Exploring the Seven Years War
The Seven Years War
This lesson introduces 2nd-grade students to the Seven Years War through inquiry-based and collaborative learning strategies. Students will explore the causes, key events, and outcomes of the war, fostering critical thinking and teamwork skills. This lesson is important as it helps students understand historical conflicts and their impact on the world, promoting a deeper appreciation for history and its lessons.
Inquiry-Based Learning, Active Learning, Collaborative Learning
Video on the Seven Years War, Reading: Introduction to the Seven Years War, Quiz: Seven Years War, Answer Key: Seven Years War Quiz, Projector, Whiteboard, and Markers
Step 1
Introduction
10 mins
- Begin with a brief discussion on what students know about wars and conflicts.
- Introduce the Seven Years War, explaining it was a global conflict that took place from 1756 to 1763.
- Show a short video clip on the Seven Years War to provide a visual introduction.
Step 2
Reading and Discussion
15 mins
- Distribute the reading material titled 'Introduction to the Seven Years War.'
- Read together as a class, pausing to discuss key points and answer any questions.
- Encourage students to think about why the war started and who was involved.
Step 3
Group Activity
20 mins
- Divide students into small groups and assign each group a specific event or aspect of the Seven Years War to explore.
- Provide each group with markers and a large sheet of paper to create a poster summarizing their findings.
- Have each group present their poster to the class, explaining their assigned topic.
- Hand out the 'Seven Years War Quiz' to each student.
- Allow students to complete the quiz individually, using their notes and the reading material as references.
- Review the quiz answers as a class using the 'Answer Key.'
- Discuss what students found most interesting about the Seven Years War.
- Encourage students to think about how historical events shape the present.
