Post twenty numbered factual answers around the walls of the classroom. All answers should relate to social studies education. Have students number their papers from one to twenty and try to fill in the correct questions for each answer (as in the game show Jeopardy!). Students are to work independently. After five minutes, instruct students to put down their writing implements.

Lecture on theme-based teaching and unit planning.

Demonstrate the development of an example unit plan.

Give each student an index card listing about three terms (e.g., Mexico, Spanish, Mayan Culture). Call out a topic and have students in the identified group gather together (e.g., "western hemisphere" would require students with Mexico, Canada, and Ecuador to get together). Once all groups are identified, students will be in groups of 3-5 students per group. Place a table tent with the group name on each table. Have groups sit together for the next activity. Ask:

Hand out and describe the Unit Outline assignment sheet (in Word format) and Unit Outline Form.

In their newly assigned groups, inform students they will assist each other in brainstorming for their individual unit plans. Each student will develop his/her own 5-10 day plan based on a unique social studies theme. The unit must target students between grades kindergarten and eight, and it must clearly identify the alignment of the theme with established social studies curricular objectives.

Students will spend the remainder of this session selecting a grade level, choosing a theme, and identifying the goals and objectives they will address within the unit. Over the next week, individuals will develop their personal unit plans including suggested methods of teaching the content, intention to use available support material and media, and content sequence. Next week, groups will peer edit each other's works.

Have students complete a two-minute course evaluation worksheet and turn it in to the instructor.