Americans struggle to define themselves as they fight for freedom from
British rule. The struggle to create a nation continues at the Constitutional
Convention as the founding fathers present differing visions of governance.
Conflict gives way to compromise as three branches of government with
two houses of Congress emerge for a new and fragile United States.
The country succeeds despite its early trials and tribulations, as
its leaders pursue the dream and idea of FREEDOM: A History
of US.
Each of the above ideas is introduced in this lesson utilizing Episode
2 of FREEDOM: A History of US and the companion Web site. Through viewing
and discussion of the video and investigation of the Web resources,
students will develop a deeper understanding of the formation and infancy
of the United States.
Students will be able to:
- Interpret historical information and its link to current events.
- Evaluate the roles of historical leaders in shaping the U.S. as
an emerging nation.
- Compare and contrast opposing visions of government held by the
founding fathers.
- Utilize reliable Internet resources that tell historical stories
that provide explanations of a post-revolutionary U.S.
NCSS (National Council for the Social Studies) Standards
http://www.socialstudies.org/standards/teachers/
NCSSS Learner Expectations
- Develop historical understanding and competence in ways of historical
thinking.
- Evaluate evidence.
- Develop comparative and causal analyses.
- Interpret the historical record.
- Construct sound historical arguments and perspectives on which informed
decisions in contemporary life can be based.
- Provide learners the historical perspectives necessary to analyze contemporary
issues and problems confronting citizens today.
NCSS Teacher Expectations- Assist learners in utilizing chronological thinking so that they can
distinguish between past, present, and future time;
- Place historical narratives in the proper chronological framework.
- Interpret
data presented in time lines; and can compare alternative models.
- Enable
learners to develop historical comprehension.
- Identify the central
question(s) addressed in historical narrative.
- Draw upon data in
historical maps, charts, and other graphic organizers.
- Draw upon
visual, literary, or musical sources.
- Compare and contrast, differentiate
between historical facts and interpretations.
- Consider multiple perspectives, analyze cause and effect
relationships.
- Hypothesize the influence of the past.
- Assist learners in developing
historical research capabilities.
- Construct sound historical interpretations.
- Help learners to identify
issues and problems in the past, recognize factors contributing
to such problems, identify and analyze alternative courses of action.
- Assist
learners in acquiring knowledge of historical content in United
States history.
New
York State Learning Standards - Social Studies
http://www.nysatl.nysed.gov/ssstand.html
Standard 1 History of the United States and New York
Students will use a variety of intellectual skills to demonstrate their
understanding of major ideas, eras, themes, developments, and turning
points in the history of the United States and New York.
Standard 5 Civics, Citizenship, and Government
Students will use a variety of intellectual skills to demonstrate their
understanding of the necessity for establishing governments; the governmental
system of the U.S. and other nations; the U.S. Constitution; the basic
civic values of American constitutional democracy; and the roles, rights,
and responsibilities of citizenship, including avenues of participation.
Video:
FREEDOM: A History of US #2 "From Colonies to Country"
Web sites:
FREEDOM: A History of US
http://www.pbs.org/historyofus
This is the companion Web site to the FREEDOM: A History of US video
series. The sixteen Webisodes reflect the topics in each segment of
the video series with additional historical information, sound clips,
pop-up biographies, images, timelines, glossary, and many primary source
documents.
Overhead projector attached to computer for projection
Television and VCR
Computer with Internet access using Explorer or Netscape
Plug-ins in order to play the web site's multimedia files (Macromedia
Flash Player, Real Player) - These are free to download from the Internet.
Sound card/speakers for audio files.
Per class:
- 2 Reporter Script sheets with lines for each "reporter"
Per student:
- Comparing Visions for Government student worksheet
- Make Your Vote student worksheet
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