One of the most important skills I teach in history is the understanding of cause and effect -- and especially the complexity of causation in historical events. Over the past few years I have developed a strategy called "causation mapping" to help students better understand how multiple factors can work together to influence an event. Students have often told me how helpful they find this strategy in better understanding both history and current events.
In my American History and AP World History classes, we use this tool to understand causes and effects of events such as the Agricultural Revolution, the Black Death, the fall of the Roman and Han Empires, the development of American independence, and many more. In my world history class, students also use this tool for their end-of-the-year project where they explain the causes of and suggest strategies for addressing the world issue of their choice. Past project topics have included the Syrian Refugee Crisis, water shortages in Afghanistan, climate change in China, and child marriage in the Central African Republic.
The best way to create these causation maps is through using dry erase whiteboards, so that students can easily erase and rewrite as they make changes and gain understanding of the topic. I am requesting a class set of dry-erase boards that will fit on student desks, along with markers for their use. Your donation will help students use this important instructional strategy more effectively.
About my class
One of the most important skills I teach in history is the understanding of cause and effect -- and especially the complexity of causation in historical events. Over the past few years I have developed a strategy called "causation mapping" to help students better understand how multiple factors can work together to influence an event. Students have often told me how helpful they find this strategy in better understanding both history and current events.
In my American History and AP World History classes, we use this tool to understand causes and effects of events such as the Agricultural Revolution, the Black Death, the fall of the Roman and Han Empires, the development of American independence, and many more. In my world history class, students also use this tool for their end-of-the-year project where they explain the causes of and suggest strategies for addressing the world issue of their choice. Past project topics have included the Syrian Refugee Crisis, water shortages in Afghanistan, climate change in China, and child marriage in the Central African Republic.
The best way to create these causation maps is through using dry erase whiteboards, so that students can easily erase and rewrite as they make changes and gain understanding of the topic. I am requesting a class set of dry-erase boards that will fit on student desks, along with markers for their use. Your donation will help students use this important instructional strategy more effectively.
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