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The History of Illinois

 
Project Description
 
Today, Illinois is an advanced technological state.  However, Illinois was once a vast prairie home to many Native Americans.  Illinois' history is vast and adventurous. The growth of the state of Illinois is directly linked to the many famous Americans who once lived here.  It is important for all Illinois students to understand and appreciate their state’s history.

In this unit, the students will work in groups of four or five to research the impact of the pioneers on the Native Americans' way of life, the Great Chicago Fire and the role it played in the technology of rebuilding the city, the role of famous Illinois citizens on the growth of Illinois, early government, and the natural resources and features of Illinois.  Finally, the students will produce a brochure describing the history of Illinois.
 

Project Goals
Essential Question:
What can we learn about the future of Illinois by looking at its past history? 
Specific Questions:
  • What famous Americans made a significant impact on the growth of Illinois?
  • What impact did the pioneers have on the Native Americans?
  • What caused the Great Chicago Fire and what lessons were learned?
  • How many capitals were there before Springfield and where were they located?
Illinois and CPS Learning Standards
 Grade 4
State Goal # CAS Letter CFS #
STATE GOAL 16:  A, B, C, D 1
STATE GOAL 13:    B 1-5
STATE GOAL 5:  A 1

 

Unit Prerequisites

-Students will read about Illinois and the Midwest in their social studies text.

-Students will read nonfiction and fiction text about life on the prairie.

-Students will read nonfiction text about Native Americans.
Performance Actions

Access:

    -Research the impact of the pioneers on Native Americans  

    -Explore characteristics and life styles of the pioneers

    -Gather the information they find

Investigate: 

    -The Great Chicago Fire and the role it played in new construction

    -Gather information on Illinois’ early capitals

Interpret:

    -Analyze how the pioneers affected the Native Americans’ way of life

    -Determine how and why people from the east  traveled to Illinois

    -Compare and contrast Chicago before and after the Great Fire

    -Decide why Illinois moved its capital to Springfield

Produce:

    -Create a brochure that accurately reflects the history of  Illinois

Communicate: 

    -Present your findings orally to the class

    -Publish a brochure to reflect your findings

Evaluate:

    -Evaluate how well your group worked together  

Performance Assessment Plan
Performance Indicator

Social Studies - Grade 4

STATE GOAL 16:  A, B, C, D; 1

Assessment Tools

Brochure Rubric

STATE GOAL 13:    B. 1-5  
STATE GOAL 5: A.1  
 

Teacher Resources
 
Addresses Description
http://www.state.il.us/hpa/lib/edservices/Pioneers.htm   Elementary pages about the Indians, Pionner life and early Illinois Gov.
Prairie pictures Pictures of prairie plants, animals, and how humans affect the ecosystem
Past capitols Show the past Illinois capitals; map; location
http://www.chicagohs.org/fire/ Chicago fire pictures

 

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