Us History Project 1

US History Project 1 – What Should Be Taught? Prior to this academic year, United States History I in the state of Indiana began in the year 1765. It fully covered all of American through 1929. This summer the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) changed the parameters of US History I. It now involves only a brief overview of the years 1765-1860. It chooses instead to more fully explore the years 1860 through 1929. The thinking was that early American history was explored in 8thgrade US History. This has been somewhat controversial. Many teachers feel that an understanding of US History must be rooted in the events of the late 1700’s and early 1800’s. Mr. Smith and Mr. Clodfelter have been asked to examine this era of United States History and find a workable plan to reconcile the parameters of the IDOE and the concerns of teachers. We recognize that students should have a voice in what they are taught. So, we need your help to find a workable plan. Your Task: Explore you book and the internet to find the person, document, and event from the years 1765-1860 that are most important for you and the classes that follow will learn. You must choose one of each (event, person, and document). ➢ Each group must use different topics. For example; the Constitution will only be used once so work fast to make your list and come see either Mr. Smith or Mr. Clodfelter. ➢ You must present your findings in Photostory. ➢ The Person, Event, and Document must be found in your book. The page number should be included in your Photostory. However, you should go further than the book goes. Use the Internet to find more information. ➢ Each of your three choices should be fully explained through your Photostory. You will show your Photostory to the class but will not speak. All information should be in text form or communicated through voice-overs. ➢ Your Photostory should focus on why you believe your chosen topic is the most important. ➢ Part of your grade will be both a self evaluation and a peer evaluation. Grade Breakdown: 5 points daily participation (assessed by Mr. Smith and Mr. Clodfelter). 5 points self assessment 5 points peer assessment 15 points final product (rubric to follow)

Remember, one each, the most important Person, Event, and Document… Good Luck.