This Social Studies course is based on American History.  Students will learn about Native American civilizations, the founding of the United States, important documents, democracy, and westward expansion. 

Students learn to use research, writing, and critical thinking skills in this class. Throughout the course, students will learn about the value of public service and the traits of good leaders.  Students will learn about history and explore themes of geography, economics, civic responsibility, and government.

Each week, the students will receive three to five lessons in the Outschool Classroom.  This will help to prepare for the live class and increase your learner’s understanding.  The packet will include readings and assignments.  A quiz will sometimes be included in the assignments.  

The live class will focus on exploring the theme for the week using interactive slides, storytelling, and lots of discussions.  I also like to include a game some weeks during this class to keep the students engaged.  

Students will also complete three projects throughout the semester.  Each project will be centered around one of the topics we are learning about and students will have a variety of choices to choose from that matches their interests.  Examples of projects include:  making a short film, developing a virtual presentation, writing an essay, creating a game, conducting family interviews, conducting fashion reviews, creating a pamphlet, and many more.  

Course Outline:

Week One:  Geography of the United States
Week Two:  A:shiwi and Haudenosaunee - Cultural Diversity Amongst Tribal Nations
Week Three:  Travel by Europeans
Week Four:  Early English Settlements
Week Five:  Comparing Colonies
Week Six: Slavery in the Americas
Week Seven:  Life in Colonial Williamsburg
Week Eight: Tensions Grow Between the Colonies and Great Britain
Week Nine: To Declare Independence or Not
Week Ten: The Declaration of Independence
Week Eleven: The American Revolution
Week Twelve: The Constitution
Week Thirteen: The Bill of Rights
Week Fourteen: Shaping America's Economy
Week Fifteen: Manifest Destiny and Settling the West
Week Sixteen: Causes of the Civil War