ALEX Lesson Plan: King Arthur and His Knights: A Study of the Middle Ages

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This lesson provided by:
Author:	Hope Seeley
System:	Huntsville City
School:	Whitesburg Middle School

Lesson Plan ID:

13016

Title:

King Arthur and His Knights: A Study of the Middle Ages

Overview/Annotation:

After reading an excerpt from a selected tale of King Arthur, students conduct research on selected topics regarding the Arthurian legend or life in the Middle Ages. Students present their findings in both a documented 300-500 word report and a slideshow presentation.

Content Standard(s):

ELA(7)	1. Apply strategies appropriate to the type of reading material, including setting purposes for reading and making generalizations, to comprehend seventh-grade recreational reading materials.
ELA(7)	8. Compare selections of culturally diverse literature and their characteristics.
ELA(7)	9. Compose in descriptive, narrative, expository, and persuasive modes with a thesis sentence and introductory, supporting, and concluding paragraphs when appropriate.
ELA(7)	12. Cite sources used in the research process.
ELA(7)	13. Apply steps in the research process to identify a problem or issue, locate resources and information, and present findings.
ELA(7)	14. Present findings from inquiry and research using a variety of resources.
TC2(6-8)	2. Publish digital products that communicate curriculum concepts.
TC2(6-8)	5. Use basic features of word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and presentation software.
TC2(6-8)	6. Select specific digital tools for completing curriculum-related tasks.
TC2(6-8)	9. Practice responsible and legal use of technology systems and digital content.

Local/National Standards:

Primary Learning Objective(s):

Students will identify knights of the legend and historical facts about life in the Middle Ages. Students will research a legendary character of the King Arthur story or historical details of life in the Middle Ages. Students will cite sources correctly. Students will present a slideshow of the information found. Students will conduct research using the Internet. Students will use productivity tools to design, publish, and present a final product. Students will present information orally to class.

Additional Learning Objective(s):

Students will use correct grammar and spelling in a final product.

Approximate Duration of the Lesson:

Greater than 120 Minutes

Materials and Equipment:

An excerpt from a tale of King Arthur (recomended excerpt, "King Arthur: The Marvel of the Sword" from the Prentice Hall Literature Bronze edition), handouts "The Medieval Times" and slideshow rubric (see attached)

Technology Resources Needed:

Computers with Internet access, presentation software such as MS PowerPoint, digital projector for presentations

Background/Preparation:

Teacher will need to review the legend of King Arthur and appropriate websites and put the finishing touches on the PowerPoint introduction (insert images from the sites indicated or use other appropriate visuals readily available on the web).

Procedures/Activities:

1.)Introduce the assignment by showing the prepared PowerPoint introduction to the Arthurian legend.

2.)Lead a brief discussion of the nature of legend. Many students will not be aware that the historical Arthur did not live during the Middle Ages although his story is set in that time period.
(The Historical King Arthur)
The site covers the historical and legendary Arthur

3.)Assign or read with the class the chosen excerpt.

4.)Pass out "The Medieval Times." Allow students time to read the handout and discuss the code of chivalry. Discuss with students how they can practice the code today. (The attached website contains a link to a modernized version of the code.)
(The Code of Chivalry)
A professor's page listing the chivalric code and rules of courtly love

5.)Assign each individual student a historical or literary figure from the Middle Ages to research (a suggested list is attached). Pass out the PowerPoint assignment attached. Students use these keyword and Boolean operators to refine their search.
(A Primer in Boolean Logic)
This site provides an explanation for using Boolean operators.

6.)Allow ample class time for students to research their topics and create their PowerPoint presentations. Remind students to properly cite all sources used.
(MLA Citation Style)
Examples for properly citing sources.

7.)Schedule class time for the presentation of reports.

Attachments:**Some files will display in a new window. Others will prompt you to download.

Assignment.doc
Arthur intro.ppt
The Medieval Times.doc
Myrubric.htm
King Arthur and His Knights suggested research topics.doc

Assessment Strategies:

The attached PowerPoint rubric will be used for assessment. A research report rubric may be found at http://edweb.sdsu.edu/courses/edtec596r/Assignments/ResearchRubric.html or, create other rubrics as needed at Rubistar.

Extension:

Students may visit A Medieval WebQuest to learn more about life in the Middle Ages.

Remediation:

Each area below is a direct link to general teaching strategies/classroom accommodations for students with identified learning and/or behavior problems such as: reading or math performance below grade level; test or classroom assignments/quizzes at a failing level; failure to complete assignments independently; difficulty with short-term memory, abstract concepts, staying on task, or following directions; poor peer interaction or temper tantrums, and other learning or behavior problems.

Presentation of Material

Using Groups and Peers

Assisting the Reluctant Starter

Dealing with Inappropriate Behavior

Be sure to check the student's IEP for specific accommodations.

Variations Submitted by ALEX Users: