Crossroads: High School Curriculum
Unit V: The Ambiguous Democracy in America, 1800-1848

Lesson 3

Major Concepts

Objectives

Suggested lesson/activities

A distinctive American culture flowered during this period, encompassing innovations in and contributions to science, technology (especially transportation and communication), literature, and philosophy.

Objective: The student will be able to:

Describe in detail how one person, technology, invention, or other innovation contributed to a distinctive American culture during this period. In the process, students will go through a self-selection process to focus on an area of cultural history of particular interest to them and best suited to their talents and abilities.

Suggested lesson/activities:

1. This lesson is one in which two important education needs can be met: attention to individual differences and making connections across the disciplines. The teacher is encouraged to involve other teachers (from English, science, technology, art, music, vocational, education) in assisting students in obtaining information about their chosen topics.

2. Students may work alone or with others who have common interests. They should select one aspect of American culture that emerged in this period and investigate its presence, its unique character, and the effects it had upon the lives of people during the period 1800-1848.