1. US Curriculums
  2. TEKS
  3. Grade 7
  4. Social Studies
  5. Create written, oral, and visual presentations of social studies information

Grade 7 · Social Studies

Create written, oral, and visual presentations of social studies information

Quarter 4 · Week 8 · TEKS

Standards Alignment

  • TEKS.113.19.22C primary
    create written, oral, and visual presentations of social studies information; and
  • TEKS.113.19.22D primary
    apply foundational language skills to engage in civil discourse about social studies topics, including those with multiple perspectives.

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Lesson Overview

This Grade 7 social studies lesson focuses on helping students create written, oral, and visual presentations of social studies information. It also guides students to apply foundational language skills to engage in civil discourse about social studies topics, including those with multiple perspectives. The lesson is aligned with TEKS standards TEKS.113.19.22C and TEKS.113.19.22D and emphasizes communication skills within social studies.

Learning Objectives

  • Create written presentations that clearly communicate social studies information.
  • Develop oral presentations to share social studies topics effectively with an audience.
  • Design visual presentations (such as charts, maps, or timelines) to support social studies information.
  • Apply foundational language skills to participate respectfully and thoughtfully in discussions about social studies topics, including those with multiple perspectives.

Success Criteria

  • Students produce a written report or essay that presents social studies information accurately and clearly.
  • Students deliver an oral presentation that communicates social studies content with clarity and appropriate expression.
  • Students create visual aids that enhance understanding of social studies topics.
  • Students engage in civil discourse by listening to others, asking questions, and sharing viewpoints respectfully, recognizing multiple perspectives.

Prerequisite Knowledge

Students should understand basic social studies concepts such as identifying key people, places, and events, and have prior experience with simple writing, speaking, and visual representation skills.

Key Vocabulary

  • Presentation
  • Written presentation
  • Oral presentation
  • Visual presentation
  • Civil discourse
  • Multiple perspectives
  • Social studies information
  • Communication skills

Materials and Resources

  • Paper and pencils or pens
  • Chart paper or poster boards
  • Markers or colored pencils
  • Access to computers or tablets (optional)
  • Projector or screen for visual presentations
  • Examples of written, oral, and visual presentations (videos, posters, essays)

Teacher Preparation

  • Prepare examples of different types of social studies presentations.
  • Develop guiding questions for discussion about civil discourse and multiple perspectives.
  • Arrange materials for students to create visual presentations.
  • Plan a rubric or checklist for evaluating presentations and civil discourse participation.

Detailed Lesson Notes

Understanding Different Types of Presentations

Presentations in social studies can be written, oral, or visual. Written presentations include essays, reports, or summaries that explain social studies topics clearly and accurately. Oral presentations involve speaking to an audience to share information, using clear voice and expression. Visual presentations use images, charts, maps, or timelines to help explain or support social studies information. Each type serves to communicate ideas effectively and can be combined for stronger impact.

Creating Written Presentations

When creating a written presentation, students should focus on organizing information logically, using clear sentences, and including relevant facts. They should introduce the topic, provide supporting details, and conclude with a summary. Writing should be neat and easy to read. Teachers can guide students to use graphic organizers or outlines before writing to plan their ideas.

Developing Oral Presentations

Oral presentations require students to speak clearly and confidently. They should practice using appropriate volume, pace, and eye contact. Preparing notes or cue cards can help students stay on topic. Teachers can encourage students to rehearse their presentations and provide feedback on clarity and engagement. Oral presentations also offer opportunities to respond to questions and share multiple viewpoints.

Designing Visual Presentations

Visual presentations help audiences understand social studies information through images or organized data. Students can create timelines to show events in order, maps to locate places, or charts to compare facts. Visuals should be clear, labeled, and relevant to the topic. Teachers can demonstrate how to use color and layout to make visuals attractive and easy to follow.

Applying Foundational Language Skills for Civil Discourse

Civil discourse means discussing topics respectfully, listening to others, and considering different perspectives. Students should practice using polite language, asking clarifying questions, and expressing their ideas clearly. Teachers can model respectful discussion and create a safe environment for sharing diverse opinions. Engaging in civil discourse helps students understand complex social studies topics and develop critical thinking.

Worked Examples

Worked Example 1

Scenario

A student is preparing a presentation about the civil rights movement in Texas. They write a report explaining key events, create a timeline showing important dates, and plan to give a speech summarizing their findings. How does this approach meet the lesson objectives?

