Sean

7-D-1
 * __Unit Lesson Plan__**
 * Teacher Name: ** Sean Carey
 * Course: **DIA/Economics


 * Unit #: **Economics: State of our Economy

In this lesson we will discuss the current state of our economy. Students, in groups, will be creating a blog to discuss the various influences on our economic stability. Students will analyze speeches by the president; legislation passed by congress, and will research numerous news sources to help develop your Wiki page. -Students are expected to use proper judgment when posting online. -If any inappropriate content is found, the person responsible will write a letter of apology to his/her group and will receive a zero on the project. -Students are expected to participate equally and will be graded on his/her participation and postings. Make sure you post early and often. -When working on the Wiki, the discussion area will be checked by the teacher to view comments observe participation. -All borrowed information must be cited at the bottom of your Wiki page. Failure to cite will result in plagiarism and the group will receive a zero. -Your Wiki will be graded on your researched opinion, citations, participation, accuracy, and final theories as to the influences on the state of our economy and the future of our economy.
 * Synopsis:**
 * __Major Objectives/ Expected Levels of Achievement__**

-Students will form groups of three. -Each group will discuss economic topics through blogs. No time will be given in class to work on your project. All work will be done on the computer and on your own terms. -After class discussions, students will go home and post at least one blog per night concerning the economic well-being of America. In your post you must cite from legitimate news sources and discuss relevant information as to the effects of legislation on our economy. -After a week of discussion through blogs, students will create their own Wiki page in their groups. The title of the page should be: “The Factors Influencing our Economy.” In the Wiki, each group must collaborate and work together to form researched opinions as to the current state of our economy and a projection as to where we are headed. -Each Wiki must contain citations to the news sources quoted. -When posting online, always remember that other people can see your work. Never use your full name or give out any information that can be used against you. Only post relevant information to our project and reserve any kind of comments that may be of poor taste.
 * __Major Pupil Activities__**

-LCD projector -Internet Access -Each student must have a personal blog created -Each student must create a username and password to sign in to their Wiki. -Make sure your username and password are easily remembered.
 * __Auxiliary Needs (Include library, a-v resources, guest presenters, etc.)__**

Permission Letter:

Dear Parents, In our Democracy in Action/Economics class we are currently discussing the economic influences and the projections of the future of America’s Economy. In order to better understand the current happenings of the economy, students will be collaborating online by using Blogs and Wikis. When posting to their Blogs and Wikis, students will never give out identifiable information. The name of the town, school, grade level, etc. will remain unknown. Students will not even use their real name. When signing up for the Blog and Wiki, students will create a screen name known to only our class. All information that will be posted online will be concerning class discussions and current news information relating to the state of our economy. Parents may view the web activities at any time by typing in the URL that will be distributed before the project begins. Feel free to monitor your child’s progress.

Online collaboration is vital in an age of the advancement of education. Soon, students may no longer be sitting in desks, copying notes, and reciting information given to them by the teacher. We are entering an age where the walls of the classroom no longer surround us. The classroom can refer to anyplace students may gather to learn. We are using this method of study to incorporate technology into our curriculum and to better prepare our students for the future.

This activity is designed so that students may work with their group, online and from their home. Each group will use news sources to help substantiate their claims concerning the influences of the U.S. economy. This activity will promote group learning and will be discussed in class. The end result will have students familiar with the factors influencing our economy.