Estimated Lesson Duration:

90 min

 

Overview:

Students will use selected mortality statistics from 1900-2010 to see how the major causes of death in the United States have changed since the early 20th century.  Students will be able to read data tables and extract specific information, chart chronological information on a line graph, and interpret that data in a historical context.  <Fun fact:  Just days after this lesson was written, an article came out in the New England Journal of Medicine with the exact same finding!  See the NEJM article here: http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMp1113569>

Key Concepts and Standards:

 Key Concepts: Students will be able to read data tables and extract specific information, chart chronological information on a line graph, and interpret that data in a historical context.

Standards:

  • OR.SS.8.25     Critique data for point of view, historical context, distortion, or propaganda and relevance.OR.SS.8.27     Examine the various characteristics, causes, and effects of an event, issue, or problem.OR.SS.8.28     Investigate a response or solution to an issue or problem and support or oppose, using research.

 

Preparations/ Materials

• Background information for teacher
• Mortality Data Set
• Student Worksheets
• Research Resources
• Teacher Key for Tables and Charts

 

Downloadable Lesson and Supporting Materials

Lesson Plan and Worksheets

Editable Graphs and Tables