Students may work in groups or independently as they write an essay using deductive inferences.  Essays are then shared in a “read-around” activity.  This lesson packet contains all you need to run the simulation, with directions and step by step guidance for the read-around activity, too, plus additional resources that may be used as extensions of this lesson.

Atlantis typically takes most classes two full periods to complete in addition to a homework assignment.  It may take three to three and a half class periods if the writing is done completely in class.

Please consider adding a good introductory lesson to making deductive inferences by using our “The Flowers of Guatemala” lesson.

• Subject Area: History, Social Sciences
• Materials Required: Printed handouts, optional need for a whiteboard or display, too
• Time Needed: Two full class periods, plus homework, or three in-class work days total.

Deduction uses only logic to explain an outcome when all other possibilities have been examined. Instead of this, social scientists must use deductive inference which is a conclusion reached on the basis of evidence and reasoning alone. Much of our study of history is based on inferences with incomplete facts.  Even our understanding of recent history can be made more clear in the future as more information is revealed or discovered through diaries, additional eye witness accounts, and other records.

This lesson includes complete procedures and directions and generally runs for an entire class period.

Follow up this lesson with our role play and writing assignment lesson “Atlantis.”

• Subject Areas: History, Humanities
• Materials Required: Soap, water, small clear dish, whiteboard or display, song “The Flowers of Guatemala,” and its lyrics.
• Time Needed: 30 – 40 minutes