Historian's Journal

Our Historian's Journal contains everything a student needs to complete the PBL Unit. We have included a copy below.

  • Historian's Journal Cover
  • Moving- Exit Ticket for the Jot Thoughts Activity- Student will jot down on Post-It notes what moving looks like, feels like, and sounds like to them. They will then categorize their notes in small groups. As a whole class, we will discuss the best 2 ideas in each category from each small group. After class discussion, they put their favorite 3 ideas from each category down on the exit ticket.
  • Moving On Synthesis Tracker- This is where the students will take notes over the content. There is a tracker for each topic.
  • Image Analysis Chart- Students will analyze the painting "American Progress" by John Gast.
  • Moving On Project Rubric- Rubric breaks down each of the essential elements of the project.
  • Moving On Ideas- The students will come up with 3 ideas for their project. The ideas are all moves made by family members. They could be moves made a long time ago (great-great grandparents coming to America) or recent moves (the student moving neighborhoods).
  • Feedback Chart- This chart is used by small student groups to give feedback to the owner of the journal. Small groups will pass their packets around. Students have one minute to read all 3 ideas on the front. They will get 1 minute to fill out one row in the chart, telling the owner which project idea they liked the best and why. They will pass the ideas 3 times to fill the chart. Owners will then decide which of the 3 ideas they like the best.
  • Pack the Wagon Supply List- Using the Supply List, students will decide which items to take on the Oregon Trail. There is a limit of 1,000 BWU's or pounds.
  • Charrette Protocol Sheet- Students will use this to give their partners feedback during the charrette of their project idea.
  • Interview Planner- Students will use this to record their 10 questions and answers for their family member interview.
  • Why Do People Move?- This chart will be filled out during a classroom discussion on the Push/Pull Factors for moving.
  • Moving On- Project Plan/Storyboard- This page breaks down each of the project's essential elements and helps the students plan out their project.
  • Note-Taking Guide for the Tuning Protocol- The last student feedback activity for the project. The project should be mostly complete for this activity. Students in small groups will present their projects while the group writes down potential strengths, weaknesses and ideas to enhance the presenter's project.