Making Sense of Mental Health: Past and Present. Story and Research Project.
The resource is a lesson plan that uses a story about a girl with mental illness. Students read the story, read informational text resources concerning perceptions of mental illness in the past, and then research a chosen mental illness in groups. Students publish their research on a poster and present it to the class. This three day lesson incorporates a story, The Yellow Wallpaper, as part of a theme on mental illness. This lesson provides students an opportunity to work in groups to research a mental illness and then present findings through a poster presentation. This lesson includes other resources, including primary sources regarding women's mental health from the 19th century and handouts to be used with this project. This lesson incorporates science and history and is sometimes taught in American literature.
Weblink address (URL):
Standards & Objectives
Academic standards
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.9-10.3
- Apply knowledge of language to understand how language functions in different contexts, to make effective choices for meaning or style, and to...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.9-10.5
- Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.11-12.10
- By the end of grade 11, read and comprehend literary nonfiction in the grades 11-CCR text complexity band proficiently, with scaffolding as...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.11-12.2
- Determine two or more central ideas of a text and analyze their development over the course of the text, including how they interact and build on...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.11-12.3
- Analyze a complex set of ideas or sequence of events and explain how specific individuals, ideas, or events interact and develop over the course...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.11-12.6
- Determine an author's point of view or purpose in a text in which the rhetoric is particularly effective, analyzing how style and content...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.9-10.1
- Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.9-10.10
- By the end of grade 9, read and comprehend literacy nonfiction in the grades 9-10 text complexity band proficiently, with scaffolding as needed...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.9-10.2
- Determine a central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text, including how it emerges and is shaped and refined by...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.9-10.3
- Analyze how the author unfolds an analysis or series of ideas or events, including the order in which the points are made, how they are introduced...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.11-12.10
- By the end of grade 11, read and comprehend literature, including stories, dramas, and poems, in the grades 11-CCR text complexity band...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.11-12.2
- Determine two or more themes or central ideas of a text and analyze their development over the course of the text, including how they interact...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.11-12.7
- Analyze multiple interpretations of a story, drama, or poem (e.g., recorded or live production of a play or recorded novel or poetry), evaluating...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.11-12.9
- Demonstrate knowledge of eighteenth-, nineteenth- and early-twentieth-century foundational works of American literature, including how two or...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.9-10.1
- Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.9-10.10
- By the end of grade 9, read and comprehend literature, including stories, dramas, and poems, in the grades 9-10 text complexity band...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.9-10.2
- Determine a theme or central idea of a text and analyze in detail its development over the course of the text, including how it emerges and is...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.9-10.4
- Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in the text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the cumulative...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.11-12.1
- Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.11-12.2
- Integrate multiple sources of information presented in diverse formats and media (e.g., visually, quantitatively, orally) in order to make...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.11-12.4
- Present information, findings, and supporting evidence, conveying a clear and distinct perspective, such that listeners can follow the line of...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.11-12.5
- Make strategic use of digital media (e.g., textual, graphical, audio, visual, and interactive elements) in presentations to enhance understanding...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.11-12.6
- Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and tasks, demonstrating a command of formal English when indicated or appropriate. (See grades 11-12...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.9-10.1
- Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.9-10.4
- Present information, findings, and supporting evidence clearly, concisely, and logically such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning and...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.9-10.6
- Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and tasks, demonstrating command of formal English when indicated or appropriate. (See grades 9-10 Language...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.11-12.2
- Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas, concepts, and information clearly and accurately through the effective...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.11-12.4
- Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience....
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.11-12.8
- Gather relevant information from multiple authoritative print and digital sources, using advanced searches effectively; assess the strengths and...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.11-12.9
- Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.9-10.1
- Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics or texts, using valid reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.9-10.2
- Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas, concepts, and information clearly and accurately through the effective...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.9-10.6
- Use technology, including the Internet, to produce, publish, and update individual or shared writing products, taking advantage of technology's...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.9-10.7
- Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated question) or solve a problem; narrow or...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.9-10.8
- Gather relevant information from multiple authoritative print and digital sources, using advanced searches effectively; assess the usefulness of...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.9-10.9
- Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.
- CLE 3001.1.2
- Employ a variety of strategies and resources to determine the definition, pronunciation, etymology, spelling, and usage of words and phrases.
- CLE 3001.2.5
- Understand strategies for expressing ideas clearly and effectively in a variety of oral contexts.
- CLE 3001.2.6
- Deliver effective oral presentations.
- CLE 3001.2.7
- Participate in work teams and group discussions.
- CLE 3001.3.3
- Organize ideas into an essay with a thesis statement in the introduction, well constructed paragraphs, a conclusion, and transition sentences that connect...
- CLE 3001.4.1
- Define and narrow a problem or research topic.
- CLE 3001.4.2
- Gather relevant information from a variety of print and electronic sources, as well as from direct observation, interviews, and surveys.
