american identity

American Character

West Ada Academies 19/20

How did we get here?

Did you ever stop and think where you came from and how you got here? On the surface, the answer may seem simple; however, because we are a nation of immigrants, we must go deeper in our exploration to examine the driving motivations of the people who settled our nation and how those motivations impact us to this day. The last boat to the New World is sailing now...are you on board?

In this studio, you will be able to choose your path! There are three "deep dive" options: Immigration, Imperialism, Industrialization. In your deep dive you will tackle the skills for Social Studies and then you will put together a photo essay based on your choice to show your English skills. See the specific skills below:

COMPETENCIES AND SKILLS DEFINED

What will I be able to do after this studio?

ENGLISH COMPETENCIES

Expressing Ideas

ELA 2.1 - Identify core message
ELA 2.2 - Develop message
ELA 2.3 - Prepare the medium
ELA 2.4 - Finalize
ELA 2.5 - Reflect

SOCIAL STUDIES COMPETENCIES

Analyzing Historical Event

SS 1.1 - Evaluate historical outcomes
SS 1.2 - Analyze multiple perspectives
SS 1.3 - Analyze historical sources
SS 1.4 - People shape outcomes
SS 1.5 - Change or continuity

Geographic Representations

SS 3.1 - Spatial patterns
SS 3.2 - Apply geographical tools

Analyze Interactions

SS 4.1 - Relationships between humans & environment
SS 4.2 - Human impact on environment

West Ada LEARNING CYCLE

To the left is our West Ada Academies Learning Cycle. This course is designed with content that fits into one of five categories: Engage, Explore, Practice, Apply, and Reflect. You will move through the stages of the learning cycle as you engage in the studio's driving questions, and then learn, practice, and apply the target skills listed above. When you get to the apply stage, you will make a presentation or use another method to show what you know. Finally, at each Milestone and again at the end of the studio, you will reflect on your project and what you have learned.

ICONS TO KNOW

Throughout the course you will see these two icons. They will tell you whether you are able to complete each assignment individually, or whether it must be done collaboratively (with a partner or group).