This teacher-submitted, secondary lesson plan appeared in the
Badger History Bulletin. Please adapt it to fit your students'
needs. Author: Joni Shahrani, Sennett Middle School, Madison
Students will investigate the meaning of "change" in our society
and grasp the way Wisconsin's progressive traditions have
affected changes in many aspects of life. They will make the
connection between Wisconsin as a progressive leader, and the
inventions and legislative acts that are documented on the
Wisconsin Firsts poster. Then students will choose one of the
items listed on the poster to research and report on in class.
This lesson plan requires two to three class periods. Students
will gain a greater understanding of how change can be viewed in
society. Students will think critically and make intelligent
inferences. Students will be able to distinguish between
industrial and legislative firsts. Students will analyze and
draw conclusions about how these "firsts" reflect the Wisconsin
people who made and used them. The Wi