- CLE 3001.4.3
- Make distinctions about the credibility, reliability, consistency, strengths, and limitations of resources, including information gathered from websites.
- CLE 3001.4.4
- Write an extended research paper, using primary and secondary sources and technology and graphics, as appropriate.
- CLE 3001.4.5
- Use a standard format to arrange text, to cite sources correctly, and to document quotations, paraphrases, and other information.
- CLE 3001.5.1
- Use logic to make inferences and draw conclusions in a variety of challenging oral and written contexts.
- CLE 3001.5.2
- Analyze text for fact and opinion, cause/effect, inferences, evidence, and conclusions.
- CLE 3001.5.3
- Evaluate an argument, considering false premises, logical fallacies, and the quality of evidence presented.
- CLE 3001.5.4
- Analyze the logical features of an argument
- CLE 3001.6.1
- Comprehend and summarize the main ideas of informational and technical texts and determine the essential elements that elaborate them.
- CLE 3001.6.2
- Analyze the organizational structures of informational and technical texts.
- CLE 3001.7.4
- Apply and adapt the principles of written composition to create coherent media productions.
- CLE 3001.8.4
- Analyze works of literature for what is suggested about the historical period in which they were written.
- CLE 3001.8.5
- Know and use appropriate literary terms to derive meaning from various literary genres.
- CLE 3002.1.2
- Employ a variety of strategies and resources to determine the definition, pronunciation, etymology, spelling, and usage of words and phrases
- CLE 3002.2.6
- Deliver effective oral presentations.
- CLE 3002.2.7
- Participate in work teams and group discussions.
- CLE 3002.3.3
- Organize ideas into an essay with a thesis statement in the introduction, wellconstructed paragraphs, a conclusion, and transition sentences that connect...
- CLE 3002.4.1
- Define and narrow a problem or research topic.
- CLE 3002.4.2
- Gather relevant information from a variety of print and electronic sources, as well as from direct observation, interviews, and surveys.
- CLE 3002.4.3
- Make distinctions about the credibility, reliability, consistency, strengths, and limitations of resources, including information gathered from websites.
- CLE 3002.4.4
- Write an extended research paper, using primary and secondary sources and technology and graphics, as appropriate.
- CLE 3002.4.5
- Use a standard format to arrange text, to cite sources correctly, and to document quotations, paraphrases, and other information.
- CLE 3002.5.1
- Use logic to make inferences and draw conclusions in a variety of challenging oral and written contexts.
- CLE 3002.5.2
- Analyze text for fact and opinion, cause-effect, inferences, evidence, and conclusions.
- CLE 3002.5.3
- Evaluate an argument, considering false premises, logical fallacies, and the quality of evidence presented.
- CLE 3002.5.4
- Analyze the logical features of an argument.
- CLE 3002.6.1
- Comprehend and summarize the main ideas of informational and technical texts and determine the essential elements that elaborate them.
- CLE 3002.6.2
- Analyze the organizational structures of informational and technical texts.
- CLE 3002.8.4
- Analyze works of literature for what is suggested about the historical period in which they were written.
- CLE 3002.8.5
- Know and use appropriate literary terms to derive meaning from various literary genres.
- CLE 3003.2.6
- Deliver effective oral presentations.
- CLE 3003.2.7
- Participate in work teams and group discussions.
- CLE 3003.3.1
- Write in a variety of modes, with particular emphasis on persuasion, for different purposes and audiences.
- CLE 3003.3.3
- Organize ideas into an essay with a thesis statement in the introduction, well-constructed paragraphs, a conclusion, and transition sentences that connect...
- CLE 3003.4.1
- Define and narrow a problem or research topic.
- CLE 3003.4.2
- Gather relevant information from a variety of print and electronic sources, as well as from direct observation, interviews, and surveys.
- CLE 3003.6.1
- Comprehend and summarize the main ideas of complex informational texts and determine the essential elements that elaborate them.
- CLE 3003.6.2
- Analyze the organizational structures of complex informational and technical texts.
- CLE 3003.6.3
- Read, interpret, and analyze graphics that support complex informational and technical texts.
- CLE 3003.7.2
- Examine the agreements and conflicts between the visual (e.g., media images, painting, film, graphic arts) and the verbal.
- CLE 3003.8.1
- Demonstrate knowledge of significant works of American literature from the colonial period to the present and make relevant comparisons.
- CLE 3003.8.4
- Analyze works of American literature for what is suggested about the historical period in which they were written.
- SPI 3001.1.12
- Use context clues and/or knowledge of roots, affixes, and cognates to determine the meaning of unfamiliar words.
- SPI 3001.1.13
- Select the appropriate word among frequently confused words (i.e., to/too/two, their/there/theyre, it/its, you/youre, whose/whos, which/that/who, accept/except,...
