home

Collaboration Lesson 1: Introduction

Collaborations Across Time and Professions
04162012_EDU_declaration2_main.jpg
John Trumbull, Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776, 1819

This lesson gives a preview of the key benefits of collaboration through examples in political history, in art, sport, business and science. Introduction includes: PowerPoint, discussion and writing.

Grade Levels: 6-12  

Suggested Time Frame:

Collaboration PowerPoint: 15 minutes
Class discussion: 5-10 minutes
In-class assignment: 15-20 minutes
Group presentations: 20 minutes

Total time frame: 1-1 ½ class periods 

Objectives:

  • Students explore various examples of collaboration through a PowerPoint presentation and class discussion
  • In small groups, students read and discuss the context of historical, artistic, business, sports and scientific collaboration
 
Chemists Marie and husband Pierre Curie in their laboratory in Paris, France, 1903, Life Magazine, © Time Inc.
Chemists Marie and husband Pierre Curie in their laboratory in Paris, France, 1903, Life Magazine, © Time Inc.

Warm-Up Questions:

  1. How do you define collaboration?
  2. In what professions are people required to work together (manufacturing, farming, governing, construction, surgery, medial diagnostics)?
  3. How do you collaborate in your school and personal life (sports, church, school clubs, organizations, relationships)?
 
Procedure

Materials:

Collaboration PowerPoint Computer and digital projectorHandout 
PencilsChalkboard or white boardMarkers

  1. Begin the class discussing the warm-up questions.
  2. Present and discuss PowerPoint: Collaboration.
  3. Break students into small groups to read and discuss one of the collaborations listed below. Each group should discuss and record their answers to the Comprehension Questions in the handouts. 

    4. - Historical Collaboration: The Declaration of Independence
    - Business Collaboration: Geek Squad/Best Buy
    - Sports Collaboration: Pittsburgh Pirates Baseball
    - Scientific Collaboration: Marie & Pierre Curie

  4. Students present their answers to the class.
  5. Create a list on the board and ask students to hypothesize:

    6. - Why people collaborate.

    - The benefits of collaboration.

    - Key factors in a successful collaboration.

 
Assessment

Warhol Education Rubrics

Click the Warhol Rubric headers below to reveal associated rubrics to which this lesson applies.

Critical Thinking
Communication
Historical Context
Media and Related Items
Presentation
Collaboration Introduction: Examples of Collaboration in History
Collaboration Introduction: Examples of Collaboration in History