12 Week Class United States History 1600-1865 Junior High Middle School
In this 12-week course, we will explore the founding of the US from 1600 to the end of the Civil War in 1865.
New on Outschool
What's included
12 live meetings
11 in-class hoursMastery Evaluation
1 hour per week. Students will complete outlines, maps, and worksheets together in class. Any remaining work can be completed after class time.Letter Grade
Students may receive a letter grade upon request.Class Experience
US Grade 5 - 8
Welcome the Early American History! During these 12 weeks we will go on an exciting journey from the beginning of our country until the end of the Civil War. We will cover the first European settlements in America, the impact on the Native Americans, the path to independence and the Revolutionary War, changes and reform movements during the 1800s, the Louisiana Purchase, Manifest Destiny, and the path to the Civil War. Please see the syllabus for details on the course material and activities for each week. We will learn through lecture, guided mapwork, worksheets, and class discussion. A fill-in-the-blank outline for students will be sent prior to each week to assist in notetaking. Maps and worksheets will also be available in the classroom for download and completion during class time.
Learning Goals
Students will be able to trace the overall narrative history of the founding of the United States from the Native Americans to European Settlers until the mid 1800s
Syllabus
Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created Curriculum12 Lessons
over 12 WeeksLesson 1:
Early Colonization (1600–1650)
Topics: Indigenous cultures before European contact, European exploration, early colonies (Jamestown, Plymouth).
Readings:
Excerpts from John Smith’s writings on Jamestown.
"Of Plymouth Plantation" by William Bradford.
Worksheet: Compare and contrast Indigenous societies with early European settlements.
Map Work: Label and analyze the locations of early colonies and major Native American territories. 55 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
The Development of Colonial Societies (1650–1700)
Topics: Growth of colonies, Puritan influence, labor systems, and the Atlantic slave trade.
Readings:
Excerpts from "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God" by Jonathan Edwards.
Selections from primary sources on slavery (e.g., "Slave Voyages" database).
Worksheet: Timeline of key events in colonial development.
Map Work: Trace the Atlantic triangular trade routes and identify major port cities. 55 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Colonial America and the Road to Revolution (1700–1763)
Topics: The Great Awakening, mercantilism, French and Indian War.
Readings:
Excerpts from Benjamin Franklin's autobiography.
Selections from George Whitefield’s sermons.
Worksheet: Match colonial regions with their economic systems and primary exports.
Map Work: Chart territorial changes after the French and Indian War. 55 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
The American Revolution (1763–1783)
The American Revolution (1763–1783)
Topics: Taxation without representation, major battles, Declaration of Independence.
Readings:
The Declaration of Independence (entire text).
Excerpts from Thomas Paine’s Common Sense.
Worksheet: Analyze key grievances listed in the Declaration of Independence.
Map Work: Label significant Revolutionary War battle sites. 55 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Parental Guidance
The topics of slavery and abuse of native peoples will be discussed.
Supply List
Students will need materials for note-taking. Outlines and worksheets will be provided prior to the start of class. They will be available for download and printing.
Sources
Books/Sources referenced during the course:
The U.S. Constitution
The Declaration of Independence
Writings by John Smith
Writings by William Bradford
Primary Sources on Slavery (e.g. Slave Voyages database)
Writings by Jonathan Edwards
Writings by Benjamin Franklin
Writings by George Whitfield
Thomas Paine's "Common Sense"
Federalist Papers
Thomas Jefferson's Inaugural Address
Democracy in America by Alexis de Tocqueville
Primary accounts from factory workers
Frederick Douglass' "What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?"
Seneca Falls Declaration
Documents from the Mexican-American War
Lincoln-Douglas debates
Uncle Tom's Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe
Gettysburg Address
Frederick Douglas' post-war speeches
Joined November, 2024
New on Outschool
Teacher expertise and credentials
I have taught US history for over a decade to students in small group classes or one-on-one. I am a homeschool parent to my own children and have taught in a co-op of homeschool families.
I have my degree in history from the University of California at Davis. During my college career, I took dozens of history courses on various topics, but especially on US History. Reviews
Live Group Course
$17
weekly or $200 for 12 classes1x per week, 12 weeks
55 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 11-14
2-12 learners per class
