Middle school students in Mrs. Vides’ Social Skills class presented what they learned about a topic of their choice surrounding the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on October 4 and 5.
These seventh and eighth grade students learned about what took place on 9/11 and how those events affected so many aspects of peoples’ lives. Then they did a deep dive into researching a topic from that chain of events that interested them.
For their presentation, students were tasked with preparing a visual aid teaching their classmates about what they researched. The grading rubric reminded students to pay attention to eye contact, tone and volume of voice, delivery of message and body movements while presenting. All of which are important elements of presenting to an audience.
Students had to show brainstorming by using a concept map or outline. They had to have a clear introduction, supporting topics, and a conclusion, as well as share why they chose the topic. They also had to create a Fact Page that listed all of the references they used to gather their information.
Topics ranged from how first responders or other individuals were impacted by the event to planes that were diverted to Gander, Canada for five days and how that impacted the community and travelers. Some chose to dig in to what triggered the terrorist attacks or how the military responded while others looked at how building designs, air travel, and even music changed afterward.
This activity was designed to connect students to important events in history, help them build research skills and identify credible sources of information, learn empathy, and practice public speaking.
