Imperialism | Spanish American War | Document Based Student Activity

Using the resources provided, your students will explore the Spanish American War-1898 (Imperialism) by participating in a Document Based Activity OR a Socratic Seminar (teacher choice which activity to use)! Appropriate for grades 8-12!

Essential Question: Why did the relationship between the U.S. and Spain go sour? (Causes and Effects of the Spanish American War)

Activity # 1- For the Document Based Activity your students will:

1) Watch a short warm-up video with a corresponding activity and complete a graphic organizer on the basics of the war. (2 optional activities)

2) Work in small groups (or they can work independently) to read and examine 16 short primary source excerpts, charts, photographs etc.

3) Answer Comprehension Questions about each source (provided) to guideand check for understanding using the organizer provided.

4) As a class, discuss the list of discussion questions posed by the teacher (questions provided) to gauge overall student understanding of the documents.

5) Complete a creative EXIT CARD/ Assessment Activity. (optional)

Activity # 2- For the Socratic Seminar Activity your students will:

1) Watch a short warm-up video with a corresponding activity and complete a graphic organizer on the basics of the war. (2 optional activities)

1) Read and examine 16 short primary source excerpts, charts, photographs etc. and answer Comprehension Questions about each source (provided) to guide understanding.

2) Using the template provided, cut out and create a name plate for the seminar.

3) Examine the grading rubric (included) and be prepared to participate in the discussion.

4) Participate in a Socratic Seminar style class discussion and will discuss the open-ended questions INCLUDED in this activity.

6) Complete a creative EXIT CARD/ Assessment Activity.

***All student worksheets, handouts, grading rubric, discussion questions, link to online reference material and Exit Card Activity are all INCLUDED!

***Includes a GOOGLE and Traditional version for your use!