Student-Created Civil War Infographics

Infographics are a visually stunning way to deliver facts and statistics to readers.  They have become incredibly popular recently on Pinterest, Twitter, and lots of other social media tools because users are looking for a quick way to get reliable information.  Great infographics answer questions that people are interested in answering.

They also require lots of research, reading, and analysis to create. Sounds like a perfect activity for my students.

Lesson Preparation

Essential Question

First, I needed to create an essential question.  Answering this question would be the goal of their infographic.  As an introduction to our Civil War unit, our essential question was:
How did the differences between the North and South affect each region's strategy and success in the Civil War?

Numbers to Crunch

Next, I needed to provide the information and data my students needed to answer the question.  I found a few sources for statistics: slavery statistics I received at a scholar lecture a few years ago (here is a recent article from The Root with some of the same information), documents from a DBQ my school purchased from the DBQ Project, and an excerpt from an old U.S. history text book on Union and Confederate strategy.  The facts and statistics alone are not enough for my young teenage students.  They also needed a few guiding questions to help them interpret the numbers and read between the lines.

What Makes a Great Infographic?

Of course, in addition to content my students need guidance on the task at hand. This means they needed a tutorial on what an infographic is.  I found this infographic on good infographics, cropped it for my own purposes, and showed them this version:
They also needed modeling, so I found this article on 50 great infographics that they could check out on their own.  A video tutorial on what makes a great infographic wouldn't hurt either, so I threw that in too.

Choose the Tool

Finally, I chose an infographic creation tool.  After reviewing suggestions from edtech integration experts in my PLN like Richard Byrne and Free Technology for Teachers and Greg Kulowiec at edtechteacher I decided on infogr.am.  I also found a screencast on how to get started with infogr.am so that my students would have as smooth an experience as possible with the tool.
However, as with all of my projects, if students have another tool they prefer that will accomplish the same goal, I'm fine with it. Process is WAY more important that product.

Teacher as Facilitator

I set up the whole lesson so that my students could access all of the information they needed in one place on our class website.  This way they can easily access the resources in class, at home, or anywhere else they needed to throughout the process of completing the project.
After giving them an overview of the lesson and explaining the steps they should go through, I gave students 2 full 55 minute class periods to think about the essential question, look at the statistics and data, analyze what they'd learned, and figure out infographics and infogr.am.  I was in the room: sometimes at my desk helping them research using my own laptop, sometimes walking around looking over shoulders and giving impromptu suggestions, sometimes responding to raised hands.  I was never directly teaching, though. Just helping them learn.

Finish, Polish, Publish

After those two days in class students had 2-3 more nights at home to finish up their infographics, write a reflection, and post both to their class blog.

Gabrielle explained her statistical choices and how they made her reflect on how horrifying the system of slavery in the United States really was. She also noted the importance of manufacturing, transportation, and population size. (Please note: The interactive elements of infogr.am work best when viewed using the Mozilla Firefox browser.)

Melanie wanted to try another infographic tool and found that Piktochart was a better fit for her.  She talked about how the population statistics stood out the most to her and how there was a potential difference between slave owners and non-slave owners in the South.

Parker discussed what infogr.am is, how it can be used to show learning, embedded his infographic, and then discussed in detail how he selected statistics and facts. He even integrated a word cloud, something unique from his classmates. (Please note: The interactive elements of infogr.am work best when viewed using the Mozilla Firefox browser.)

I shared a few of my students' creations with my PLN on Twitter and got these positive responses:


I'm not going to tell you that the process was not without some frustration.  For some students, the struggle was with the data analysis and understanding how the numbers I provided related to strategy and success in war.  For others, learning a new tech tool was difficult and they had to use some trial and error.  In the end, everyone accomplished the goal of learning how data can help us understand history and providing proof of this learning.  Also, I think they realized that those fancy infographics they see all over the Internet don't seem so fancy after all now that they can create them too!

Comments

  1. OnlineQuranTeachers' aim is to teach the Quran with all tajweed rules perfectly Online Quran Classes for Kids

    ReplyDelete
  2. McAfee software has several features like protection against viruses and malware, permanently delete the damaged data, protection for many devices, etc.
    Mcafee.com/activate



    Microsoft Office is client software available for data collection
    Office.com/setup

    ReplyDelete
  3. Nice. I am really impressed with your writing talents and also with the layout on your weblog. Appreciate, Is this a paid subject matter or did you customize it yourself? Either way keep up the nice quality writing, it is rare to peer a nice weblog like this one nowadays. Thank you, check also event management and free event software

    ReplyDelete
  4. Open your pc, go to any web browser and search www.amazon.com/mytv and create your Amazon account , if you already have an account then sign in to your account. Now enter the mytv activation or verification code that appears on your tv display after enter code click on submit.finally your device is registed with Prime Video.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Thanks for writing this informative content such amazing it will help me to understand the topic.

    If You're also looking for an ideal customer relationship management program that

    Helps you to connect with more customers than you may buy SalezShark
    Pennsylvania CRM Software to match your business needs.

