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.