Explanation

The student uses written presentation by writing a report, visual presentation by creating a timeline, and oral presentation by planning a speech. This multi-modal approach helps communicate social studies information clearly and engages different learning styles. It also prepares the student to share information effectively and participate in discussions.

Answer Guide

The student successfully creates written, oral, and visual presentations, meeting the objective to communicate social studies information in multiple forms.

Engage

Teacher Activity

Show students a short video or images of different types of social studies presentations (written reports, speeches, posters). Ask students what they notice about how information is shared.

Student Activity

Observe the examples and share initial thoughts about what makes each presentation effective or interesting.

Explanation

This activity introduces students to the variety of ways social studies information can be communicated and prepares them to explore creating their own presentations.

Examples

  • Students identify written, oral, and visual forms of presentations.
  • Students notice that visuals can make information clearer or more interesting.
  • Students recognize the importance of listening and understanding different viewpoints.

Explore

Teacher Activity

Provide students with a social studies topic (e.g., a historical event or a community issue). Guide them to gather information and brainstorm ideas for written, oral, and visual presentations.

Student Activity

Work in small groups or individually to collect facts, organize ideas, and plan how to present the information in different formats.

Explanation

This phase allows students to actively engage with social studies content and begin planning presentations using multiple communication modes.

Examples

  • Students identify key information relevant to the topic.
  • Students create outlines or graphic organizers for their presentations.
  • Students suggest appropriate visuals like maps or timelines.
  • Students prepare notes for oral presentations.

Explain

Teacher Activity

Demonstrate how to create a written report, deliver an oral presentation, and design a visual aid. Discuss strategies for clear communication and respectful discussion.

Student Activity

Listen to the demonstration and ask questions. Practice writing a paragraph, speaking a short presentation, and sketching a visual related to the topic.

Explanation

Explicit instruction helps students understand the components of effective presentations and the importance of civil discourse.

Examples

  • Students identify key features of each presentation type.
  • Students practice communication skills with teacher support.
  • Students understand the role of respectful language in discussions.

Elaborate

Teacher Activity

Organize students to present their written, oral, or visual presentations to the class or small groups. Facilitate a discussion where students ask questions and share perspectives respectfully.

Student Activity

Deliver presentations and participate in civil discourse by listening, asking questions, and sharing thoughts politely.

Explanation

This phase provides authentic practice in communication and civil discourse, reinforcing skills through real interaction.

Examples

  • Students present confidently using their chosen format.
  • Students engage in respectful dialogue and consider multiple viewpoints.
  • Students reflect on the experience of sharing and listening.

Evaluate

Teacher Activity

Assess students' presentations using a rubric that includes clarity, accuracy, use of visuals, and participation in civil discourse. Provide feedback highlighting strengths and areas for improvement.

Student Activity

Reflect on their own presentations and discussions. Identify what went well and what could be improved for next time.

Explanation

Evaluation helps students understand their progress and encourages growth in communication and social studies skills.

Examples

  • Students demonstrate understanding of presentation skills.
  • Students show awareness of respectful communication.
  • Students set goals for future learning.

Classroom Activity

Work in small groups or individually to collect facts, organize ideas, and plan how to present the information in different formats.

Guided Practice

Guided Practice 1

Prompt

What are three different ways you can present social studies information?

Teacher Answer Guide

Written presentations, oral presentations, and visual presentations.

Guided Practice 2

Prompt

Explain why using visuals like maps or timelines can help people understand social studies topics better.

Teacher Answer Guide

Visuals organize information clearly and show relationships like order of events or locations, making it easier to understand.

Guided Practice 3

Prompt

You have researched a historical event. Describe how you would prepare an oral presentation to share your findings with the class.

Teacher Answer Guide

Organize main points, prepare notes, practice speaking clearly and at a good pace, and use visuals to support the presentation.

Guided Practice 4

Prompt

During a class discussion, two students have different opinions about a social studies topic. How can you use civil discourse skills to respond respectfully and keep the conversation productive?

Teacher Answer Guide

Listen carefully, ask questions to understand, share ideas politely, and avoid interrupting or disrespectful language.

Guided Practice 5

Prompt

Create a plan for a presentation that combines written, oral, and visual elements to explain a social studies topic with multiple perspectives. Include how you will engage your audience and encourage respectful discussion.

Teacher Answer Guide

Write a clear report with different perspectives, prepare an oral presentation with key points and questions, design visuals like charts or maps, and guide respectful audience discussion.

