate the significance of Johnson’s impeachment.
  • Students will be able to create a podcast that accurately presents historical information.
  • Students will be able to assess the effects of Reconstruction policies on African Americans.

Teacher Provided Standards

39A
Primary
Compare and contrast Presidential Reconstruction with Congressional Reconstruction, including the significance of Lincoln’s assassination and Johnson’s impeachment.Reason: Directly addresses the content of the project, requiring students to compare and contrast different Reconstruction plans.

Entry Events

Events that will be used to introduce the project to students

'Reconstruction Remix: A Historical Podcast Battle Intro'

Students listen to a short, deliberately inaccurate podcast episode about Reconstruction, filled with common misconceptions and historical inaccuracies. As they listen, they create a list of errors that need correcting. This serves as a 'hook' to grab student attention, challenge preconceived notions, and highlight the importance of accurate historical analysis, all of which are central to the podcast project.
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Portfolio Activities

Portfolio Activities

These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.
Activity 1

Lincoln's Legacy: The Assassination Analysis

This activity focuses on understanding how Lincoln's assassination altered the course of Reconstruction. Students explore the immediate aftermath of his death and how it influenced the political landscape.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Students research the circumstances surrounding Lincoln's assassination and its immediate impact on the nation.
2. Students analyze primary source reactions to Lincoln's death, such as newspaper articles, letters, and diary entries.
3. Students write a short essay discussing how Lincoln's assassination created a power vacuum and shifted the direction of Reconstruction.
4. Students connect Lincoln's assassination to the rise of Andrew Johnson and the subsequent conflicts over Reconstruction policy.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA short essay analyzing the impact of Lincoln's assassination on the course of Reconstruction.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the 'significance of Lincoln’s assassination' component of standard 39A.
Activity 2

Johnson's Impeachment: A Political Showdown

Students investigate the causes and consequences of Johnson's impeachment, understanding its significance in the power struggle between the President and Congress.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Students research the events leading to Johnson's impeachment, focusing on his clashes with Congress over Reconstruction policies.
2. Students examine the specific charges brought against Johnson and the arguments presented by both sides during the impeachment trial.
3. Students analyze the outcome of the impeachment trial and its impact on the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches.
4. Students participate in a mock trial or debate, arguing for or against Johnson's removal from office.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA detailed analysis of Johnson's impeachment, including its causes, consequences, and significance.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the 'significance of Johnson’s impeachment' component of standard 39A.
Activity 3

Podcast Power-Up: Recording and Editing

Students record and edit their podcast episodes, focusing on clear audio, engaging delivery, and seamless integration of music and sound effects.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Students record their podcast using appropriate recording equipment or software.
2. Students edit their audio recordings to ensure clarity, remove errors, and enhance the overall listening experience.
3. Students add music, sound effects, and other audio elements to create a polished and professional-sounding podcast episode.
4. Students review and revise their podcast episode based on feedback from peers and the teacher.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA fully produced podcast episode that accurately compares and contrasts Presidential and Congressional Reconstruction.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsReinforces standard 39A through the creation of a final product that demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of the topic.
Activity 4

Reconstruction Reimagined: Podcast Scripting

Students translate their research into a compelling podcast script, ensuring historical accuracy and engaging storytelling. They will use their gathered information to create a narrative that compares and contrasts Presidential and Congressional Reconstruction.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Students synthesize their research from the previous activities to create a detailed outline for their podcast episode.
2. Students write a script that compares and contrasts Presidential and Congressional Reconstruction, incorporating the significance of Lincoln’s assassination and Johnson’s impeachment.
3. The script should include clear explanations, historical evidence, and engaging narrative elements to capture the listener's attention.
4. Students should cite their sources within the script to maintain academic integrity.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA fully developed podcast script that accurately compares and contrasts Presidential and Congressional Reconstruction.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsCovers the entire standard 39A by synthesizing all the elements into a comprehensive comparison.
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Rubric & Reflection

Portfolio Rubric

Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolio

Reconstruction Remix: Podcast Rubric

Category 1

Historical Accuracy

Demonstrates accurate and comprehensive knowledge of Presidential and Congressional Reconstruction, including key events, figures, and policies.
Criterion 1

Content Accuracy

Presents factually correct information about Presidential and Congressional Reconstruction, Lincoln's assassination, and Johnson's impeachment.

Exemplary
4 Points

Presents information with complete accuracy and demonstrates a deep understanding of the historical context, going beyond basic facts to include nuanced details.

Proficient
3 Points

Presents accurate information with a good understanding of the historical context, including key events and figures.

Developing
2 Points

Presents mostly accurate information but with some minor errors or omissions that do not significantly detract from the overall understanding.

Beginning
1 Points

Presents inaccurate information or demonstrates a limited understanding of the historical context, with significant errors or omissions.

Criterion 2

Source Citation

Properly cites sources to support claims and avoid plagiarism.

