Alexander
the Great
Goals & Objectives
During a jigsaw activity, students will examine a DBQ document on Alexander the Great and present their findings with their group and the class through a visual poster.
The goal is for students to improve their speaking, collaboration, and presentation skills.
California State Content Standards & Common Core Literacy Standards
California State Content Standards
Trace the rise of Alexander the Great and the spread of Greek culture eastward and into Egypt.
Common Core Literacy Standards
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.6.1.A
Come to discussions prepared, having read or studied required material; explicitly draw on that preparation by referring to evidence on the topic, text, or issue to probe and reflect on ideas under discussion.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.6.4
Present claims and findings, sequencing ideas logically and using pertinent descriptions, facts, and details to accentuate main ideas or themes; use appropriate eye contact, adequate volume, and clear pronunciation.
Driving Historical Question
Was Alexander the Great really great?
Lesson Introduction ‖ Time: 5-10 min
Students will utilize homework assignment and lectures on Alexander the Great to answer the following questions for warm up.
Phalanx Example Video
During a jigsaw activity, students will examine a DBQ document on Alexander the Great and present their findings with their group and the class through a visual poster.
The goal is for students to improve their speaking, collaboration, and presentation skills.
California State Content Standards & Common Core Literacy Standards
California State Content Standards
Trace the rise of Alexander the Great and the spread of Greek culture eastward and into Egypt.
Common Core Literacy Standards
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.6.1.A
Come to discussions prepared, having read or studied required material; explicitly draw on that preparation by referring to evidence on the topic, text, or issue to probe and reflect on ideas under discussion.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.6.4
Present claims and findings, sequencing ideas logically and using pertinent descriptions, facts, and details to accentuate main ideas or themes; use appropriate eye contact, adequate volume, and clear pronunciation.
Driving Historical Question
Was Alexander the Great really great?
Lesson Introduction ‖ Time: 5-10 min
Students will utilize homework assignment and lectures on Alexander the Great to answer the following questions for warm up.
- Who was Alexander the great?
- Why was he called Alexander the Great?
Phalanx Example Video
Vocabulary ‖ Time: 5-10 min
Students will have already engaged with all vocabulary words during the homework, lectures, and classwork. Some other words will be introduced in this lesson as well.
Alexandria
mercenaries
Macedonion
phalanx
ferocious
sanctuary
Porus
Content Delivery ‖ Time: 25-30 min
Students will participate in a jigsaw activity. Students will be divided into 6 total groups since there are 6 DBQ documents. Each student then will be assigned one DBQ doc to read and answer questions. Students will then get into their expert groups and discuss the questions for their assigned DBQ doc. Students will then get back into their groups and share their thoughts and expertise on that DBQ while the other students take notes. Each student will be required to ask one curious question or clarifying question.
It is important that students read the intro essay to the Alexander DBQ to help them prep for the DBQ as well.
For further instructions view the information packet under Resources.
Students will have already engaged with all vocabulary words during the homework, lectures, and classwork. Some other words will be introduced in this lesson as well.
Alexandria
mercenaries
Macedonion
phalanx
ferocious
sanctuary
Porus
Content Delivery ‖ Time: 25-30 min
Students will participate in a jigsaw activity. Students will be divided into 6 total groups since there are 6 DBQ documents. Each student then will be assigned one DBQ doc to read and answer questions. Students will then get into their expert groups and discuss the questions for their assigned DBQ doc. Students will then get back into their groups and share their thoughts and expertise on that DBQ while the other students take notes. Each student will be required to ask one curious question or clarifying question.
It is important that students read the intro essay to the Alexander DBQ to help them prep for the DBQ as well.
For further instructions view the information packet under Resources.
Student Engagement ‖ Time: 10 min
Each group will then formulate a poster depicting the characteristic of Alexander the Great, whether he was a good leader or not. Each group will give a presentation of their poster and will have to explain why they chose the specific depictions and whether or not he was great.
Lesson Closure ‖ Time: 5 min
Teacher will close the lesson by requiring students to reflect on themselves and answer these questions on a post it note.
Assessments
The DBQ documents and posters will be considered assessments as well has the information they share in their expert groups and during the presentations. Students will be graded on how organized their information is and whether what they say is understandable with in depth knowledge and critical thinking.
During the jigsaw activity and group discussions, the teacher will me making these checks for understanding:
-Check that all students have copied down work on the board.
-Check for understanding by asking probing questions.
-Use 1-2-3 to gauge student understanding
-Check by asking students to raise their hands if…..
-Check that students are receiving the help they need by conducting quick class non-written surveys.
-Check that students understand the material by reading and giving feedback on their responses during independent work time.
Accommodations for English Learners, Striving Readers and Students with Special Needs
Struggling students will given an option of focusing on their top three questions rather than all of the questions on the DBQ. Struggling readers will receive a modified version of the readings with visuals. Special needs will receive one-on-one instruction and frequent checks for understanding.
Resources
All handouts for this lesson are below:
Each group will then formulate a poster depicting the characteristic of Alexander the Great, whether he was a good leader or not. Each group will give a presentation of their poster and will have to explain why they chose the specific depictions and whether or not he was great.
Lesson Closure ‖ Time: 5 min
Teacher will close the lesson by requiring students to reflect on themselves and answer these questions on a post it note.
- What makes a good leader?
- Are you a good leader? Why or why not?
Assessments
The DBQ documents and posters will be considered assessments as well has the information they share in their expert groups and during the presentations. Students will be graded on how organized their information is and whether what they say is understandable with in depth knowledge and critical thinking.
During the jigsaw activity and group discussions, the teacher will me making these checks for understanding:
-Check that all students have copied down work on the board.
-Check for understanding by asking probing questions.
-Use 1-2-3 to gauge student understanding
-Check by asking students to raise their hands if…..
-Check that students are receiving the help they need by conducting quick class non-written surveys.
-Check that students understand the material by reading and giving feedback on their responses during independent work time.
Accommodations for English Learners, Striving Readers and Students with Special Needs
Struggling students will given an option of focusing on their top three questions rather than all of the questions on the DBQ. Struggling readers will receive a modified version of the readings with visuals. Special needs will receive one-on-one instruction and frequent checks for understanding.
Resources
All handouts for this lesson are below:
Alexander the Great Documents | |
File Size: | 5401 kb |
File Type: |
Alexander the Great Background Essay | |
File Size: | 1137 kb |
File Type: |