Real Lives Lesson Plans

1. Cause and Effect
Overview: Students will track the causes and effects of simulated life events.
Grade Level: 9th to12th
Objectives:
Students will -
a. understand that every event has many possible causes and many possible effects
b. complete a cause and effect graphic organizer to visually represent, outline, and organize information
c. record relationships among facts, ideas, and events
d. develop critical thinking strategies by identifying, analyzing, and synthesizing information gleaned from the simulation software
National Education Standards:
Social Studies: I, III, IV, V, VI, IX, X
English Language Arts: 3, 5, 8, 12
Technology: 1, 2, 3, 5, 6
Geography: 4, 6, 10

Cause and Effect Lesson Plan (PDF)
Cause and Effect Worksheet (PDF)

2. Real Lives Journal
Overview: Students use the Real Lives computer software to create a personal journal chronicling a simulated life for a specific region or place in the world.
Inquiry Question: What would it be like to experience life in a place other than your own?
Grade Level: Middle School and High School.
National Education Standards:
Social Studies: I, III, IV, V, IX, X
English Language Arts: 3, 5, 8, 12
Technology: 1, 2, 3, 5, 6
Geography: 4, 6, 10

Real Lives Journal Lesson Plan (PDF)

3. Comparing Lives
Overview: Students will compare their own lives with their simulated characters’ lives.
Grade Level: 9th to12th
Objectives:
Students will -
a. create a Venn diagram to compare and contrast their own individual lives with those of another person living in another country
b. record relationships among facts, ideas, and events
c. analyze and synthesize information gleaned from the simulation
d. learn to value diversity among all people
National Education Standards:
Social Studies: I, III, IV, V, VI, X
English Language Arts: 3, 5, 8, 12
Technology: 1, 2, 3, 5, 6
Geography: 4, 6, 10

Comparing Lives Lesson Plan (PDF)

4. Various Activities and Exercises
Overview: Various activities are listed in this lesson plan, such as a mock United Nations, student presentations, math skills, etc.
Grade Level: Middle School & High School

Activities Lesson Plan (PDF)

5. Discussion Questions
Overview: List of questions designed to facilitate individual and group reflection on their Real Lives experience.
Grade Level: Middle School & High School

Discussion Questions (PDF)

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We’d be glad to add it to our library.

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