    ReplyDelete

  6. QuickPay Portal | www.quickpayportal.com | Pay Your Medical Bill

    Pay Your Medical Bill using www.quickpayportal.com and Make a quick and fast payment online using the QuickPay Portal. Just find your QuickPay Code on your billing statement and and you're ready to go


    quickpayportal.com

    quickpayportal.com

    quickpayportal.com

    ReplyDelete

  7. Install and activate your Xfinity gateway through xfinity.com/authorize to approve the Xfinity products and services. Xfinity is a streaming service providing live television channels, DVR recordings, linear cable networks, and videos on demand.Open the app from the Xfinity Channel in the Roku Channel Store and choose Sign In.You’ll see the Activation Code screen on your Roku or Roku-connected device. Go to xfinity.com/authorize from another device.From the web browser, enter the six-digit code provided from the Roku device.www.xfinity.com/authorize Enter your Xfinity ID and password, then select Sign In.You'll see a Success! message. The screen of your Roku or Roku-connected device will soon update.The Terms of Activation will load on your Roku-connected device or Roku TV. Scroll to read the terms and select Yes to accept and continue. If you select No Thanks, the activation process will restart.Name your device and select Confirm.You’ll see the main menu and you’re ready to begin using the app!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Amazon Prime is the subscription service that offers its users access to a variety of Amazon perks. Login to amazon.com/mytv and enjoy more entertaining videos. Discover how to connect your own devices to Prime with www.amazon.com/mytv and that means that you can certainly see and pay attention to exclusive Prime manhood articles out of anywhere.

    Amazon.com/mytv
    www.amazon.com/mytv

    ReplyDelete

  9. Install and activate your Xfinity gateway through [url=https://xfinity-comauthorize.com]xfinity.com/authorize[/url] to approve the Xfinity products and services. Xfinity is a streaming service providing live television channels, DVR recordings, linear cable networks, and videos on demand.Open the app from the Xfinity Channel in the Roku Channel Store and choose Sign In.You’ll see the Activation Code screen on your Roku or Roku-connected device. Go to xfinity.com/authorize from another device.From the web browser, enter the six-digit code provided from the Roku device.[url=https://xfinity-comauthorize.com]www.xfinity.com/authorize[/url] Enter your Xfinity ID and password, then select Sign In.You'll see a Success! message. The screen of your Roku or Roku-connected device will soon update.The Terms of Activation will load on your Roku-connected device or Roku TV. Scroll to read the terms and select Yes to accept and continue. If you select No Thanks, the activation process will restart.Name your device and select Confirm.You’ll see the main menu and you’re ready to begin using the app!

    ReplyDelete

  10. Install and activate your Xfinity gateway through xfinity.com/authorize to approve the Xfinity products and services.
    https://xfinity-comauthorize.com/

    ReplyDelete
  11. The users of Netgear frequently face technical snags associated with Netgear Router JNR3210 Setup and issues related to USB. In order to register the Netgear N300 Wireless router with USB JNR3210, you must take help from the user manual. Now, after installing your device, you must locate the serial number on the label of your product and use it to register your product at https://mynetgear.com. You must register your product. By following these steps, you can simply fix these issues.

    ReplyDelete
  12. The facts and statistics alone are not enough for my young teenage students. They also needed a few guiding questions to help them interpret the numbers and read between the lines.
    factory sewing ,
    usa sewing factory ,

    ReplyDelete
  13. Thanks for sharing valuable information.........

    High fiber foods

    ReplyDelete
  14. FuboTv functions on the apple TV, fire TV. You can enjoy local channels of live sports and news with the HD quality of video resolution.If your FuboTV is not working on your apple TV then you can simply restart the FuboTV app.
    fubo.tv/Connect code

    ReplyDelete
  15. It's great to see students learning about the importance of data analysis in understanding history, even if it comes with some challenges. With perseverance and the right tools, they were able to accomplish their goal and gain valuable skills. And with Upholstery Cleaning Ottawa, they can enjoy a fresh and clean learning environment free of any unpleasant odors.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Fly Ash powder Louisiana is a fine, lightweight residue obtained from burning coal in power plants. In Louisiana, it finds extensive utilization as a cost-effective supplementary cementitious material, enhancing concrete strength and durability while reducing environmental impact.

    ReplyDelete
  17. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Infographics are the modern storytellers of data, captivating audiences with visual narratives. Just as stylish tile accessories add finesse to interior designs, well-crafted infographics enhance content, conveying information effectively and engagingly across various platforms.

    ReplyDelete
  19. leadingit company in Dubai stands at the forefront of providing exceptional IT solutions, backed by their dedicated team. With a client-centric approach, they empower businesses to optimize their technological infrastructure seamlessly. LeadingIT's commitment to driving digital innovation solidifies their position as industry leaders.

    ReplyDelete
  20. "Creating Civil War infographics is a fantastic way for students to delve into history and enhance their research and design skills. Plus, it makes learning more engaging! For efficient ventilation solutions in Abu Dhabi, consider kdk exhaust fan abu dhabi."

    ReplyDelete
  21. Student-created Civil War infographics are an innovative way to engage young minds in history while fostering creativity and research skills. For an equally engaging experience in car care, consider Mobile Car Detailing services in Ottawa They provide a convenient and educational approach to maintaining the beauty and value of your vehicle

    ReplyDelete
  22. Kudos to students for bringing history to life through Civil War infographics! Similarly, Rig catering services in Texasbring vitality to remote locations, ensuring oil and gas teams are well-nourished as they work towards the next chapter of energy exploration and innovation.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Student-Created Civil War Infographics provide a fresh and engaging perspective on a historical topic. It's inspiring to see young minds embrace creativity and education. For those in Dammam needing transfer pumps in Dammamlocal suppliers can help you find the right equipment for various industrial applications. Keep learning and innovating!

    ReplyDelete
  24. Now keep your stay sorted with a wide range of options for houses to rent in Dublin. Explore all the apartments to rent in Dublin listed on our platform and pick the best-suited option for yourself. Make the booking before your visit and enjoy your time in the city.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Kudos to the students for their creativity in crafting Civil War infographics! Education meets innovation in this visual exploration of history. Just as these students showcase their talents, consider the craftsmanship ofEdmonton Fencing Contractor company in building secure and visually appealing perimeters. Explore fencing solutions that stand the test of time, blending history with modern safety

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Three Social Media Starter Tips

Teaching 19th Century Ideologies with 21st Century Technologies

Guest Post: Digital + Traditional = Teaching at Its Best