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All grades  Project 4 weeks

Unveiling America's Foundations

Annelise B
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.11-12.9
D2.Civ.8.6-8
D2.Civ.3.3-5
Self Directed Learning
Academic Mindset
+ 1 more
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Purpose

This project aims to engage students in a critical exploration of America's founding story by examining the beliefs and actions of the founding fathers and their impact on the nation's founding documents. Through hands-on activities, discussions, and reflections, students will uncover the complexities and contradictions of liberty and justice during that era. The project encourages students to connect historical narratives to contemporary issues, fostering a deeper understanding of the ongoing influence of these foundational principles on today's society.

Learning goals

Students will critically analyze foundational U.S. documents to identify themes, purposes, and rhetorical features, focusing on the founding fathers' beliefs and their contradictions. They will develop self-directed learning skills by using feedback and reflection to guide their understanding of historical complexities. Through engaging with diverse perspectives, students will enhance their academic mindset, establishing a sense of identity and belonging while exploring the impact of slavery on America's founding story. By participating in discussions and creating an interactive website, students will employ critical thinking and problem-solving to connect historical narratives with contemporary issues of liberty and justice.
Standards
  • [Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.11-12.9 - Analyze seventeenth-, eighteenth-, and nineteenth-century foundational U.S. documents of historical and literary significance (including The Declaration of Independence, the Preamble to the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address) for their themes, purposes, and rhetorical features.
  • [National Council for the Social Studies] D2.Civ.8.6-8 - Analyze ideas and principles contained in the founding documents of the United States, and explain how they influence the social and political system.
  • [National Council for the Social Studies] D2.Civ.3.3-5 - Examine the origins and purposes of rules, laws, and key U.S. constitutional provisions.
Competencies
  • Self Directed Learning - Students use teacher and peer feedback and self-reflection to monitor and direct their own learning while building self knowledge both in and out of the classroom.
  • Academic Mindset - Students establish a sense of place, identity, and belonging to increase self-efficacy while engaging in critical reflection and action.
  • Critical Thinking & Problem Solving - Students consider a variety of innovative approaches to address and understand complex questions that are authentic and important to their communities.

Products

Students will collaboratively create an interactive website that highlights their research and reflections on the founding fathers and the impact of slavery. This website will feature historical documents, student-written blog posts, and recorded Socratic seminar discussions. Additionally, students will write reflective journal entries or blog posts that connect their personal insights to the essential question, demonstrating their understanding of historical complexities. The culmination of the project will be the 'Echoes of Freedom' panel discussion, where students will present their findings and engage in dialogue about the ongoing impact of the founding era's values and contradictions.

Launch

Begin with "Contradictions in Context," a dynamic gallery walk where students explore primary source documents and artifacts related to the founding fathers. Facilitate guided discussions to help students identify and reflect on the contradictions between the founding fathers' stated beliefs and their actions, particularly regarding liberty and justice. This interactive experience will set the stage for students to engage critically with the essential question and the project's themes.

Exhibition

Host 'Echoes of Freedom', a dynamic panel discussion where students present their research findings and personal reflections on the founding era's enduring values and contradictions. Invite sixth and seventh-grade students to participate as audience members, encouraging them to engage by asking questions and offering their perspectives. This exhibition will serve as a platform for students to articulate their understanding and foster a community dialogue about the historical complexities and their relevance today.