The first series of lessons are crucial in History as it sets the tone for the year. These first lessons therefore, should always be exciting, collaborative and rigorous. While Australian students often have a good idea of American symbols, they often exist without a historical context. This teaching resource is designed to provide students with a broad understanding of the fundamental tenets of American history, beliefs and values, political and economic systems.
This 8-page resource is designed to look like a contemporary magazine and therefore, it is not text-heavy. Students are required to work in groups on a class-based project. To this end, a Teacher Guide is attached to the resource. The Guide provides teachers with a suggestion on how this resource can be used with ICT to challenge students and encourage them to work collaboratively when dealing with difficulties in using new and unfamiliar freeware alongside rigorous content. A sample assessment to evaluate student understanding and literacy skills is also included. For the latest of the Statue of Liberty, read this article by Donald Trump's adviser, Stephen Miller. You can download this resource from the Products page.
{Review}: Capitalism - the American Experience
The Library of Congress creates outstanding teaching materials. 'The Industrial Revolution in the United States' is no exception. Teachers in Western Australia will find this resource invaluable in setting the context for the rise of capitalism in the U.S.A. The resource begins with a two page summary of the industrial revolution and introduces students to the captains of industry. The resource also raises the issues associated with the rise of capitalism such as poor working and living conditions and, child labour. Teachers are provided with an excellent sample of primary sources with which to pose some interesting questions. Questions such as whether the industrial revolution was over by 1919 or whether it continued in the south in the 1930s will provide students with a window into understanding the tentative nature of history. This resource will certainly give students a better understanding of the Progressive Movement which is an important part of the course. You will find the 'Teacher Guide' PDF here and the 'Student Discovery Set' (delivered through iTunes), here.
{Capitalism: the American Experience}: Immigration 1900-1941
The Immigration Review is a 14-page teaching resource with a focus on immigration to the United States of America from the turn of the twentieth century to 1941. As such, this resource examines the rise of anti-immigration sentiments and the consequent implementation of immigration restrictions and the experience of migrants. Contained within this resource are a range of primary and secondary sources: political cartoons, speeches, photographs, tables and graphs, songs and a webcast. Activities are designed to encourage empathy, creativity, collaboration and critical thinking. Research has found that one of the most important ways to elicit critical thinking is to examine sources of information so that students can make inferences, make judgements about perspectives and form their own conclusion. We envisage that this rich resource will bring variety and rigorous classroom discussions. For the latest of the Statue of Liberty and its connection to immigration, read this article by Donald Trump's adviser, Stephen Miller. You will find this resource here.
{Year 11 Capitalism: the American Experience}: The Stock Market Crash 1929
This 6-page resource for the unit Capitalism: the American Experience, begins with a photograph which teachers can use to stimulate some discussion regarding the gathering of large crowds in front of the Stock Market Exchange. Students then embark on a structured task to investigate the short- and long-term causes of the Crash. Armed with knowledge, students are given the opportunity to work through three primary sources. In particular, students practice their skills at answering message and perspective questions. You will find this resource here.
{Year 11}: The New Deal - Resource Review
This fabulous 8-page teaching resource was created by the Library of Congress. It provides a time line of major events related to the New Deal. The resource contains carefully selected primary sources which relate to the nature of the New Deal. Students create a collage using images and quotes to gain an understanding of the scale and creativity implicit in FDR's New Deal. You can download a PDF copy of this resource here.