The first topic of EACH period of study (module) will begin with contextualization of the period. This is a historical thinking skill that is necessary in discussing and writing about history.
The standard learning activities for the first Topic of each period (i.e. Topic 1.1, Topic 2.1, Topic 3.1,...) will have you (a) breakdown the essential question, (b) read, (c) watch a video of choice, and then (d) complete the Topic Reflection which has you provide information to respond to the essential question.
Identify what it is asking you to provide in your response. This will guide you as to what information to gather. Sometimes additional research provides interesting and significant details to expand the discussion but may be distracting from the task of answering the essential question---the prompt.
View your choices then select the format for your final product. By making this selection at the beginning this will keep you organized as you gather your information.
Definitely reread the overview of the module on the Module 1: 1491-1607 page and read AMSCO 4th edition Topic 1.1 (Topic 2.1, Topic 3.1, ...). The overview on the module page is an example of contextualization. The AMSCO reading is a concise overview. You may also select to read the aligned chapters in Brinkley American History or The American YAWP texts for deeper narratives and visuals. Based on the format you selected for your final product, take notes.
Select one the videos provided on the the Topic page. Based on the format you selected for your final product, add to your notes.
In the early stages you are only providing the research to develop a written response to the essential question. LATER, for review purposes, we will return to these essential questions to develop actual written responses.
The first Topic Reflection (Topic 1.1 Reflection) will be submitted to Google Classroom to receive feedback.
Make sure that you include the essential question at the top or possibly the center if you are making a mind map.
Some additional Topic Reflections will be requested for submission to provide ongoing feedback. The deadlines posted will be in alignment with the APUSH Scope & Sequence Plan for consistency. This is a soft deadline since class sessions (periods) will meet on different days; however, it is best to keep to the deadlines as close as possible to ensure enough time to properly get through all topics before the assessments and the AP exam. You will always have an opportunity to submit work early. Just make sure that you are focusing on quality research and not just going through the motions to get an assignment completed.
The Topic Reflections for the Period will be combined and submitted as a Module Reflection at the conclusion of the Period of Study (module)