Overview

Students will view video clips shown on television during the 1960’s. There will be clips of the Nixon-Kennedy debate in 1960, the Cuban Missile Crisis, the JFK Assassination, the Vietnam War and The first men walking on the moon. Students will also research sites pertaining to television in the 1960’s. Students will then answer a series of questions relating to the video clips and computer research.

Age Level

9-12 Grades

Established Goals (Learning Objectives)

The students will observe the technological advances of television in the 1960’s, and

the effect that television had on American Culture in the 1960’s.

Duration

1-92 minute block

2 regular class periods

Understandings (Background Knowledge)

The technological advances of television in the 1950’s.

Materials

Computer with Epson projector,

Mobile laptop computer lab/or computer lab

Essential Questions (Engaging Question)

1. What were the main issues in each of the following: The Nixon-Kennedy debate of 1960, the Cuban Missile Crisis, the assassination of JFK, the Vietnam War, and the first men to walk on the moon.

2. How did the viewing of these events sway public opinion in America?

3. Which event do you think television had the most impact on public opinion, and why?

Learning Activities (Procedure)

Day 1-1. Anticipatory set: Have students get into 5 small groups and brainstorm as to what they think were some of the most historical events that occurred during the 1960’s. Nominate a recorder from each group to write down the events each group comes up with. While discussing as a class, write the main ideas on the board in front of the room. 2. Once you have the five you need written on the board, show short clips of each of the events to the class. Discuss. 3. Have each group pick one of the 5 events, and do computer research to find the effect that television had on American Public opinion for each one. 4. Have each group report their findings to the class. 5. Assignment: Based on what you learned in class, write an essay detailing which of the five events discussed you think had the most impact on public opinion, and explain why.

Technology Links: (Other links can be used at the instructor’s discretion

http://kclibrary.nhmccd.edu/decade60.html#events American Cultural History 1960-1969

http://library.thinkquest.org/18764/television/history.html Television: The History

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=57mVVTtfk6U JFK Assassination

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l2ZyeG4tdOQ Cuban Missile Crisis

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WtgkfjxTSgs Vietnam War

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=7211854828467692710&q=1969+moon+walk&hl=en Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong walk on the moon

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0TIwaKfzS2c Kennedy Nixon Debate 1960

Differentiated Instructional Strategies (Learning Advice)

Assessment Evidence:

Performance Tasks

Small group recording

Small group presentation of research findings

Essay assignment