Fort Morgan Research

Objectives

By the end of this lesson, 9th-grade students will be able to:

• Identify and select a specific topic related to Fort Morgan’s history for deeper research.
• Formulate guiding questions to direct their research.
• Locate credible sources related to their chosen topic, using digital and print media.
• Begin organizing gathered information into a preliminary research outline.

Common Core State Standards Addressed:

• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.9-10.1: Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of primary and secondary sources related to Fort Morgan’s history.
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.9-10.7: Conduct short research projects to answer a question, drawing on several sources and generating additional related, focused questions for further research and investigation.
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.9-10.8: Gather relevant information from multiple authoritative print and digital sources, using advanced searches effectively.
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.9-10.9: Draw evidence from informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.9-10.1: Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions with diverse partners on topics related to Fort Morgan history, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly.

Materials Needed

• Student research folders or digital notebooks (e.g. Google Docs or OneNote)
• Access to a curated list of Fort Morgan-related primary and secondary sources (print and digital)
• Graphic organizer handouts for outlining research questions and sources
• Whiteboard and markers or digital display
• Timer

Lesson Duration: 45 minutes

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Lesson Activities

1. Introduction & Goal Setting (5 minutes)

• Begin with a brief recap of Fort Morgan’s historical significance covered in previous lessons.
• Explain the purpose of today’s lesson: To start a focused research project on a chosen aspect of Fort Morgan’s history. Emphasize this will be the foundation for their final presentation (Lesson 15).
• Discuss authentic examples of research questions, such as:
  • “What role did Fort Morgan play in the Civil War?”
  • “How did military technology evolve at Fort Morgan over time?”
  • “What impact did Fort Morgan have on local communities and economies?”

2. Topic Selection & Guiding Question Development (10 minutes)

• Provide students with a list of broad topic categories related to Fort Morgan’s history (e.g., military, architecture, local impact, famous figures).
• Ask the student to select one category that interests them most.
• Guide the student to narrow this down by crafting 2-3 specific research questions using the graphic organizer.
• Model one example live on the whiteboard or digitally.
• Encourage refinement of questions so they are clear, focused, and researchable.

3. Source Exploration & Evaluation (15 minutes)

• Introduce and review strategies for identifying credible sources, including evaluating author expertise, date of publication, and source type (primary vs. secondary).
• Provide access to curated sources related to Fort Morgan: historic documents, websites, articles, photographs.
• The student will spend time independently exploring these sources based on their guiding questions.
• Have the student take notes on the graphic organizer regarding which sources address which questions and any preliminary findings.
• Circulate with prompts if needed, such as: “Which source best answers your question about Fort Morgan’s military role? Why?”

4. Organizing Information: Preliminary Outline (10 minutes)

• Using notes, assist the student in creating a simple research outline with headings aligned to each guiding question.
• Emphasize grouping information logically to form the framework for their project.
• Encourage them to note any gaps or areas needing further information for next class.

5. Reflection & Next Steps (5 minutes)

• Have the student reflect verbally or in writing:
  • What did you learn about researching historical topics?
  • Which part of Fort Morgan’s history are you most excited to explore further?
  • What challenges did you encounter finding sources or narrowing questions?
• Outline expectations and goals for Lesson 15: Final research presentations.

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Assessment

• Informal formative assessment through observation during activities and questioning to gauge understanding of research question development and source credibility.
• Review of student’s graphic organizer for guiding questions and annotated source list.
• Evaluation of the preliminary outline for logical organization and alignment to research questions.

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Differentiation & Enrichment

• For students needing support, provide additional guiding question templates or pre-selected sources.
• Challenge advanced students to include at least one primary source in their research and to compare differing perspectives in their notes.
• Encourage creative presentation ideas for final project (Lesson 15), such as digital storytelling or 3D models of Fort Morgan.

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Teacher Reflection

• Were the selected guiding questions specific and manageable?
• Did the student demonstrate understanding of source credibility?
• Were they engaged and motivated by their chosen topic?
• How can technology or personalized support be improved to enhance future research lessons?