Grades 5 - 8

Picture Analysis: Conflict & Cooperation in the French & Indian War

Lesson Abstract

Are you a constructivist teacher? Do you prefer direct instruction? Both approaches are described in this lesson plan about conflict and cooperation among Europeans and Native Americans in Western Pennsylvania at the time leading up to the French and Indian War.

Using this lesson plan, teachers of students in Grades 5-9 can present two paintings by contemporary artist Robert Griffing, The Winter Trade and The Taking of Mary Jemison, as sources of information about the people, settings, and events during this period. Griffing's paintings include topics and details that reflect his careful historical research, and students can "learn to look" and "look to learn" simultaneously as they view the paintings. Teachers can ask a few open-ended questions to allow students to construct an understanding of the people and events in the paintings, or, on the other hand, teachers can ask a series of guiding questions to help students notice details that support the teacher's explanation of conflict and cooperation at that time. The lesson plan addresses Massachusetts History/Social Science, Arts, and English Language Arts Curriculum Frameworks standards and includes accommodations for students with special needs and English Language Learners.

Teacher

Jan Stetson, Elms College, Chicopee, Massachusetts

Download the complete lesson plan and supporting documents.