5th Grade: Influences of Lake Norman
How has the creation of Lake Norman impacted nearby towns?
Standards: 5 . G. 1.2 Explain positive and negative effects on human activity on the physical environment of the US past and present.
Objectives: Use primary documents to communicate the history of Lake Norman and the impact it has made on surrounding towns. Express opinions on the growth of the area through opinion writing, a debate, a social media site, or a t.v. commercial.
Essential Questions: How was the creation of Lake Norman cause for development of Davidson, Huntersville, Cornelius, and Mooresville? What other factors helped develop these towns? Why hasn’t Lincoln County developed as fast as the communities on the east side of the lake? Do you think the creation of Lake Norman is a good resource for North Carolina and the rest of the United States?
Teacher Presentation / Discussion: Teacher will provide a brief history of Lake Norman using the Currents Magazine timeline. Discuss how the creation of the lake impacted development, natural resources, energy sources, towns and people in the area. Use Lake Norman Magazine Articles, maps, and pictures link to show primary sources that students can use: Primary Document Page
Student activities: Students can choose from a menu of activities
- Students will analyze the different primary sources (maps, personal accounts, pictures, timelines, etc.) and write an opinion statement with supporting details describing the pros or cons of creating Lake Norman (energy creation, recreation) Was the creation of Lake Norman beneficial for our state?
- Debate: Why do you think the towns on the east side of the lake have developed more rapidly than the west and north sides? Create an opinion statement based on why they think development has been more prevalent on the east side of Lake Norman versus the west side of Lake Norman. Using these statements, debate with a group of students describing the reasoning behind their opinions. Debate Rubric
- Create a Facebook page using the primary documents for Lake Norman. Tell about its history, the people, the different towns, and the impact of Duke Power energy sources. Facebook Page Rubric
- Create a T.V. commercial advertising Lake Norman. Be sure to explain the history, the use of water resources, and the people that helped make the lake. Students will watch the commercials, fill out the rubric, and write a complement for each group’s T.V. commercial. TV Commercial Rubric