U.S. History Curriculum for Middle School Homeschool (Part 2: 1607-1877)
What's included
16 live meetings
12 in-class hoursProjects
1-2 hours per week. To support students in their understanding of the topics taught throughout the course, students will be offered a total of 8 projects. These projects are assigned every other week to be completed outside of class. These projects do not require additional materials and can be easily adapted to whatever materials the student has readily available. Projects are optional for students who do not need a grade for the course or prefer the alternative assignment option (an in-class game assessment). Students are encouraged to follow the submission timeline for projects. However, students' need for additional time is honored and considered.Mastery Evaluation
To provide flexibility for learners with different interests and needs, students can choose to have their in-class quiz game assessment serve as their progress check grades instead of the assigned projects. However, students are always encouraged to participate in the class projects. Either option is available for learners to choose from.Letter Grade
If your learner will be taking the course for credit or a grade, it is strongly recommended that students actively participate in this course, be in attendance as much as possible, and complete projects/quizzes that are assigned every other week. Students are offered feedback on their mastery of history standards for students who submit projects/quizzes. Although there is a recommended timeline for assignment completion offered to students, learners' needs for additional time are considered and accommodated.Class Experience
US Grade 5 - 8
Beginner Level
Class Summary: Welcome Historian! In this semester-long U.S. History Class, we will study & interpret the historical narrative of people, events, and moments in history that shaped the United States. Join us and learn with projects, games, stories, & fun activities! This U.S. History class for Middle School students is intended to be a year-long course divided into two semesters. Inspired by the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills and National Social Studies standards, this engaging & interactive class will span Andrew Jackson to the Reconstruction Period. The first semester will cover Exploration to James Madison's Presidency. To enroll for the first part of this course (semester 1), please see the linked course below. Students will learn & participate in class through hands-on projects, games, activities & interactive lessons. Students are welcome to enroll at any time. However, since the course builds, it is typically challenging for students to catch up once the course has progressed past the first two meetings. This class is presented from an inclusive lens and will present a variety of perspectives for students to evaluate, particularly those of historically under-represented groups. Class Format: 1. Class Welcome 2. Opening Activity/Game 3. History Lesson for the day 4. Comprehension Check (mini-quiz/activity/or project)+ Assignment(s) for the week Students will be immersed in the historical narratives through video, slides, images, discussion with peers, and other engaging visuals to aid students in reading and historical comprehension. This class is perfect for visual/hands-on learners, want to improve reading comprehension, thrive with a more moderate pace of instruction, or value flexibility in their learning experience. This class will meet once a week for 45 minutes, for 16 weeks. Learners do not need prior historical knowledge to enroll. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CLASSROOM POLICIES: 1. Learners should be familiar with muting/unmuting themselves 2. Students are invited to immerse themselves in the class and participate. Please encourage students to be open to new experiences & perspectives. Also, to get the most out of the learning experience, I ask that students refrain from being engaged in other activities that take them away from participation whether that be eating, their phone, or other such distractions. 3. Siblings are welcome but must be enrolled in the course. 4. To ensure safety, every student needs to have their camera on so I can verify the identity of the student. Only officially verified students via Outschool are exempt from turning on their cameras. 5. Promptness is appreciated. Students running more than 10 minutes late should contact me about accessing course materials to catch up on instruction they might have missed. No partial refunds are available for missed class time. 6. I always have the BEST students🧡 and want every learner to have a FANTASTIC experience in class! Therefore I expect that all students conduct themselves in ways that are respectful and not disruptive to themselves, their instructor, or fellow learners.
Learning Goals
Students will practice analyzing and expressing their historical understanding through speaking and writing.
Students will practice invaluable social studies skills, such as supporting arguments and claims with evidence.
Students will learn new content vocabulary and apply this knowledge to improve reading comprehension.
Syllabus
Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created CurriculumStandards
Aligned with State-Specific Standards16 Lessons
over 16 WeeksLesson 1:
Andrew Jackson
This lesson discusses the policies, accomplishes, and challenges of Andrew Jackson's presidency.
45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Andrew Jackson & Manifest Destiny
This lesson will continue to explore Andrew Jackson's presidency, and introduce the concept and consequences of "Manifest Destiny".
45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Industrialization
This lesson discusses the technological innovations of the Industrial Revolution of the early 1800s.
45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Industrialization & Immigration
This lesson will continue the discussion of the Industrial Revolution and the immigrant groups that came to the United States during the early 1800's.
45 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Learning Needs
The accommodations provided in this class include, but are not limited to:
*Access to notes and course slides
*Alternative assignment options
*Visual support and cues
*Continuous practice through games
*Extra time
More upon request!
Parental Guidance
As this is a history course based on Historical sources, there may be mention of death, racism, gender, abuse, genocide, war, disease, religion, and other topics that may be sensitive to some learners. All topics will be taught in an age-appropriate manner, in a Historical context.
This course is inclusive and will focus on a more holistic historical narrative through the exploration of primary sources from a variety of perspectives. Students will be urged to interpret their own conclusions. Views presented in these primary sources are not my own, rather they are first-hand accounts and based on the perspective of the writer. Resources used to create context for this history course are listed below and may be periodically updated; therefore parents are urged to save this page and revisit.
This class is presented from an inclusive lens and will present a variety of perspectives for students to evaluate, particularly those of historically under-represented groups.
For this course, students may occasionally use the following tools, and they will be used as follows:
-Kahoot: used for trivia questions (no student account necessary. Students provided a game code to join)
-Nearpod: Used for class lessons (no student account necessary. Students are provided a code to join OR resource may simply be used on-screen as part of instruction without requiring students to access it)
-Quizlet: for trivia question team challenges (no student account necessary. Students provided a game code to join)
-Kami: Recommended*(optional) FREE chrome extension for writing on PDF documents for assignments.
-Flipgrid: Used as a hands-on project activity option (students don't need to create an account, or give personal information. Using this tool is not required.)
If your learner will be taking the course for credit or a grade, it is strongly recommended that students actively participate in this course, be in attendance as much as possible, and complete projects/quizzes that are assigned. Students are offered feedback on their mastery of history standards for students who submit either projects or quizzes. Although there is a recommended timeline for assignment completion offered to students, learners' needs for additional time are considered and accommodated.
Pre-Requisites
No prior class required.
Teacher expertise and credentials
Texas Teaching Certificate in Social Studies/History
2 Degrees
Master's Degree in History from University of Texas Pan American
Bachelor's Degree in History from University of Texas Pan American
*B.A. in History & Anthropology
*M.A. in History (with a focus on American Colonial & Environmental History)
*Internship experience working at a Museum (2 years)
*Taught History (public school) 10 years/Certified History Teacher
*Taught History (University) 6 years
*Training New History Teachers 7 years
* Tutoring Students 10+ years
*Experience with Research (Research Assistant 2 years)
Reviews
Live Group Course
$19
weekly or $304 for 16 classes1x per week, 16 weeks
45 min
Completed by 15 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 11-14
1-6 learners per class