INSTRUCTIONAL SOFTWARE

Choose ​one​ Instructional Software title. Complete all fields in the following template to describe the
software and how you would use this product in your future classroom to help students achieve required
learning standards.
Note: This template uses the “forms” feature in MS Word. Select the highlighted text boxes and type over
the sample text. Simply click on the boxes to check them.

Name​: Rebecca Swanson

Software​ ​Title​: Mission US: Flight to Freedom (PBS Learning Media)
URL:
https://gpb.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/mu10.vk8soc.7-8.newnation.flifree/mission-us-flight
-to-freedom/#.Wn05CExFwmZ
Function(s) of Instructional Software (check all that apply):
☐ Drill and Practice ☐ Tutorial ☑ Simulation ☑Instructional Game ☑e-books/e-references
Features of the Software (check all that apply):
☑​ ​Assessment Monitoring/Reporting (Keeps track of student data and/or generates reports for
the teacher) ☑ Allows teacher to create customized lessons for students ☐ Multi-user or
collaborative functions with others in class ☐ Multi-user or collaborative functions with others
beyond local class ☑ Accessible to students beyond the school day ☐ Accessible via mobile devices
☐ Multiple languages ☑ Safety, security, and/or privacy features
Strengths of the Software:
● Amazing graphics!
● Games are very relatable for students.
● Website is very easy to navigate.
● It combines reading and technology in a way that asks students to engage in the
decision-making of the main character.
● There are many different topics and content areas to choose from.
● It lets students take charge of their learning process and make decisions for themselves.
Suggestions for Improvement:
● Must use in Google Chrome in order to download the game.
● It is not easily accessible if you do not have access to a computer.
● Teachers must pay for the ability to track student progress and reports.
● Students must register and download each individual interactive game onto the computer.
● Students are able to just click on the next “step” within the activity without fully listening to
the scenario first.

Standards Addressed:​ SS8H5: Analyze the impact of the Civil War on Georgia.
a. Explain the importance of key issues and events that led to the Civil War; include slavery, states’
rights, nullification, Compromise of 1850 and the Georgia Platform, the Dred Scott case, Abraham
Lincoln’s election in 1860, and the debate over secession in Georgia.
Grade Level/Content Area(s):​ 8th grade/ Georgia Studies/Social Studies   
Bloom’s Level of Critical Thinking Required (check all that apply).
☑​ ​Remembering ☑ Understanding ☑Applying ☑ Analyzing ☐ Evaluating ☐ Creating
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 INSTRUCTIONAL SOFTWARE

Description of how to implement in the class:​ I would implement the instructional software,
Flight to Freedom via GPB Learning Media, into a lesson about issues that led to the Civil War in
U.S. history specifically within Georgia. I would discuss the history and development of slavery
within Georgia over the course of two weeks while I read chapters from ​Day of Tears​ by Julius
Lester daily, which specifically takes place within Savannah, Georgia in 1859. After the book has
been read, I would send the students on “missions” on the Mission US: Flight to Freedom via the
GPB Learning Media site and ask them to complete the game. When they were finished I would ask
them to complete a reflection afterwards asking them how they related to the main character, if
they felt they made all the right decisions in the game, or if they would have changed some choices
they had made.
Instruction Plan:
● Students will be asked what they know about slavery and the Civil War.
-As a class we will write on the whiteboard what we know and what our previous
knowledge of the subject is (just have students call it out).
● Students will be shown a PowerPoint presentation on the significance of slavery within
Georgia and why it was an important factor in the Southern states joining the war against
the northern states.
-Also, we will discuss the treatment of slaves during this time and why it was wrong and an
infringement on basic human rights.
● Students will read ​Day of Tears ​by Julius Lester which will take about a week.
-During this time, reflections will take place asking students to connect with the reading and
make text-to-self and text-to-world connections.
● When students are done with the reading, they will go through the various parts of the
game Flight to Freedom on Missions US to immerse themselves in the history and
time-period of 1848 (this can take place at school and at home but must be completed by a
certain date with 2 reflections due before the finish date).
● Students will analyze their experience putting themselves in the shoes of a slave in 1848
and how it made them feel. Students will be asked to use information and facts from the
presentations and the connections made while reading ​Day of Tears ​to develop a well
thought out response to interactive game.
● Students will, finally, engage in a whole class discussion on why slavery was a significant
issue that led to the Civil War.
Equipment Needed:
● Computers/Ipads
● Projector
● Journals
● Day of Tears ​by Julius Lester
● Account with Mission US
* Examples of common instructional models include whole group, teacher-led, student self-paced, small
group, or individual learning activities. Use as many of these descriptors or other descriptors as apply​.