Lesson Plan

Virtual Field Trip

Image of the fort from the virtual tour as seen from the east side overhead.
Grade Level:
Upper Elementary: Third Grade through Fifth Grade
Subject:
Literacy and Language Arts,Social Studies
Lesson Duration:
90 Minutes
Common Core Standards:
4.L.1, 4.L.3, 4.L.4, 4.L.4.a, 3.RF.4.c, 4.RF.3, 4.RF.4, 4.RF.4.a, 4.RF.4.c, 4.RI.1, 4.RI.2, 4.RI.3, 4.RI.4, 4.RI.5, 4.RI.6, 4.RI.7, 4.RI.9, 4.SL.1, 4.SL.1.c, 4.SL.1.d, 4.SL.2, 4.SL.3, 4.SL.4, 5.SL.1
State Standards:
FL NGSSS
SS.3.A.1.1
SS.3.A.1.2
SS.3.C.2.1

SS.4.A.1.1
SS.4.A.1.2
SS.4.A.3.1
SS.4.A.3.2
SS.4.A.3.3
SS.4.A.3.5
SS.4.A.3.6
SS.4.A.3.7
SS.4.A.3.9
SS.4.A.3.10
SS.4.A.9.1

SS.5.A.1.1
SS.5.A.1.2
SS.5.A.3.2
SS.5A.3.3
SS.5.A.4.1
SS.5.A.6.6
SS.5.C.2.4
SS.5.C.2.5
Thinking Skills:
Understanding: Understand the main idea of material heard, viewed, or read. Interpret or summarize the ideas in own words. Analyzing: Break down a concept or idea into parts and show the relationships among the parts. Evaluating: Make informed judgements about the value of ideas or materials. Use standards and criteria to support opinions and views.

Essential Question

How can Castillo de San Marcos be used as a primary source to identify St. Augustine's significance?

Objective

Students will analyze primary and secondary sources to identify the significance of St. Augustine by virtually exploring the Castillo and answering the discussion questions.

Background

Review the Virtual Field Trip before assigning to students. Please plan on downloading the virtual field trip before sharing with the students. The "Download" function appears in the upper left corner once you open the link. This reduces the lag time and create a more user-friendly experience. 

 

Preparation

  • Prepare your students with background information on early Native American life and later European exploration of the Americas.
  • Provide relevant vocabulary terms. 

Lesson Hook/Preview

Play a music video created by a teacher to inspire students to learn more about St. Augustine, Castillo de San Marcos: Where History Comes to Life. 

Procedure

  • Explore the Virtual Field Trip to experience St. Augustine's rich history. 
  • Use the discussion questions to assess student understanding of the social studies content and application of reading and speaking skills.

Vocabulary

  • Primary source- an original or first-hand account from people who had a direct connection with it (examples: artifact, diary, photograph, autobiography, video, newspaper)
  • Secondary source- gives information about a primary source (examples: text book, biography, documentary, article or website written about the topic) 
  • Artifact: an object made by a human being (examples: structures, tools, pottery, weapons, jewelry, metal objects) 

Assessment Materials

Students will demonstrate comprehension and skills by answering the discussion questions included in virtual field trip. 

  • Why is St. Augustine significant? 
  • Why can the fort be considered an artifact?
  • How important are primary sources, like Castillo de San Marcos, when it comes to learning about the past?
  • In your opinion, does the fort symbolize human determination, conquest, conflict between nations, ingenuity, or cultural diversity? Justify your answer.
  • Why do you think the fort should be preserved?
  • As a citizen, what are your duties or responsibilities at the Castillo or in other national parks?



To meet additional curriculum standards, access the DBQ Essay: Effects of Spanish Rule lesson plan. 

Supports for Struggling Learners

Work with your exceptional student education or special education teachers to modify the virtual experience and discussion questions to the specific needs of your students with different abilities. 

Enrichment Activities

Related Lessons or Education Materials

Contact Information

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Tags: colonial spanish hispanic exploration/settlement fort early american history latino american history colonial america civic engagement distance learning virtual virtual field trip virtual reality virtual tour fourth grade forts castillo de san marcos national monument fort matanzas national monument distance education

Last updated: March 15, 2023