FRAME THE LESSON
How Reliable is This Account of the Easter Mutiny?
TEACHER:
CLASS: 8th Grade
Student Expectations Bundled in Lesson
Noun=Underline
Verb=Italicize
DATE: May 16-20
M T W TH F
Resources/Materials:
U.S. History Textbook
Colonization through
Reconstruction
(p. 2C-2D)
Entry Event
Objective/Key Understanding:


Analyze six sources relating to Ferdinand Magellan’s expedition to circumnavigate the world.
Examine the account of the voyage’s record keeper, Antonio Pigafetta, to evaluate its veracity.
Introduce Vocabulary Activity (p. 1)
Easter Mutiny
Ferdinand Megallan
Professional
Development Online
Resources
Engage
Explore
Explain
Elaborate
Connect: Develop Questions and Plan the Investigation
 Watch the Entry Event and Discuss
o Explain to students that they will evaluate the validity of a primary source about the mutiny that took place during Ferdinand
Magellan’s voyage in 1520 based on language, corroboration with other sources, and information about the author.
o They will decide whether or not this account of the mutiny is a reliable description of what took place.
o Review the primary source, including the language it uses, and the corroborating sources on Magellan’s expedition.
o Have students view information about the author.
 Discuss
o Have students discuss the video as a class or in small groups. Ask students to explain the reasons for Magellan’s expedition
and why his route matters today.
o Students should also imagine what challenges the expedition held for Magellan and his crew. Remind students to use
examples from the biography in their discussion.
Investigate: Apply Disciplinary Concepts and Tools
 Analyze the Documents
o Students will work independently to analyze six sources relating to the expedition. Guide students to write down key facts
and observations about each source.
Investigate: Apply Disciplinary Concepts and Tools
 Check for Understanding
o Students will answer the multiple choice and short answer questions attached to each document. Students can discuss the
answers in pairs or as a class to ensure understanding.
Synthesize: Evaluate Sources and Use Evidence to Formulate Conclusions
 Write Your Essay
o Have students prepare the first draft of their essay. Tell students to gather the relevant information from each source and
review the notes they took as they examined the documents. Remind students to include evidence from at least one document
with information about the author or the primary source and at least two documents that corroborate or conflict with the
primary source.
Evaluate
Demonstrate: Communicate Conclusions and Take Informed Action
 Complete Your Essay
o Have students revise and submit their essays. Remind students to read over their essays before turning it in.
o When students finish drafting their essays, have them exchange essays with a partner to review. Students should look for
topic sentences, organization, evidence, facts, and integration of opposing arguments, as well as correct spelling, grammar,
and punctuation.
o Have students share with the class whether or not they think Pigafetta’s account of the mutiny is valid, or reliable, giving
evidence from their essays to support their argument.