- SPI 3001.2.7
- Select the most appropriate strategies for participating productively in a team (e.g., gaining the floor in orderly, respectful ways and listening with civility...
- SPI 3001.3.3
- Choose the transitional device that appropriately connects sentences or paragraphs within a writing sample.
- SPI 3001.4.4
- Evaluate the validity of Web pages as sources of information.
- SPI 3001.4.6
- Identify information that must be cited or attributed within a writing sample.
- SPI 3001.5.1
- Make inferences and draw conclusions based on evidence in text.
- SPI 3001.6.1
- Discern the stated or implied main idea and supporting details of informational and technical passages.
- SPI 3002.1.13
- Select the appropriate word from among frequently confused words (i.e., to/too/two, their/there/theyre, it/its, you/youre, whose/whos, which/that/who,...
- SPI 3002.1.14
- Use context clues and/or knowledge of roots, affixes, and cognates to determine the meaning of unfamiliar words.
- SPI 3002.2.7
- Select the most appropriate strategies for participating productively in a team (e.g., gaining the floor in orderly, respectful ways and listen with civility to...
- SPI 3002.3.3
- Choose the transitional device that appropriately connects sentences or paragraphs within a writing sample.
- SPI 3002.4.4
- Evaluate the validity of Web pages as sources of information.
- SPI 3002.4.6
- Identify information that must be cited or attributed within a writing sample.
- SPI 3002.5.1
- Make inferences and draw conclusions based on evidence in text.
- SPI 3002.6.1
- Discern the stated or implied main idea and supporting details of informational and technical passages
- SPI 3003.3.13
- Identify the targeted audience for a selected passage.
- SPI 3003.3.8
- Choose the transitional device that appropriately connects sentences or paragraphs within a writing sample.
- SPI 3003.6.1
- Discern the stated or implied main idea and supporting details of a complex informational or technical passage.
- SPI 3003.6.3
- Analyze the ways in which the organizational structure of a complex informational or technical text supports or confounds its meaning or purpose.
- TSS.ELA.10.RI.RRTC.10
- (For 10th Grade) Read and comprehend a variety of literary nonfiction at the high end of the grades 9-10 text complexity band independently and...
- TSS.ELA.10.RL.RRTC.10
- (For 10th Grade) Read and comprehend a variety of literature at the high end of the grades 9-10 text complexity band independently and proficiently.
- TSS.ELA.11-12.RI.CS.6
- Determine an author's point of view and/or purpose in a text, analyzing how style and content contribute to its effectiveness.
- TSS.ELA.11-12.RI.IKI.9
- Analyze and evaluate a variety of thematically-related texts of historical and literary significance for their topics, facts, purposes, and rhetorical...
- TSS.ELA.11-12.RI.KID.2
- Determine multiple central ideas of a text or texts and analyze their development; provide a critical summary.
- TSS.ELA.11-12.RL.CS.6
- Analyze how point of view and/or author purpose requires distinguishing what is directly stated in texts and what is implied.
- TSS.ELA.11-12.RL.IKI.9
- Demonstrate knowledge of and analyze thematically-related, significant literary texts, considering how two or more texts treat similar themes or topics.
- TSS.ELA.11-12.RL.KID.2
- Determine multiple themes or central ideas of a text or texts and analyze their development; provide a critical summary.
- TSS.ELA.11-12.SL.CC.1
- Initiate and participate effectively with varied partners in a range of collaborative discussions on appropriate 11th - 12th grade topics, texts, and...
- TSS.ELA.11-12.SL.CC.2
- Integrate multiple sources of information presented in diverse media formats in order to make informed decisions and solve problems; evaluate the...
- TSS.ELA.11-12.SL.PKI.4
- Present information, findings, and supporting evidence, conveying a clear and distinct perspective so that listeners can follow the line of reasoning;...
- TSS.ELA.11-12.SL.PKI.5
- Make strategic use of digital media and visual displays in presentations to enhance understanding of findings, reasoning, and evidence and to add interest.
- TSS.ELA.11-12.SL.PKI.6
- Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and tasks, demonstrating command of formal English when indicated or appropriate.
- TSS.ELA.11-12.W.PDW.4
- Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
- TSS.ELA.11-12.W.RBPK.8
- Use advanced searches effectively, assessing the credibility and effectiveness of sources in answering a research question; integrate relevant and...
- TSS.ELA.11-12.W.RBPK.9
- Support and defend interpretations, analyses, reflections, or research with evidence found in literature or informational texts, applying grade band...
- TSS.ELA.11-12.W.TTP.2
- Write informative/explanatory texts to analyze, synthesize, and convey complex ideas, concepts, and information clearly and accurately through the...
- TSS.ELA.11.RI.RRTC.10
- (For 11th Grade) Read and comprehend a variety of literary nonfiction throughout the grades 11-12 text complexity band proficiently, with a gradual...
