Sunday, November 22, 2009

U.S. HISTORY: CIVIL WAR SCRAPBOOK PROJECT...

U.S. HISTORY: CIVIL WAR SCRAPBOOK PROJECT


Unit Focus Questions…


1. What were the long and short term causes of the Civil War (War Between the States)?
2. How did people from different parts of the country view the events related to the
conflict?
3. How did the war affect the nation—one person at a time?
4. What attempts were made to rebuild after the war and how successful were they?

Purpose: To understand why the Civil War occurred and how the conflict affected the nation, from the point of view of an individual from either the south or north.


Task: students will create a scrapbook reflecting the point of view of a fictional character from either the south or north during the Civil War. Each scrapbook should span the issues leading to the Civil War, as well the conflict and reconstruction: from about 1840 to 1876. Each scrapbook should contain documents detailing what life was like before, during and after the Civil War. Major elements will include maps, diary/journal entries, newspaper clippings, letters, and photographs. All writing must be in a student’s own words.


Research: Each student should use the textbook as a resource. Additional resources may be found in the classroom or on the internet. Be sure to check the validity of internet sources. Cite all sources used at the end of your project.


Each scrapbook MUST contain the following:


MAJOR ELEMENTS: All letters and journal entries are to be created by students and written in their own words. News stories may be real primary sources or created by students.
1. Each scrapbook must include a selection of maps, photos, and drawings. All pictures and maps must have captions written in the student’s own words.
2. A minimum of 3 news stories about events leading up to and during the War—no fewer than 3 paragraphs for each story. News stories should reflect major events related to the Civil War and should include facts, dates, quotes, etc.
3. A minimum of 3 journal/diary entries—Choose an issue or event of the war and reflect on your opinion regarding this issue. The diary entry should be no fewer than 2-3 paragraphs. Remember that you must reflect the perspective of your character—either a northerner or a southerner.
4. A minimum of one letter written to a person from the opposing side of the war, along with their response. The letter and response must both be at least three paragraphs long.


ORGANIZATION Be sure to organize your scrapbook somewhat chronologically. This would be the normal order for placing entries over a period of years and it will help you show cause and effect relationships between various events. Be sure you include items that reflect the entire period, not just a portion of it.


GRADING: Each scrapbook will be graded according to the following criteria:

  • Fulfillment of required elements
  • Quality of content
  • Quality of Analysis in journal entries, letters and newspaper clippings
  • Creativity, Neatness, and Appearance
  • Quality of the writing and organization


You must include at least 8 of the following topics in some way in your scrapbook Possible topics:
1. general economic conditions
2. transportation and communication
3. the role of women in the war
4. foreign trade
5. the draft / conscription
6. healthcare on the battlefield
7. free blacks and runaway slaves
8. the Emancipation Proclamation
9. the use of black troops
10. prison camp conditions
11. “total war” in the south
12. continued settlement of the West
13. amendments to the Constitution
14. impact of the war with Mexico
15. turning point battles
16. military strategy and tactics

The scrap book is due the MONDAY after we return from Thanksgiving Break.

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Pat Quinn...


The former Lieutenant Governor and current Governor of Illinois Pat Quinn, has been in Illinois politics for many years. What can you tell me about Pat Quinn? What political offices has held in the past? What other ellected offices has he run for but lost? What are his politics (Democrat or Republican, Liberal or Conservative, etc.)? What are his positions on important issues facing Illinois? Answer on your own blog.


Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Executive branch of Illinois Government...

Yesterday I asked you for homework to identify who currently held the following positions in the Executive Branch of the Illinois State government and what the duties associated with each position are. The positions once again are...

Governor
Lieutenant Governor
Sectary of State
Attorney General
Comptroller
Treasurer

Two of the individuals current holding two of the above positions are now running for election for other elected offices - the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Roland Burris and the Governor. Who are the two individuals and which positions are they running for? Answer on your own blog.

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Videos to watch to help review for the Constitution exam...

Here are the links...

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1vdpo_government-31-constitution-video_school

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-2189110971524300187&ei=i3zfSuaQLovGqwKEisDOBQ&hl=en#

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5I2KFENjS8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2JDl5CLDvAg

Review for the U.S. Constitution Exam...

Terms You Should Know

Republicanism
Popular Sovereignty
Federalism
Separation of Powers
Checks and Balances
Proportional Representation
Great Compromise
Reserved Powers
Delegated Powers
Concurrent Powers
Articles of Confederation
Electoral College
Veto
Executive Branch
Legislative Branch
Judiciary
Bicameral
Unicameral
Bill of Rights

Parts of the Constitution you should be most familiar with:
Article 1
Article 2
Article 3
1st Amendment
2nd Amendment
4th Amendment
6th Amendment



Make sure to study fully pp. 179 – 187 in your text, “the Constitution Handbook”.

You can use the online review site as well to help you prepare…

http://www.swic.edu/adultbasiced/constitution/

Friday, October 9, 2009

Contemporary constitutional debates...


As we begin our study of the U.S. Constitution in preparation for the constitution exam, it is important to keep in mind, one of the benefits of our political system is that elements of it can be modified over time as times and conditions change. Discussions about the constitutionality of laws passed by the federal or state governments are constantly up for review and debate. Below are a few contemporary examples…

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-czars7-2009oct07,0,3535667.story

http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/editorials/la-ed-guns6-2009oct06,0,6190425.story

http://www.pbs.org/newshour/extra/features/us/july-dec09/scotus_10-07.html

Respond to these examples in your own blog. What issues are being debated in regards to these cases? What do you think is or is not constitutional in regards to the issues raised in these cases?