• Course Description

Let’s travel back in time and experience the hope and exhilaration of freedom for slaves, the important decisions for presidents like Abraham Lincoln, what it must be like to experience electricity for the first time, taste the most common and loved foods from the 1800s, and what it must be like to spend a day in the life of a character in America’s ever-changing frontier as it speeds up to a more fast-paced life with the transcontinental railroad.

Step into the exciting world of history as we bring the past to life through the power of storytelling.  Our class will delve into the period of 1820 to 1900, exploring the rich tapestry of events and figures that shaped this pivotal era.  We will use novels, literature, chalk pastel drawings, cooking, hands-on projects, and the MasterBooks “America’s Story: 2” workbook and textbook to bring historical figures and events to life, immersing you in the drama and intrigue of a time that saw the world undergo massive changes.  

This class will offer a unique and engaging way to learn about history from the American Civil War to the Industrial Revolution.  Join us on a journey of discovery as we use the magic of storytelling to make history come alive!

• Classwork / Homework

There will be an end-of-the-year history fair.  Students will make a trifold presentation of their favorite part of history (during the course of this class) or historical figures from this time period.  Students are encouraged to dress up as their historical figure!

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In class activities include discussion of the historical novel and literature being read, discussion of the textbook/homework, video, food, hands-on projects, chalk pastel drawings of the events and historical figures, and sampling the food that these Americans enjoyed at the time.

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Academic requirements: Students must be able to read independently or parents may read the assigned books to their students. Audio books for the novels are also available through Audible for a small additional charge.

Approximate time for homework: 30-45 minutes each week