Decades

Introduction:

In this project, we will explore how American life has changed—and stayed the same—over time by diving into the culture, events, and experiences that shaped different decades. Using the TCI History Alive! lessons (Lessons 26, 30, and 31), we’ll focus on the 1950s, 1970s, and 1980s, examining how each decade reflected the values, challenges, and identities of the people who lived through them.

Throughout the week, we’ll hold short Socratic seminar discussions to analyze key ideas from each decade, connect them to the present, and consider different perspectives. Then, you’ll bring the past to life by creating a “Mount Rushmore” slideshow for a chosen decade—picking four major icons of the era, like top movies, trends, influential people, or what kids did for fun. Your selections should reflect what defined that time period and show thoughtful reasoning behind your choices.

As we analyze the past and its lasting impact, you'll be practicing two important skills:

• SS.Hist2: Identifying patterns of continuity and change, and putting historical events in context.
  
  

• SS.Hist3: Connecting the past to the present and using multiple perspectives to draw conclusions.