Refined from Understanding by Design

Assessment Plan Blueprint

What understandings or goals will be assessed through this lesson?

By taking part in the Scramble for Africa simulation Based on the new content they have learned in the
activity, students will be able to understand why lesson, students will be able to predict the short-term
certain countries were able to colonize more regions and long-term consequences of the historical event we
than others. know as the Scramble for Africa.

What criteria are implied in the standards and understandings regardless of the task specifics?
What qualities must student work demonstrate to signify the standards were met?

During the discussion, students should be including In their exit ticket written responses, students
information on each specific region of colonial rule should make specific reference to the conflicts which
such as England, France, the United States, and would ensue between the specific colonizing country
others. and the region being colonized.

Through what authentic performance task will students demonstrate understanding?

Task Overview: By the end of the lesson, students will have simulated the Scramble for Africa from the
perspective of the countries doing the colonizing; comprehended the reasons why certain countries
were able to conquer larger areas during the historical event portrayed in the simulation activity; and
introduced key content relating to the Scramble for Africa. Students will be able to properly write one
body paragraph for a five-paragraph essay which will have students explain what the most significant
effect of the Scramble for Africa was and whether it was short-term or long-term.

What student products and performances will provide evidence of desired understandings?

Students will be able to have a discussion with both Students will be able to write an effective
the members of their small group and the class as a response predicting the short and long-term
whole about why certain countries were able to consequences of the Scramble for Africa.
colonize more regions than others. .

By what criteria will student products and performances be evaluated?

As students are discussing in small groups, the teacher will be circling
the room to ensure every student is making insightful contributions to
the discussion. During the whole-class discussion, students will be
expected to be respectful when others are talking and verbally express
their answers in proper academic language with key content included.
In student’s written responses, they will be expected to
formulate an answer to the question which includes key
social science content learned in the lesson and that is also
properly formulated with proper grammar.