US History Herald: Exploring United States History - Middle & High: Part ONE!----  Prehistory through Reconstruction!

Embark on a captivating journey through America's rich tapestry of history, from the mysteries of prehistoric civilizations to the tumultuous era of Reconstruction. Explore the vibrant cultures of Native American tribes, the epic struggles of European exploration and colonization, the forging of a new nation through revolution, and the enduring legacy of slavery and its abolition. Witness the courage of visionaries like George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Abraham Lincoln as they shape the destiny of a young nation. Engage with the triumphs and challenges that define the American experience, illuminating the path from past to present.

This course provides an in-depth exploration of the history of the United States from prehistoric times through the Reconstruction Era. Students will examine key events, individuals, and movements that have shaped the nation's development, focusing on the social, political, economic, and cultural aspects of American history. Through a variety of primary and secondary sources, discussions, activities, and projects, students will develop critical thinking skills and gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of U.S. history.

Course Objectives:

* Develop an understanding of the major themes and concepts in United States history.
* Analyze primary and secondary sources to interpret historical events and perspectives.
* Examine the causes and consequences of key events and movements in U.S. history.
* Evaluate the impact of historical events on different groups within American society.
* Develop skills in historical inquiry, research, and writing.

* We work together through conversations, slides, games, video clips and activities to use our critical thinking skills to unravel and discover how the United States was born, developed, and grew throughout its lifetime. 

*  Each week, students will be given handouts and graphic organizers to guide their note taking as well as activities that promote creative and analytical thought processes. 

* Please note that there are some sensitive topics that will be addressed throughout the course including but not limited to: genocide, slavery, and sectional violence.

* We will use "Everything You Need to Ace U.S. History In One Big Fat Notebook 2ND EDITION " by Workman Publishing and Philip Bigler as our class reference for this class. I will also add worksheets, games, videos, and slides to bring the content to life!
(Link for reference: https://a.co/d/a2mLQZg)


Content and Course Schedule:

Part One: Prehistory through the 1870s

Week One- Prehistory & Indigenous Peoples of America 
Week Two – European Exploration of the Americas and Settlement
Week Three – Colonial America, 1607-1780s – The 13 Colonies
Week Four- The American Revolution – 1776-1791 Part One: Road to Revolution
Week Five- The American Revolution – 1776-1791 Part Two: The British Are Coming
Week Six - American Founding Documents and Government Structure
Week Seven - American Expansion & President Thomas Jefferson
Week Eight – The War of 1812 
Week Nine –  The Industrial Revolution & New American Borders- Westward Ho!
Week Ten – The Annexation of Texas and the Mexican American War
Week Eleven – The Reforms of Progress 
Week Twelve –  The Civil War- Causes and Beginnings
Week Thirteen – The Civil War: Battles and Sides and Outcomes
Week Fourteen –Reconstruction in the South: Rebuilding Destruction - Jim Crow Laws



* Students will be responsible for reading the assigned chapters each week- roughly 20-25 pages. But this book is great at keeping things in easy to read form while creating a bright and fun background!

* Each student will need to have their own copy which can be purchased from Amazon for under 16.00 at the moment. This will be a great addition to their library as they will be able to reference for years to come!  (Link for reference: https://a.co/d/a2mLQZg)

****Students are encouraged to hand in their weekly work which can be evaluated by the teacher if so desired. Grades available also upon request for those that desire it. *******


***********Part Two of both world and US history will be offered starting in January (spring semester) on the same date/time that Part One is offered in the fall. This will give you a full year of history between the two parts! *********

To check out part two: https://outschool.com/classes/us-history-herald-united-states-us-american-history-middle-school-part-two-R8JF6qq2?usid=2DREQFl0&signup=true&utm_campaign=share_activity_link