Internet-based Lesson Using Marco Polo

"Guess Who's Coming to Dinner"

Instructor: Patricia Link, Coordinator
Morris County ETTC

Lesson Title: Guess Who's Coming to Dinner?

Subject Area: Social Studies, Science, Language Arts, Fine Arts

Objective: Students will identify famous people in various areas during the 17th Century.

Procedure:

Motivation
You have been magically transported back in time to the 17th Century. Since you have been unable to figure out how to get back to the 21st Century, you decide to make the best of it. Being new in "time", you decide to hold a dinner party and invite some of the major important people of the time and get to know them better.

Research
1. Take students to the MarcoPolo website http://marcopolo.worldcom.com/ and click on "Search Marco Polo".
2. Go to "Limit Results to:" and click the dropdown arrow & select "omit lesson plans". Then, type "17th Century" in the search box and click enter. This search should produce approximately 37 results.
3. Students should research the 17th Century for things like:
a. Major historical developments
b. Nations at war
c. Famous political figures
d. Famous scientists
e. Famous artists
f. Famous musicians
g. Cultural development in different countries
h. Clothing styles
i. Daily life (look at the common people as well as the noble)
j. Key aspects of the period
k. Etc., etc., etc.

Project
Students may work in groups to do research on the above. After their research, they will plan their party. Some things to consider:

• What to serve? (group must choose an appropriate menu)
• Background music? (if so, what kind?)
• Attire?
• Guest list (should include famous people from different aspects of history such as scientist, author, composer, artists, etc.)
• Dinner conversation topics (what is happening at this time?)
  
  Students will write invitation to their party. Following this, the group members will take one invitation and then "become" that character at the party. (Each person may want to do some additional research on their character before the party.)
  The teacher, who was also transported back in time with the students, will attend all parties. The teacher will engage in the conversations and help "keep them going". Students will then "have their party" in front of the class, discussing issues of the day "as their appropriate characters".

Materials: Computer with Internet access, invitations, note cards.