- TSS.ELA.11.RL.RRTC.10
- (For 11th Grade) Read and comprehend a variety of literature throughout the grades 11-12 text complexity band proficiently, with a gradual release of...
- TSS.ELA.9-10.L.KL.3
- Apply knowledge of language to understand how language functions in different contexts, to make effective choices for meaning or style, and to comprehend ...
- TSS.ELA.9-10.L.VAU.5
- Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings in grades 9-10 reading and content; interpret figures...
- TSS.ELA.9-10.RI.CS.4
- Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative, connotative, and technical meanings; analyze the cumulative...
- TSS.ELA.9-10.RI.KID.1
- Analyze what a text says explicitly and draw inferences; cite the strongest, most compelling textual evidence to support conclusions.
- TSS.ELA.9-10.RI.KID.2
- Determine a central idea of a text and analyze its development; provide an objective or critical summary.
- TSS.ELA.9-10.RL.CS.4
- Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the cumulative impact of...
- TSS.ELA.9-10.RL.KID.1
- Analyze what a text says explicitly and draw inferences; cite the strongest, most compelling textual evidence to support conclusions.
- TSS.ELA.9-10.RL.KID.2
- Determine a theme or central idea of a text and analyze its development; provide an objective or critical summary.
- TSS.ELA.9-10.SL.CC.1
- Initiate and participate effectively with varied partners in a range of collaborative discussions on appropriate 9th- 10th grade topics, texts, and...
- TSS.ELA.9-10.SL.PKI.4
- Present information, findings, and supporting evidence clearly, concisely, and logically, so that listeners can follow the line of reasoning and the...
- TSS.ELA.9-10.SL.PKI.6
- Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and tasks, demonstrating command of formal English when indicated or appropriate.
- TSS.ELA.9-10.W.PDW.6
- Use technology, including the Internet, to produce, publish, and update individual or shared writing products, taking advantage of technology's capacity...
- TSS.ELA.9-10.W.RBPK.7
- Conduct and write short as well as more sustained research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated question) or solve a problem by...
- TSS.ELA.9-10.W.RBPK.8
- Use multiple search terms to generate a variety of print and digital sources; integrate information into the text selectively to maintain the flow of...
- TSS.ELA.9-10.W.RBPK.9
- Support and defend interpretations, analyses, reflections, or research with evidence found in literature or informational texts, applying grade band...
- TSS.ELA.9-10.W.TTP.1
- Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics or texts, using valid reasoning supported by relevant and sufficient evidence.
- TSS.ELA.9-10.W.TTP.2
- Write informative/explanatory texts to analyze and convey complex ideas, concepts, and information clearly and accurately through the effective selection...
- TSS.ELA.9.RI.RRTC.10
- (For 9th Grade) Read and comprehend a variety of literary nonfiction throughout the grades 9-10 text complexity band proficiently, with a gradual release...
- TSS.ELA.9.RL.RRTC.10
- (For 9th Grade) Read and comprehend a variety of literature throughout the grades 9-10 text complexity band proficiently, with a gradual release of...
Alignment of this item to academic standards is based on recommendations from content creators, resource curators, and visitors to this website. It is the responsibility of each educator to verify that the materials are appropriate for your content area, aligned to current academic standards, and will be beneficial to your specific students.
Learning objectives:
students will be able to:
- describe common symptoms of depression and several other mental health disorders.
- identify possible causes and available treatments for depression and other mental disorders.
- locate resources in one’s community and on the Internet for information and services regarding prevention strategies for depression and other mental health disorders.
- evaluate criteria for reliability of health information web sites.
Lesson Variations
Blooms taxonomy level:
Applying
Extension suggestions:
- If possible, invite a guest speaker who is a mental health professional from a local organization to talk about and discuss mental health conditions and resources. For example, the Mental Illness Needs Discussion Sessions (MINDS) organization is an awareness program that aims at educating young people about mental illness. MINDS conducts free seminars in high schools throughout Michigan. During each seminar the students are given two brochures. One brochure describes the symptoms of mental illness, while the other provides a guide to local, state and national help lines, referral agencies, organizations and other services. (http://www.mindsprogram.org/)
- Assign students an independent project to explore and write a report about a medical and scientific career that specializes in mental health research and treatments. Have students use the list of mental health career and professional organizations on “Other Resources” and include at least one interview of a local health professional or an organizational profile.
Helpful Hints
other materials and set-ups:
- flip chart, overhead projector and transparency, or smart board
- highlighter, pen or pencil
- computers with the Internet access for Class 2
References
Contributors:
Originator:
eduToolbox® is a resource-sharing portal developed by the Ayers Institute for Learning & Innovation with collaborative support and funding from the Tennessee Department of Education and the U.S. Department of Education's Math & Science Partnership program.
