Created by Matthew Morris

Lesson Plan Created by Matthew Morris

Lesson: Civil War General Comparison Length: 60 minutes Age or Grade Level Intended: 8th grade

Academic Standard(s):  8.1.21 (Social Studies) - The Civil War and Reconstruction Period: 1850 to 1877. Describe the importance of key events and individuals in the Civil War.

Performance Objective(s):

 After discussion of two major generals in the Civil War, Robert E. Lee and

Ulysses S. Grant, the students will complete a comparative essay while getting

95% accuracy.

Assessment:  Students will be asked to complete a comparative essay comparing the two major generals, Robert E. Lee and Ulysses S. Grant, after class discussion. The teacher will then tell the students to write a summary over the major similarities and differences of the two generals in a five-paragraph essay. The teacher will then outline the paper to how the students will write it. The paper must include an introduction, discussing the purpose of the paper. Next the students will include a body that includes one paragraph outlining Robert E. Lee, another outlining Ulysses S. Grant, and the other outlining the similarities between the two generals. Last the students will include a conclusion to wrap the paper up.

Advance Preparation by Teacher:  Rubric for comparative essay (attached)

Procedure: Introduction/Motivation: The teacher will ask the students what they know about the Civil War. Then ask the students what important events they can recall from the war. Finally ask the students what important people they can recall from the war. The teacher will write the information the students can recall from the questions. The teacher will then explain to the students that we will be covering to two major generals of the Civil War, Robert E. Lee and Ulysses S. Grant and the sides they represented.

Step-by-Step Plan: 1. The teacher will ask the students if they know who the generals Robert E. Lee or Ulysses S. Grant are. 2. The teacher will then proceed to introduce the two generals and then give background information on their prestigious careers (notes attached). 3. Next the teacher will specifically focus on Robert E. Lee and the Confederate Army, discussing their successes and failures during the Civil War. 4. Now the teacher will focus on Ulysses S. Grant and the Union Army, discussing their successes and failures. 5. The students will engage in a group discussion in small groups of 4-5 to summarize the similarities and differences of the two generals by using a venn diagram given to them in class. 6. After the students’ small group discussions, the students will come back together to engage in a class discussion. Throughout the discussion the teacher will ask the class what was discussed while outlining the information on the two generals. 7. The teacher will then tell the students to write a summary over the major similarities and differences of the two generals in a five-paragraph essay. a. The teacher will then outline the paper to how the students will write it. i. Introduction- Discuss the purpose of the paper. ii. Body- one paragraph outlining Robert E. Lee, another outlining Ulysses S. Grant, and the other outlining the similarities between the two generals. iii. Conclusion- Wrap the paper up. 8. While the students are writing their essay, the teacher should walk around the room and offer help to anyone who needs it. 9. When the students have finished the essay, have the students turn in their paper. The teacher will grade the paper based off a rubric.

Closure: The teacher will applaud the students for their hard work in-group discussion and in their comparative writing. The teacher will then ask the class how the general’s philosophies and strategies contributed to the outcome of the war. Then tell the class that we will discuss the major turning points of the war led by these two generals the next time we meet.

Adaptations/Enrichment:

Student with Learning disability in writing: The teacher will give the student a guided outline to make the writing process easier for them. Student with ADHD: The teacher will put them in charge of writing the main similarities and differences of the two generals on the board. Student with Gifts and Talents in Creativity: The teacher will put the student in charge of their small group.

Self-Reflection: I have not taught this lesson yet, but some questions I would ask are:  Was I able to lead the lesson in a way that engaged all of my students?  Were all of the students involved in the group discussion? How could I help them become involved?  Did I provide enough information for them to write their comparative essay?

Name: ______Date:______

Comparative Essay Rubric

1 2 3 4 Similarities Does not Includes little Includes some Includes many and differences include accurate or no comparisons of specific information. comparisons of the two comparisons of the two generals. the two generals. generals. Historical Demonstrates Demonstrates Demonstrates Demonstrates context little to none of part of the most of the full knowledge the knowledge. knowledge. knowledge. of the general’s importance to the Civil War. Grammar Had more than Had 4-5 Had 2-3 Had 1 or less 5 grammar grammar grammar grammar mistakes. mistakes. mistakes. mistakes. Spelling Had more than Had 4-5 Had 2-3 Had 1 or less 5 spelling spelling spelling spelling mistakes. mistakes. mistakes. mistakes. Notes for Introduction of Two Generals

 Robert E. Lee o Venn Diagram for Note Taking on Similarities and Differences of Generals.