I see that this unit can be used best by coupling it with the basic course materials already used by the teacher. This means that as the teacher presents a unit of study; for example, the Revolution, the materials on Black Rock can be used as illustrations of how the abstract historical materials of the Revolution can be transformed into real life experiences using the study of Black Rock Harbor.
Week One:
This week the teacher will use the basic map skills coupled with a walking tour of the Black Rock Harbor area to familiarize the students with the area. Since this area will be the focus of historical study intermittently throughout the year, this familiarization is necessary in the first few weeks of school.
Day One: Using a contour map of the Black Rock area, introduce the contour map as a tool. Give the students basic map skill questions. Have them find streets which define the Black Rock area. Find the natural areas of rise and fall of the land. Try to have the students understand the idea of a contour map. You might take another day mapping the contours of an out-of-doors location using a grid line arrangement.
Day Two: Having found old maps, show the students the geographical changes which have redefined the Black Rock area. Also have them note the changes in the roads and the placements of houses and wharves and factories. Why did these changes take place? Why did the people of Black Rock decide to build their homes as they did? Do maps answer questions about thing which are just not directional? Have the students write a short thesis about the changes they see happening to Black Rock Harbor over the years. Is it becoming more or less populated? What part does geography play in the locations of buildings, homes, etc.?
Day Three: Having written a thesis statement about the cHanges seen through the maps, have the students complete the expository essay adding to the thesis statement with the facts from their maps.
Day Four: Walking tour of Black Rock Harbor. Note the buildings and what they look like. Note the location of the harbor and the old wharves. View the Ash Creek area and the limits that the creek put on the settlement of Black Rock. What modern buildings are around? What is the area generally used for: homes, industry, etc.?
Day Five: How does visiting the place compare with looking at the map? That would be the general discussion for the day. What facts could you have known only from a visit to Black Rock? What is your general impression of the area?
Other possible topics using Black Rock as a focus:
1. Frontier Settlement
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2. American Revolution
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3. Trade and Commerce in the 1800s
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4. Civil War