UNIT PLAN
Grade Level:
Unit #:
Unit Name:
4
7
Slavery
Big Idea/Theme: The issue of slavery divided the United States of America and
led to the Civil War.
Culminating Assessment: Working in teams, participate in a class debate
choosing to represent either the northern or southern states’ position on slavery.
Argue the position using information gathered in the unit.
Unit Understanding(s)
The students will understand that…
Prior to the Civil War, the North
was more industrially based and
the south was more
agriculturally based.
The way of life of Northerners
and Southerners developed
differently as a result of
geographic conditions and the
institution of slavery.
The abolitionist movement was
led by several famous and
influential Americans (including
William Lloyd Garrison,
Sojourner Truth, Fredrick
Douglas, Harriet Tubman,
Harriet Beecher Stowe, and
John Brown).
The abolition leaders
accomplished many important
things during the time period
prior to the Civil War.
There were key battles and
strategies and turning points of
the Civil War- including the
battles of Fort Sumter and
Gettysburg, the Emancipation
Proclamation, the significance of
the Gettysburg Address, and the
surrender at Appomattox- and
the role of African Americans in
the war.
The roles and accomplishments
of key figures of the Civil War
Unit Essential Question(s):
Prior to the Civil War, what were
the major differences between
the economies of the North and
South?
How did the way of life of
Northerners and Southerners
develop differently as a result of
geographic conditions and the
institution of slavery?
Who were the leaders of the
Abolitionist Movement?
What were the accomplishments
of the abolition leaders?
What are the key battles,
strategies, and turning points of
the Civil War?
What was the purpose of the
Gettysburg Address?
What were the roles and
accomplishments of key figures
of the Civil War?
How did the Civil War impact the
United States?
How did the Union states victory
affect the slaves?
had a significant impact on
America.
The Civil War had a profound
impact on the United States.
As a result of the war, the Union
was preserved and slaves were
freed.
Students will know… / Students will be able to…
Compare the industrial North and the agricultural South prior to the Civil
War.
Summarize the roles and accomplishments of the leaders of the
abolitionist movement and the Underground Railroad before and during
the Civil War.
Explain how specific events and issues led to the Civil War.
Summarize significant key battles, strategies, and turning points of the
Civil War.
Compare the roles and accomplishments of key figures of the Civil War.
Explain the impact of the Civil War on the nation.
South Carolina Academic Standards:
4-6.1 Compare the industrial North and the agricultural South prior to the Civil
War, including the specific nature of the economy of each region, the
geographic characteristics and boundaries of each region, and the basic
way of life in each region. (G , E, H)
4-6.2 Summarize the roles and accomplishments of the leaders of the
abolitionist movement and the Underground Railroad before and during
the Civil War, including those of Harriet Tubman, John Brown, Frederick
Douglass, Harriet Beecher Stowe, Sojourner Truth, and William Lloyd
Garrison. (H, P)
4-6.3 Explain how specific events and issues led to the Civil War, including the
sectionalism fueled by issues of slavery in the territories, states’ rights, the
election of 1860, and secession. (H, G, E)
4-6.4 Summarize significant key battles, strategies, and turning points of the
Civil War—including the battles of Fort Sumter and Gettysburg, the
Emancipation Proclamation, the significance of the Gettysburg Address,
and the surrender at Appomattox—and the role of African Americans in
the War. (H, G, E)
4-6.5 Compare the roles and accomplishments of key figures of the Civil War,
including Abraham Lincoln, Ulysses S. Grant, Jefferson Davis, and Robert
E. Lee. (H, P)
4-6.6 Explain the impact of the Civil War on the nation, including its effects on
the physical environment and on the people—soldiers, women, African
Americans, and the civilian population of the nation as a whole. (H, P, G,
E)
Vocabulary/Word Wall
Abolitionist movement
Battle of Fort Sumter
Battle of Gettysburg
Civil War
Economy
Emancipation Proclamation
Northern states
Sectionalism, secession
Southern states
States’ rights
Surrender at Appomattox
Underground railroad
Interim Assessment (formative)
Formative Assessments
Student debate
Student discussion
Teacher observation
Key Criteria (to meet the standard/rubric)
See Rubric
DEBATE RUBRIC
Levels of Performance
Criteria
1
2
3
4
1. Organization
and Clarity:
Viewpoints and
responses are
outlined clearly
and presented in
an orderly
manner.
Unclear in
most parts
Clear in some
parts but not
over all
Clear and
orderly in most
parts
Completely
clear and
orderly
2. Use of
Arguments:
Arguments are
valid and
accurate reasons
are given to
support
viewpoint.
Few or no
valid
arguments or
accurate
reasons given
Some valid
arguments
and/or
accurate
reasons given
Most
arguments are
valid and
reasons are
accurate
All
arguments
are valid
and
accurate
reasons are
given in
support
3. Use of
Examples and
Facts:
Few or no
relevant
supporting
examples/facts
Some relevant
examples/facts
given
Many
examples/facts
given
Many
relevant,
supporting
examples
and facts
given
Many examples
and facts are
given to support
reasons.