Target Grade Level:
 9
Target Concept:
 Change
Target Content Strands:
 Communication 
Research 
Number Sense, Numeration and Operations 
Patterns and Relationships 
Probability and Statistics 
Problem Solving 
Cultural Environment 
Natural Environment 
Earth, Space and Physical Environment 
Forces, Matter, and Energy 
Life Processes
Suggested Time Line:
 4 weeks
Developed by:
 Shannon Day, Teresa George, Peggy Hardegree, Debra O'Quinn, Valarie Stansell, Anita Stroup, Sandra Wallace
Year Developed:
 1997
 
 
  Introduction and Overview
 
The purpose of this unit is to make students aware of the changes occurring in our community as a result of its rapid growth.  This growth will affect our community economically, politically, and socially. Using Henry County as the unit's focus, we will be able to incorporate aspects of several disciplines. By looking at the past, present, and future, students will develop an understanding of and an appreciation for their community 

The purpose of the language arts interview project is for the students to get first-hand information about how life has changed in their community. By interviewing older people, they have a primary source for their reports. If they interview someone from their own family, they not only learn the past of the community but also about their own past giving them a better idea of who they are and where they came from.
  
Content Background
 
Henry County is one of the fastest growing communities in the United States. Because of the nature of the growth, students need to be aware of the environmental impact. Students will be involved with studies on how this growth is changing the ecosystems.  

The social sciences can help students understand the changes in our community. Economics, population, politics/government, and physical features will be used in the process of researching information and developing an understanding of how change is affecting Henry County. 

Southern literature used in the unit reveals life styles of earlier generations. Interviewing residents will enable students to make connections with an earlier time and to see how society is changing. If they choose to interview members of their own families, they will get a better idea of who they are and where they came from. 

Different mathematical methods will be used to explore the changes brought on by rapid population growth in the community. 
 
 
  Student Preparation 
 
Language Arts 
Discussion of life styles found in the literature will lead to discussion of how life has changed and is continuing to change in our rapidly developing society. A natural desire to find out about one's past and the past of the community should develop from the class discussions 

Mathematics 
Students should have knowledge of basic mathematical operations, order of operations, use of a calculator, and construction and interpreting of simple graphs. 

Science 
Students should be able to perform process skills associated with the scientific method.  

Social Studies 

  • The student will research the economics area through research in the library for news articles about industry growth, call the Chamber of Commerce on how industry has grown and why has big industry moved to Henry County. Finally, they will  interview entrepreneurs within the county. 
  • For the population area, the students will research the trends and shifts of Henry County. They will create questions for people who have moved into the county from other counties or states. 
  • For government/politics, the students will research the representatives of the county at a state and national level and look at different elections in the past and research who was democrat or republican. Also, the student will research laws of Henry County and will go and visit court. 
  • For physical geography, the students will research information using different maps. The student will create a map of the county showing the interstate link to the county and how and why cities were formed. 
 
 This integrated unit was prepared by teachers of the:
 
Henry County Public Schools
396 Tomlinson Street
McDonough, Georgia 30253
USA
Phone:  770/957-6601
 
Questions/Comments 
 Updated 7/29/98