American History: States History Part 2 Ages 9-13

In this class we will take a look at the history of the last 25 states to join the union: Who settled it? (We will start with the Native American tribes who were living there and then discuss the different groups who moved into that territory.) When and how did it join the Union? What important events happened there and who came from there? What was the impact of both the Revolutionary War (for those states that were involved) and the Civil War (for those states that were involved). Was it affected by the Reformation or the Gilded Age? What happened during the Industrial Revolution? What famous people came from there? What is it most known for today? What makes it unique? We will also discuss different national events that affect national events (such as which states use a primary or a caucus during the election cycle). This class is much more than learning the state flag, flower, and motto. 

My goal for this class is for students to have a better understanding of the diverse growth and leadership that our country has had - their backgrounds, achievements, and even scandals. As this class might touch on political issues, each student is expected to conduct themselves in a manner that is respectful and polite. 

Learners will be given a 1 page informational sheet for each state that they can add to if they like. They will also be given a blank map of the United States to mark the progression and growth of the country. 

The first part of each class will be lectures and films over the different States. Each class will conclude with a group discussion about the topics covered. I follow a Socratic Method in my classes and encourage students to ask questions and to share their opinions.  Each student will have the option of choosing which homework topic interests him/her (using a Choice Based Learning approach), and will then write a short (1-2 paragraphs) which will be read to the class at the beginning of the following class (2 minutes each). Some homework options will be a research topic, watch a movie or short youtube video, or to conduct an interview. This class will meet for 20 weeks. 

Week 1 - Michigan, 
Week 2 - Florida
Week 3 - Texas
Week 4 - Iowa
Week 5 - Wisconsin
Week 6 - California
Week 7 - Minnesota, Oregon
Week 8 - Kansas, West Virginia
Week 9 - Nevada
Week 10 - Nebraska
Week 11 - Kahoot Review
Week 12 - Colorado
Week 13 - North Dakota, South Dakota
Week 14 - Montana, Washington
Week 15 - Idaho, Wyoming
Week 16 - Utah, Oklahoma
Week 17 - New Mexico, Arizona
Week 18 - Alaska
Week 19 - Hawaii
Week 20 - Territories, Kahoot Review