Independent Practice

  1. Foundational: What are three different ways you can present social studies information?
  2. Developing: Explain why using visuals like maps or timelines can help people understand social studies topics better.
  3. Application: You have researched a historical event. Describe how you would prepare an oral presentation to share your findings with the class.
  4. Analysis: During a class discussion, two students have different opinions about a social studies topic. How can you use civil discourse skills to respond respectfully and keep the conversation productive?
  5. Challenge: Create a plan for a presentation that combines written, oral, and visual elements to explain a social studies topic with multiple perspectives. Include how you will engage your audience and encourage respectful discussion.

Independent Practice Teacher Answer Key

  1. 1. Written presentations, oral presentations, and visual presentations.
  2. 2. Visuals help organize information clearly and show relationships like order of events or locations, making it easier to understand.
  3. 3. I would organize my main points, prepare notes to guide my speech, practice speaking clearly and at a good pace, and use visuals to support my presentation.
  4. 4. I can listen carefully to their opinions, ask questions to understand their views, share my own ideas politely, and avoid interrupting or using disrespectful language.
  5. 5. I will write a clear report summarizing the topic and different perspectives, prepare an oral presentation highlighting key points and questions, and design visuals like charts or maps to illustrate information. During the presentation, I will ask the audience to share their thoughts respectfully and guide the discussion to consider all viewpoints.

Guiding Questions

  • What are the key elements of a good social studies presentation?
  • How can visuals support your message?
  • Why is it important to listen to different viewpoints?
  • How can you express your ideas clearly and respectfully?

Common Misconceptions

  • Presentations only have to be written; oral and visual forms are not important.
  • Visuals are just decorations and do not help explain information.
  • Civil discourse means agreeing with everyone, not discussing different opinions respectfully.
  • Oral presentations do not require preparation or practice.

Differentiation

Support and Intervention

Provide graphic organizers to help students plan their presentations. Allow students to work in pairs or small groups for support. Use sentence starters to help students practice civil discourse.

English-Language Learner Support

Use visuals and gestures to support understanding of presentation types. Provide vocabulary lists with definitions and examples. Encourage practice of oral presentations in small groups before presenting to the class.

Advanced and Extension

Challenge students to include multiple perspectives in their presentations. Encourage use of technology to create digital presentations. Have students lead a civil discourse session on a complex social studies topic.

Assessment

  • Observe students during planning and practice of presentations.
  • Listen to student participation in discussions for respectful communication.
  • Review drafts of written and visual presentations for clarity and accuracy.
  • Name one way to present social studies information.
  • Explain how you can show respect during a discussion about social studies.
  • List one type of visual you can use in a presentation.
  • Create and deliver a presentation on a social studies topic using written, oral, and visual elements.
  • Participate in a class discussion demonstrating civil discourse skills.
  • Write a reflection on how using multiple presentation forms helped you communicate your ideas.

Answer Guide

  • What are three different ways you can present social studies information?
    Answer: Written presentations, oral presentations, and visual presentations.
  • Explain why using visuals like maps or timelines can help people understand social studies topics better.
    Answer: Visuals organize information clearly and show relationships like order of events or locations, making it easier to understand.
  • You have researched a historical event. Describe how you would prepare an oral presentation to share your findings with the class.
    Answer: Organize main points, prepare notes, practice speaking clearly and at a good pace, and use visuals to support the presentation.
  • During a class discussion, two students have different opinions about a social studies topic. How can you use civil discourse skills to respond respectfully and keep the conversation productive?
    Answer: Listen carefully, ask questions to understand, share ideas politely, and avoid interrupting or disrespectful language.
  • Create a plan for a presentation that combines written, oral, and visual elements to explain a social studies topic with multiple perspectives. Include how you will engage your audience and encourage respectful discussion.
    Answer: Write a clear report with different perspectives, prepare an oral presentation with key points and questions, design visuals like charts or maps, and guide respectful audience discussion.

Real-Life Application

Encourage students to interview a family member about a historical event or community issue and create a short presentation to share what they learned at home or school.

Homework or Home Connection

  • Encourage students to interview a family member about a historical event or community issue and create a short presentation to share what they learned at home or school.

Lesson Summary

In this lesson, students learn to create written, oral, and visual presentations to communicate social studies information clearly and effectively. They also practice foundational language skills to engage in civil discourse, respecting multiple perspectives. These skills help students become confident communicators and thoughtful participants in social studies discussions.

Teacher Notes

Use the exact standards alignment and retrieved-source provenance stored with this enrichment.

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