Around the USA with Mr. Clark

Students will develop an understanding of the geography of the United States, key events and people who helped create the unique culture of that state, and basic facts about each individual state. Yes, we should learn that the state bird of Indiana is the cardinal, but how could we talk about Indiana and not talk about basketball! We should learn about the Alamo in Texas, but also about BBQ!

In each weekly class, students will learn key:
1. People
2. Places
3. Things

Over time, as pieces come together, they'll develop a tremendous bank of knowledge in the field of social studies as it relates to American History.

This is a true social studies course in how it is interdisciplinary. We cover geography, history, culture, religion, political structures, natural wonders and wildlife, foods. What would you want to do if you went to New York City or the Painted Desert or Chicago's Millennium Park?

Additionally, a goal with this class is to inspire a love for different places and cultures around the world and to encourage a curiosity to explore and learn about the world.

The facts we learn each week are cool, and valuable. However, the real value is in the perspective gained over time as students are exposed to a variety of places around the United States

This class is modeled after my very popular ongoing class Around the World with Mr. Clark.

We live in a big and fascinating world and one of my goals with my classes is to help kids develop an interest and appreciation for the world around them and different cultures. My classes draw from my own experiences as a world traveler. I've visited and lived abroad in twenty-two countries -- and I have been to 49 of the US States! Much of what we do in my classes is the same type of research I would do on a destination before I would travel to a new place. I'm also the former deputy director of the historic home of President Ronald Reagan and in 2010 was a candidate for United States Congress and have a degree in political science from Indiana Wesleyan University.

There is no homework required. However, I do provide worksheets that students can use to fill in during class. These are great for work samples for students who have required work samples for charter schools. I also provide additional notes after class for students to go deeper on their own.

We end class each week with our "Time to Climb" quiz on Nearpod. There is also a weekly worksheet you can fill in each week to use as a work sample.

55 minutes per week in class, and maybe some time outside of class.