Introduction
Since Thanksgiving is around the corner, we're going to do a Thanksgiving scavenger hunt. The purpose of this activity is to teach the students how to find various sources and to practice reading informational text with a purpose. They are allowed to use their textbook, notes, and computers. They can only look up one answer using google or the internet, the rest must come from their notes or textbook.
Task
Students will be working in groups to find information on the following questions: When did Thanksgiving become a national holiday? What president made Thanksgiving a national holiday? Name three foods that were eaten at the first Thanksgiving. Why did the Pilgrims celebrate the first Thanksgiving? Name the 13 colonies. Students will be able to identify the 13 colonies. Students will be able to gather information from several sources. Students will be able to use textbooks, computers, and notes to find the answers. Once the answers are found they will have to present their answers. They can use a powerpoint or posterboard or any other creative way they want to present it.
Process
Step 1: Discuss within your groups who is responsible for what
Step 2: Look over your notes and the questions
Step 3: Make sure your answer all of the questions
Step 4: Discuss how you want to present your presentation and start creating it
Step 5: Present your presentation. Be creative!
Note: You can only google one question to get the answer the rest must come from your notes or textbook.
For example you can use this site to help you https://www.plimoth.org/learn/just-kids/homework-help/thanksgiving/thanksgiving-history
Evaluation
Students will be graded on their participation within their groups
Students will be graded on their information or answers they received.
Students will be graded on their presentation and how creative they are with their presentation.
Conclusion
Students should be able to tell you the 13 colonies, and all their information they gathered from their research they did. They need to be able to identify the president that declared Thanksgiving a holiday as well as the first food that was eaten during this time. They will be able to identify a reliable source and site it correctly.