Exemplary
4 Points

Consistently and accurately cites all sources using a recognized citation style, demonstrating a strong understanding of academic integrity.

Proficient
3 Points

Cites most sources accurately and consistently, with only minor errors or omissions.

Developing
2 Points

Cites some sources but with inconsistencies, errors, or omissions that may raise concerns about academic integrity.

Beginning
1 Points

Fails to cite sources properly or demonstrates a lack of understanding of academic integrity, with significant omissions or errors.

Category 2

Critical Analysis

Demonstrates critical thinking skills by comparing and contrasting Presidential and Congressional Reconstruction, analyzing their impact, and evaluating their significance.
Criterion 1

Comparison & Contrast

Effectively compares and contrasts Presidential and Congressional Reconstruction, highlighting their similarities and differences.

Exemplary
4 Points

Provides a sophisticated and nuanced comparison of Presidential and Congressional Reconstruction, identifying subtle differences and drawing insightful connections.

Proficient
3 Points

Provides a clear and thorough comparison of Presidential and Congressional Reconstruction, highlighting the key similarities and differences.

Developing
2 Points

Provides a basic comparison of Presidential and Congressional Reconstruction but may overlook some important similarities or differences.

Beginning
1 Points

Struggles to compare and contrast Presidential and Congressional Reconstruction, providing a superficial or inaccurate analysis.

Criterion 2

Impact Analysis

Analyzes the impact of Reconstruction policies on African Americans and the future of American democracy.

Exemplary
4 Points

Offers a comprehensive and insightful analysis of the impact of Reconstruction policies, exploring both the intended and unintended consequences for African Americans and American democracy.

Proficient
3 Points

Provides a clear and thorough analysis of the impact of Reconstruction policies on African Americans and the future of American democracy.

Developing
2 Points

Provides a basic analysis of the impact of Reconstruction policies but may overlook some important aspects or consequences.

Beginning
1 Points

Struggles to analyze the impact of Reconstruction policies, providing a superficial or inaccurate assessment.

Category 3

Podcast Production

Demonstrates effective communication skills through clear audio, engaging delivery, and seamless integration of music and sound effects.
Criterion 1

Audio Clarity

Ensures clear audio quality with minimal background noise and consistent volume levels.

Exemplary
4 Points

Maintains impeccable audio quality throughout the podcast, with crystal-clear sound, no background noise, and consistent volume levels that enhance the listening experience.

Proficient
3 Points

Maintains clear audio quality with minimal background noise and consistent volume levels, ensuring a pleasant listening experience.

Developing
2 Points

Audio quality is generally clear but may have some minor issues with background noise or inconsistent volume levels that occasionally detract from the listening experience.

Beginning
1 Points

Audio quality is poor, with significant background noise, inconsistent volume levels, or other issues that make it difficult to understand the podcast.

Criterion 2

Engaging Delivery

Presents information in an engaging and captivating manner, using appropriate tone, pacing, and vocal inflection.

Exemplary
4 Points

Presents information with exceptional enthusiasm and charisma, using a variety of vocal techniques and storytelling strategies to captivate the audience and maintain their interest throughout the podcast.

Proficient
3 Points

Presents information in an engaging and captivating manner, using appropriate tone, pacing, and vocal inflection to keep the audience interested.

Developing
2 Points

Presents information in a generally engaging manner but may have some inconsistencies in tone, pacing, or vocal inflection that occasionally detract from the listening experience.

Beginning
1 Points

Presents information in a monotone or uninspired manner, failing to engage the audience or maintain their interest.

Criterion 3

Script Quality

Demonstrates effective writing through clear and concise language, logical organization, and compelling narrative elements.

Exemplary
4 Points

Script is exceptionally well-written with clear, concise language, logical organization, compelling narrative elements, and seamless transitions that enhance the overall listening experience.

Proficient
3 Points

Script is well-written with clear and concise language, logical organization, and engaging narrative elements.

Developing
2 Points

Script is generally well-written but may have some minor issues with clarity, organization, or narrative flow that occasionally detract from the listening experience.

Beginning
1 Points

Script is poorly written with unclear language, disorganized structure, and a lack of engaging narrative elements.

Reflection Prompts

End-of-project reflection questions to get students to think about their learning
Question 1

Reflecting on the entire Reconstruction Remix project, what was the most surprising thing you learned about the Reconstruction era, and how did it change your perspective on American history?

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Question 2

How effective was the podcast format in helping you understand and explain the complexities of Presidential and Congressional Reconstruction? What are the strengths and weaknesses of using podcasts for historical analysis?

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Question 3

To what extent do you believe the goals of Reconstruction were achieved, and what lasting impact did it have on American society? Use a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 being 'Not at all' and 5 being 'Completely'.

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Question 4

In what ways did the different activities within this project (analyzing Lincoln's assassination, examining Johnson's impeachment, scripting and recording the podcast) contribute to your overall understanding of Reconstruction? Which activity was most helpful, and why?

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