Lesson Plans > Social Studies > American History > Jackson through Reconstruction

	Jackson through Reconstruction (10)
				Heinemann's History Project • Middle School  3 to 4 weeks After students browse through the electronic textbook Beyond Books they select several areas to explore more thoroughly. Students work on a research project focused on independent study themes, teacher-suggested activities or small group instruction emphasizing study skills. (Submitted by Dallas Heinemann, Carusi Middle School, Cherry Hill, NJ)
		1. The Age of Jackson
				Interview with Andrew Jackson • High School • Middle School  1-2 class periods In 1828, Americans witnessed the rise of the common man. Andrew Jackson, or "Old Hickory" as he was called, was not an elite, educated member of the American aristocracy like presidents before him. Jackson was a frontiersman, military hero, and a populist – a commoner. This activity will introduce students to the character of Jackson while helping them gain insight into many of the controversial aspects of his presidency and his legacy.
		2. The Rise of American Industry
				America Becomes Modern • Middle School  1-2 class periods Have students create an annotated timeline of events that led to the modernization of America. In addition to the timeline, students will briefly describe the significance of each event and the importance of each individual involved.
			2c. Inventors and Inventions
				Inventors & Inventions • Middle School  1 class period Some of the most memorable people in history are those who have created things to make life easier. In this activity, students identify inventors and inventions and explain how each improved American life. Students conclude the lesson with an invention of their own.
		5. Abolitionist Sentiment Grows
				Songs of Slaves • Middle School  1 class period Use this short activity to introduce the Abolitionist movement to students. Read the words of a coded song that provided slaves with the route for escape from Alabama and Mississippi. Of all the routes out of the Deep South, this is the only one for which the details survive. Have students write their own song at the end.
		6. Manifest Destiny
			6a. The Lone Star Republic
				Thirteen Days: The Siege at the Alamo • High School • Middle School  3-4 class periods After a 13 day siege and the death of 189 heroes, Texas was free! Use this lesson to cover the events that led to the Alamo and the formation of the independent republic of Texas.
		7. An Uneasy Peace
				How Did the Country Crumble? Sectional Disputes Leading to the Civil War • High School • Middle School  1 day Moving westward brought excitement and change to the nation. The big question became whether or not the new states would be slave or free. The delicate balance of power was in jeopardy of tipping and the North and South began fighting to maintain their control in Congress. Use this activity to help students understand the sectional issues that divided the country and ultimately led to the War Between the States.
		8. 'Bloody Kansas'
			8a. The Kansas-Nebraska Act
				How Did the Country Crumble? Sectional Disputes Leading to the Civil War • High School • Middle School  1 day Moving westward brought excitement and change to the nation. The big question became whether or not the new states would be slave or free. The delicate balance of power was in jeopardy of tipping and the North and South began fighting to maintain their control in Congress. Use this activity to help students understand the sectional issues that divided the country and ultimately led to the War Between the States.
		9. From Uneasy Peace to Bitter Conflict
				How Did the Country Crumble? Sectional Disputes Leading to the Civil War • High School • Middle School  1 day Moving westward brought excitement and change to the nation. The big question became whether or not the new states would be slave or free. The delicate balance of power was in jeopardy of tipping and the North and South began fighting to maintain their control in Congress. Use this activity to help students understand the sectional issues that divided the country and ultimately led to the War Between the States.
		10. A House Divided
				Guess Who? People of the Civil War • High School • Middle School  2 class periods Students will research biographical information about men and women who played a role in the American Civil War. From the information, they will create interview questions or responses depending on their assignment. The student audience will attempt to guess the identity of the famous figure.
				Reports from the Battlefield: The Civil War • High School • Middle School  2 class periods Students will go "on location" to report events of the Civil War. Use this activity to acquaint students with the battles of the Civil War and to analyze the effects each battle had on the outcome of the war.
		11. The War Behind the Lines
				Guess Who? People of the Civil War • High School • Middle School  2 class periods Students will research biographical information about men and women who played a role in the American Civil War. From the information, they will create interview questions or responses depending on their assignment. The student audience will attempt to guess the identity of the famous figure.
		12. Reconstruction
				What Did the People Think? Analyzing Political Cartoons • High School • Middle School  1 class period Public opinion is often depicted through the use of political cartoons. Exaggerated images and witty sarcasm are often used to display public concern or support of an issue. In this activity students will be given the opportunity to analyze an authentic political cartoon created by Thomas Nast for Harper's Weekly magazine during the tumultuous time of Radical Reconstruction in the South.