Lesson Plans
History in the Classroom
The CCI Project Team has created lesson plans for fourth grade students based on Michigan Content Level Standards and Expectations. The lesson plans utilize primary documents from the CCI website to teach introductory lessons about iron mining and agriculture in the central Upper Peninsula and critical analysis of primary resources. They also adhere to the Michigan Education Standards.
Exploring Mining History
This lesson plan was developed to teach fourth grade students how to think critically about Michigan history by examining primary resources that are available on the NHPRC Cleveland-Cliffs Iron Company (CCI) Digitization Project Website. After reviewing basic map reading skills students will examine and answer questions about historic maps from the CCI records. The students will then read a selection from the 1918 Mining Department Agent's Annual Report Pension Report and discuss how the growth of cities and towns in the Central Upper Peninsula was influenced by mining companies like CCI. The students will then become cartographers for the day and create a map of a mining location.
Introduction
Activity One: Thinking like a Historian
Activity Two: Cartographer for a Day
Map Vocabulary Words
Map Analysis Worksheet
Map of Munising
Helmer and North Star Mines Surface, 1920
Pension Report from 1918, pages 30-45
Maple Syrup Production on Grand Island
In this lesson, fourth grade students will learn about the underlying historical, economic and environmental concerns associated with maple syrup production on Grand Island. They will gain this knowledge through an introductory background discussion and group work at three different stations. Understanding will be achieved through written responses and classroom discussion.
Lesson Plan
Wildlife on Grand Island
In this lesson, fourth grade students will learn about CCI keeping Grand Island as a game preserve and activities concerned with the island's wildlife. They will gain this knowledge through an introductory background discussion and group work at three different stations. Understanding will be achieved through written responses and classroom discussion.
Lesson Plan
