The first series of lessons are crucial in History as it sets the tone for the year. These first lessons therefore, should always be exciting, collaborative and rigorous. While Australian students often have a good idea of American symbols, they often exist without a historical context. This teaching resource is designed to provide students with a broad understanding of the fundamental tenets of American history, beliefs and values, political and economic systems.
This 8-page resource is designed to look like a contemporary magazine and therefore, it is not text-heavy. Students are required to work in groups on a class-based project. To this end, a Teacher Guide is attached to the resource. The Guide provides teachers with a suggestion on how this resource can be used with ICT to challenge students and encourage them to work collaboratively when dealing with difficulties in using new and unfamiliar freeware alongside rigorous content. A sample assessment to evaluate student understanding and literacy skills is also included.