Dover-Sherborn Middle School

Curriculum Road Maps

Course Title: U.S. History Grade: 8

Unit: The New Republic ______

Month Presented: January Unit Length (in weeks): 3-4

Essential Question (s):

• What interests were represented in early America?
• How has America’s power changed over time?

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify historical “American” symbols used in flags, art, and official documents as well as the goals they represent.

2. Explain how and why American leaders and government addressed the internal and external challenges to the early government of the United States.

3. Compare and contrast the role of the early and modern United States in international conflict and resolution.

4. Understand the reasons for the creation of America’s first two political parties and make connections with today’s two party system.

Skills:

• Primary Source Analysis
• Compare and Contrast: Political Parties Then and Now
• Secondary Source Analysis
• Cooperative Learning: Research and plan group campaign presentation

Instructional Strategies and Activities:

· Seal of the United States Activity: Research and interpret words and symbols

· George Washington: The Precedent President Internet Web Quest

· Political Parties: Then and Now

· The Ideal American: Political parties primary sources

· Challenges to the Government = jigsaw study of problems faced by New Republic and the development of the National Bank, judicial review and cabinet

· Foreign Policy Case Studies: 1789-1812

· Foreign Policy Then and Now

· Causes of War of 1812

· Connections to the present: State of the Union Address

· Primary Sources:

Washington’s Farewell Address

Letter from Dolley Madison

Tecumseh Speech

Materials Used: Textbook, internet websites, primary source materials, videos, etc.

Assessment Strategies: Quizzes, group project on political parties, class participation, political party “campaign”