In this lesson plan, students will examine newspaper articles from the 1800’s, found on the TIDES website. They will recognize and review the components of a newspaper page and discuss the jobs and skills needed to produce a good newspaper. Students will then work in small groups to research events and create a handwritten centennial newspaper from the 1800’s.

Created by Adelheid (Heidi) Murphrey, August 2007

The student understands traditional historical points of reference in Texas history.  History 7.1 (A, B, C)

The student understands how individuals, events, and issues related to the Texas Revolution shaped the history of Texas.  History 7.3 (A, B)

The student understands how individuals, events, and issues shaped the history of the Republic of Texas and early Texas statehood.   History 7.4 (A, B)

The student understands the location and characteristics of places and regions of Texas.  Geography 7.9 (A)

The student understands the effects of the interaction between humans and the environment in Texas during the 19th and 20th centuries.  Geography 7.10 (A, B)

The student understands the characteristics, distribution and migration of population in Texas in the 19th and 20th centuries.  Geography 7.11 (A, B, C)

The student understands the importance of the expression of different points of view in a democratic society.  Citizenship 7.17 (C)

The student understands the importance of effective leadership in a democratic society.  Citizenship 7.18 (A)

The student understands the concept of diversity within unity in Texas.  Culture 7.19 (A, B)

The student understands the impact of scientific discoveries and technological innovations on the political, economic, and social development of Texas.  Science, technology, and society 7.20 (A, C, E, F)

The student applies critical-thinking skills to organize and use information acquired from a variety of sources including electronic technology.  Social Studies skills 7.21 (A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H)

The student communicates in written, oral, and visual forms.  Social Studies skills 7.22 (A, B, C, D)

The student uses problem-solving and decision-making skills, working independently and with others, in a variety of settings.  Social Studies skills 7.23 (B)

Note: This lesson should be used as an extension of the material that has been taught about history, politics, geography, environment, economics, and culture of the 1800s.

The teacher will hold up a newspaper and ask the students about the design, layout, and the components of a good newspaper. The teacher will share the different sections of the newspaper with the students. The teacher will ask if the students could produce a newspaper in groups and what kind of jobs and skills group members would have to possess in order to create a good newspaper.

Ask students to compare and contrast the individual regions of Texas.  Ask students why each region is distinctively different from the other regions.

Explore: The teacher will project TIDES Resources:
Adolphus Stern Home articles
Sam Houston articles

Students will recognize and review the components of a newspaper page. The teacher will project and explain the instructions and rubric. Students will go to Texas TIDES to begin their research and gather materials for their project. The teacher will help guide the students during their research.

 Activity: In small groups students will create a handwritten centennial newspaper of the 1800s. Students will be working together to research and cover events of the 1800s. Students must include attention-grabbing headlines and illustrations. Each group member will have several jobs in composing articles and drawings. Students will become researchers, editors, page designers, publishers, illustrators, etc.

Assessment: Student participation and rubric for the Centennial Newspaper Project.

In order to celebrate the 1800s, students will share their newspapers during an outdoor class picnic. Students will bring food and play various games from the 1800's.