Throughout this course, you have had the opportunity to research and implement a learning activity that is cross-curricular with social studies and the arts, along with appropriate instructional strategies, questioning strategies, and differentiation.

Part 1: Social Studies Unit Plan

For this benchmark, you will plan a weeklong unit using the   “Social Studies Unit Plan.” The unit plan should include   social studies integrated with the visual arts and require students to   research a country of their choice. You may adapt any previous   assignments and lesson plans in the creation of this mini-unit plan,   as long as the lessons form a planned cohesive unit. The unit plan   will focus on government and economics of the selected country, U.S.   and world history (comparing the selected country to the U.S), and   geography and social studies of the selected country.           

Use the “Class Profile” for background information on   your students in order to differentiate to meet the diverse needs of students.

Design the unit plan so that it:

Develops students’ abilities to make informed decisions in a   culturally diverse democratic society and interdependent world.

Integrates visual arts to promote communication, inquiry, and engagement.

Incorporates responsible use of media, digital tools, and resources, including:

• Virtual pen pal options with students from the selected   country.
• Safety measures for using the Internet in the   classroom.
• Research of performance and visual arts of the     selected country.
• How students can communicate and     collaborate with students of other cultures.

Part 2: Rationale

Along with the unit, submit a 250-500 word rationale that explains   the reasoning behind your instructional strategies and choices.   Explain how you will use your findings in your future professional practice.

APA format is not required, but solid academic writing is expected.