Curriculum Map for High School U.S. History
Grade Level: 11
This is a tentative year-long curriculum map for High School U.S. History, split into ten different units. The Enduring Understanding that is the foundation of the plan is that there is no singular definition behind the American identity, and unity and diversity both remain important characteristics of a constantly evolving United States. There are clear patterns of changing ideologies that stem from various conflicts and major events throughout our history, yet there is a constant core theme of freedom that has had varying effects on different groups of people from different backgrounds. Students will explore questions like: How has the definition of freedom changed over the course of our country's history? Is America really the land of opportunity where diversity is welcomed with open arms? Does the idea of the American Dream still exist? What does it mean to be American? And is the desire to be free a natural and innate part of every person?
This is a tentative year-long curriculum map for High School U.S. History, split into ten different units. The Enduring Understanding that is the foundation of the plan is that there is no singular definition behind the American identity, and unity and diversity both remain important characteristics of a constantly evolving United States. There are clear patterns of changing ideologies that stem from various conflicts and major events throughout our history, yet there is a constant core theme of freedom that has had varying effects on different groups of people from different backgrounds. Students will explore questions like: How has the definition of freedom changed over the course of our country's history? Is America really the land of opportunity where diversity is welcomed with open arms? Does the idea of the American Dream still exist? What does it mean to be American? And is the desire to be free a natural and innate part of every person?
Red Light, Green Light: 1950s Red Scare in America
Grade Level: 8
This lesson is geared towards an 8th grade classroom, though it can be modified for higher grade levels as well, and is universally designed . The purpose of the lesson is to evaluate the political, social, and cultural impact of McCarthyism in America, and how times of intense fear and tension can result in a restriction of civil liberties in the name of national security. Taking an interdisciplinary approach, the lesson covers standards from Social Studies, Science, and Writing.
This lesson is geared towards an 8th grade classroom, though it can be modified for higher grade levels as well, and is universally designed . The purpose of the lesson is to evaluate the political, social, and cultural impact of McCarthyism in America, and how times of intense fear and tension can result in a restriction of civil liberties in the name of national security. Taking an interdisciplinary approach, the lesson covers standards from Social Studies, Science, and Writing.
McCarthyism Activity - Cold War in America
Grade Level: 8
This activity could be used in a series of lessons concerning the Cold War, its effect on the United States, and the various roles the United States played in this global issue. The activity is designed to give students a more personal idea of what it meant to live through the Red Scare during the 1950s, helping them understand why people did what they did by doing a small reenactment rather than trying to understand motives through reading a textbook. The activity itself should take anywhere from 5-10 minutes, with a discussion to follow.
This activity could be used in a series of lessons concerning the Cold War, its effect on the United States, and the various roles the United States played in this global issue. The activity is designed to give students a more personal idea of what it meant to live through the Red Scare during the 1950s, helping them understand why people did what they did by doing a small reenactment rather than trying to understand motives through reading a textbook. The activity itself should take anywhere from 5-10 minutes, with a discussion to follow.
Garbology Activity - Historical Thinking/Archaeology
Grade Level: Can be done with Junior High/High School students
Garbology is an activity that will get students excited about historical thinking - its interactive, they learn about how to analyze primary and secondary sources, they learn about one way that historians/archaeologists conduct research, and they get to play with garbage! (clean of course)
Garbology is an activity that will get students excited about historical thinking - its interactive, they learn about how to analyze primary and secondary sources, they learn about one way that historians/archaeologists conduct research, and they get to play with garbage! (clean of course)