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American History: Semester Course Part 1 Pre-Contact to the Civil War

In this twelve-week course, students will learn about America's history from the earliest migrations to the Americas, all the way to the Reconstruction era following the Civil War.
Melanie Wiancko
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:
(1,317)
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What's included

12 live meetings
11 in-class hours
Homework
1 hour per week. Each week there will be an optional task assigned to the students. The task will be explained in class to go over expectations and answer any questions students may have. The tasks will vary in activities and length of time but should take on average 30 minutes to 2 hours (depending on the task and the length of time the student wants to spend). Types of tasks: Exit Tickets: Google Form questionnaire Short Videos and Handouts Short Readings Interview Task Write a Letter Individual Kahoots Crossword puzzle Accommodations can be made for individual students based on their learning needs and abilities. Please feel free to reach out to me and share your student's learning experience and if they have an IEP or any learning skills they are working on or need assistance with.
Assessment
Individual Google Docs ('Progress Sheets') will be shared with the students to help students track their progress in completing weekly tasks and to get weekly feedback on their tasks. Students will complete their tasks outside of class time and submit them to the teacher as completed for feedback.
Grading
Students will be given individual marks and feedback on each task they complete throughout the course. This will be updated on their progress sheet as the course progresses. Students will be given a percentage grade at the end of the course which will be a reflection of their weekly tasks. They will also be given written feedback on their overall participation and effort in the course at the end of the course. If students opt out of the optional tasks, students will be provided with written feedback on their participation at the end of the course. If students do not complete the tasks and do not participate in class, or leave the course early for whatever reason, no final assessment will be given.

Class Experience

US Grade 5 - 8
** New to Outschool? Use code MelanieWia2020 to save $20! **

Welcome to your American History Course Part 1!

In this twelve-week course, students will learn about some of the important topics of American History from pre-European contact to the Civil War. For a detailed list of topics that will be covered in this course please view a week-by-week breakdown in the Syllabus. 

In these classes, students will view a slideshow presentation with pictures, key information, videos, and discussion questions to help guide our time together. My goal as a history teacher is to have your child remember the experiences and stories of those who lived during those times and to gain an empathetic understanding of the challenges and injustice circumstances that shaped American society. Using the historical thinking concepts (continuity and change, historical significance, cause and consequence, historical perspective, and ethical dimensions), students will gain an understanding of the difficult parts of American history such as the mistreatment towards the indigenous people and African Americans who were forced into slavery. It is important for students to understand the lasting impacts that history has on our present world.  We will also examine the advancements that American society made in terms of independence, technology, and governmental systems. 

In addition to our weekly classes together, students will also be given a weekly task to complete to help solidify their understanding of particular historical topics. Please see the 'Homework' tab below for more information.

Please contact me if you have any questions regarding the course, I am happy to help. 
Accommodations can be made to help your learner be successful in the course.
Learning Goals
Students will use historical thinking concepts to analyze American history.
Students will be able to understand the key events which shaped American society.
learning goal

Syllabus

12 Lessons
over 12 Weeks
Lesson 1:
Pre-Contact to Indigenous and European Contact
 - Overview and instructions for the course
- The migration of the Indigenous people across Beringia to the Americas, ways of life (including food resources, tools, hunting techniques, farming, housing), spirituality and community in tribes, and the role of war 
55 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Indigenous and European Relations
 -  European explorers, the first contact between the Indigenous people and the Europeans (including the Vikings), Roanoke, Jamestown (including the Jamestown Massacre), and the Columbian Exchange 
55 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
The Thirteen Colonies
 - The creation of the Thirteen Colonies, how they formed and survived, relations between the colonists and Indigenous people, and the Mayflower
- The Salem Witch Trials 
55 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
The Transatlantic Slave Trade
 - Understanding why the slave trade started in the Americas, how African communities were terrorized by African warlords and Europeans, and the Middle Passage (journey across the Atlantic Ocean) 
55 mins online live lesson

Other Details

Parental Guidance
This course will at times deal with sensitive matters such as wars, colonization and the wrongful treatment of Indigenous peoples, slavery, and other material that is relevant to American history. To help students understand these difficult topics, I will be using first-hand accounts when possible to help tell the stories of those impacted by these events.
Supply List
Students are encouraged to take notes if that helps their learning.
Worksheets to help students follow along with the lessons will also be provided prior to each class which students can either print or have open on another device.
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
  • Kahoot
Joined May, 2020
4.9
1317reviews
Star Educator
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Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
Non-US Teaching Certificate in Secondary Education
Bachelor's Degree in History from Brock University
Bachelor's Degree in Education from Nipissing University
I have a degree in History and I am qualified to teach intermediate and senior divisions of History.  I have specifically studied American history from pre-contact to the 20th century. My lessons will be factually based using a variety of trusted sources that I have acquired through my research. 
Here are some specific areas of study that I have completed: Africa to 1800; The American Ghetto; Money and Power in the Atlantic World, 1400-1850; Glory and Despair: The United States 1607-1865;  Native-Newcomer Relations.

Reviews

Live Group Course
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$228

for 12 classes
1x per week, 12 weeks
55 min

Completed by 121 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 10-14
4-12 learners per class

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