In addition to all of the lesson plans geared toward Grade 8 (see Social Sciences – Grade 6-8 and English Language Arts – Grade 6-8), which can be adapted for Grades 9-12, the Willamette Meteorite lesson has been designed as an example of how almost any newspaper content found in Historic Oregon Newspapers online and Chronicling America can be used to bolster high school curriculum while meeting Common Core State Standards.

Willamette Meteorite lesson applicable standards:

English Language Arts Standards:

• ELA.RH.9-10.2 Determine the central ideas or information of a primary or secondary source; provide an accurate summary of how key events or ideas develop over the course of the text.
• ELA.RH.9-10.6 Compare the points of view of two or more authors in their treatment of the same or similar topics, including which details they include and emphasize in their respective accounts.
• ELA.RH.9-10.7 Integrate quantitative or technical analysis (e.g., charts, research data) with qualitative analysis in print or digital text.
• ELA.RH.9-10.8 Assess the extent to which the reasoning and evidence in a text support the author’s claims.
• ELA.SL.9-10.1 Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grades 9-10 topics, texts, and issues, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.
• ELA.SL.9-10.3 Evaluate a speaker’s point of view, reasoning, and use of evidence and rhetoric, identifying any fallacious reasoning or exaggerated or distorted evidence.
• ELA.SL.9-10.4 Present information, findings, and supporting evidence clearly, concisely, and logically so that listeners can follow the line of reasoning and the organization, development, substance, and style are appropriate to purpose, audience, and task.
• ELA.SL.9-10.6 Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and tasks, demonstrating command of formal English when indicated or appropriate.
• ELA.RH.11-12.2 Determine the central ideas or information of a primary or secondary source; provide an accurate summary that makes clear the relationships among key details and ideas.
• ELA.RH.11-12.6 Evaluate authors’ differing points of view on the same historical event or issue by assessing the authors’ claims, reasoning, and evidence.
• ELA.RH.11-12.7 Integrate and evaluate multiple sources of information presented in diverse formats and media (e.g., visually, quantitatively, as well as in words) in order to address a question or solve a problem.
• ELA.RH.11-12.8 Evaluate an author’s premises, claims, and evidence by corroborating or challenging them with other information.
• ELA.SL.11-12.1 Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grades 11-12 topics, texts, and issues, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.
• ELA.SL.11-12.3 Evaluate a speaker’s point of view, reasoning, and use of evidence and rhetoric, assessing the stance, premises, links among ideas, word choice, points of emphasis, and tone used.
• ELA.SL.11-12.4 Present information, findings, and supporting evidence, conveying a clear and distinct perspective, so that listeners can follow the line of reasoning, alternative or opposing perspectives are addressed, and organization, development, substance, and style are appropriate to purpose, audience, and a range of formal and informal tasks.
• ELA.SL.11-12.6 Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and tasks, demonstrating a command of formal English when indicated or appropriate.

Social Studies Standards:

• Historical Knowledge HS.2 Analyze the complexity and investigate causes and effects of significant events in world, U.S., and Oregon history.
• Historical Knowledge HS.9 Identify historical and current events, issues, and problems when national interests and global interest have been in conflict, and analyze the values and arguments on both sides of the conflict.
• Historical Thinking HS.11 Gather and analyze historical information, including contradictory data, from a variety of primary and secondary sources, including online sources, to support or reject hypotheses.
• Historical Thinking HS.12 Construct and defend a written historical argument using relevant primary and secondary sources as evidence.
• Geography HS.19 Evaluate how differing points of view, self-interest, and global distribution of natural resources play a role in conflict over territory.
• Social Science Analysis HS.57 Define, research, and explain an event, issue, problem, or phenomenon and its significance to society.
• Social Science Analysis HS.58 Gather, analyze, use, and document information from various sources, distinguishing facts, opinions, inferences, biases, stereotypes, and persuasive appeals.
• Social Science Analysis HS.60 Analyze an event, issue, problem, or phenomenon from varied or opposing perspectives or points of view.
• Social Science Analysis HS.62 Propose, compare, and judge multiple responses, alternatives, or solutions to issues or problems; reach an informed, defensible, supported conclusion.
• Social Science Analysis HS.63 Engage in informed and respectful deliberation and discussion of issues, events, and ideas.