Paige+S'+Social+Studies+Planning+Project

Paige Smith ECI 435 10/22/12  ** 40 Big Ideas **
 * 1. World War I** - This war was the extreme and students should be learn how about wars and what causes them. Teaching students about this war can give them and idea of what it is like for the world to be involved. This war also lead up to World War II.
 * 2. World War II** - This war included the United States after the attack on Pearl Harbor. The Holocaust also played a big role in this war as well as dictatorship. World War II also introduced the first atomic bombs to be dropped by the Americans.
 * 3. The Holocaust -** This event in history destroyed millions of lives through genocide. It demonstates how one man can dictate and control others. It was also connected to World War II, so these two topics could be taught together.
 * 4. Women's Rights-** This was a time in history where women were earning rights to vote and become more of society. It gave women a chance for their voices to be heard.
 * 5. The Civil Rights Movement -** The movement gave rights to many African Americans. This time in history created hard times for Afrian Americans, but it also gave them more freedom.
 * 6. The Civil War -** The Civil War dealt a lot with slavery and our president at the time, Abraham Lincoln. Students could learn about a war that was fought in our own country.
 * 7. The Great Depression -** This was a time in America that our economy was weak. This would be a great opportunity to introduce when a teacher wants to discuss economics.
 * 8. The Declaration of Independence -** The Declaration of Independence was a document that allowed us to move away from King George III. It is a document that allowed us to get away from foreign rule.
 * 9. The U.S. Constitution -** The Constitution outlines our rights to be an American. This document contains our Amendments, which we still live by today.
 * 10. The American Presidents -** American Presidents are the fathers of our country. They lead and serve our country with honor and pride, and demonstrate opinions of the U.S. people.
 * 11. The Bill of Rights -** The Bill of Rights are a list of rights we have as Americans. These rights protect us from the government. Teaching students about these rights can be beneficial today, because they still occur and some of the rights are very controversal.
 * 12. Immigration -** Immigration can be both a positive and a negative topic. People who come to America can find better jobs and help themselves. Immigration can be negative because some come illegally and then take the jobs from Americans who are looking.
 * 13. Space exploration/travel -** This topic should be taught because it is a great accomplishment that we can travel out of our world into outer space. Going to space is a detailed, expensive task and students should learn all of the hard work that goes behind travel and exploration.
 * 14. Pirates -** Pirates were those who traveled the world and lived upon ships. They explored the seas and had a different, interesting lifestyle from others.
 * 15. The Industrial Revolution -** This was a time in in history where technology and new developments were create, such as better cars, railroads and other transportation. Some of the inventions that were created lead to the world we had today.
 * 16. The Korean War -** This war demonstrated the difference between capitalism and and communism. The Korean War occured after WWII, so one could discuss the causes of war after the end of another.
 * 17. Slavery -** Slavery was a big part of history because it was a time when Master's held many people, mostly African Americans in custody. The slaves had harsh lifestyles and were not treated with respect.
 * 18. Native Americans -** Native Americans are a group of people who are generally sterotyped. It is important to teach about his culture of people because they were part of our American history.
 * 19. The Gold Rush -** The Gold Rush was important because it gave Americans and immigrants jobs and many moved to California. After the Gold Rush, California became part of the US territory.
 * 20. Economics -** Economics are important to teach because it shows how are world runs financially. Economics demonstrates the currency used to buy and sell items, may they be big or small. Economics can be divided up into macro and microeconomics.
 * 21. Geography** **-** Geography explains how are world looks and the different countries within it. It demonstrates rivers, land masses and oceans that surround ourselves and others.
 * 22. The Cold War** - The Cold War was really a war that dealt with beliefs rather than actual fighting. This war dealt with communism and would be a good topic to teach because it was more about one's beliefs.
 * 23. The Vietnam War -** This war was between North and South Vietnam. This topic is important to teach because the US was involved in this war and supported South Vietnam.
 * 25. African American History -** This topic is important to teach because it is about a specific culture, and culture is a great topic to teach. African Americans were not treated well and during the Civil Rights Movement, they began to have rights.
 * 26. The War in Iraq -** The War in Iraq, which still occurs today, is important to teach students because it is a current war they are living through. Incorporating 9/11 with this big topic will allow students to understand why we went to war.
 * 27. Sports in America -** Sports in America are a huge deal and many students can relate to this topic. One can discuss how sports were created and how they influence us. An example a teacher could use would be Jackie Robinson or Babe Ruth.
 * 28. Art/Music -** Art and music should be taught because we listen and look at art everyday. These two topics are big American trends. One can look how music and art has changed over time during specific time period.
 * 29. Roaring 20's -**This event occured during the 1920's and demonstrated the great income America had. Different types of music and dances were created. This topic could be followed by the Art/Music topic.
 * 30. Reconstruction -** This period of time gave slaves freedom. It ended slavery and gave slaves citizenships and male slaves the right to vote.
 * 31. Three Branches of Government -** This topic will give students the idea of how our country runs on the government. Describing to them the three branches, gives them the chance to understand our country economically and politically.
 * 32. Trade -** Trade is important to teach because it descibes how America received merchandise and items. Trade is not only in America, it is everywhere. Transportation can also be discussed with this topic.
 * 33. Invention of the Airplane-** Since the airplane was invented in North Carolina, we should discuss who created the airplane. The airplane is used today for travel as well as trade.
 * 34. "Rip Van Winkle" -** This topic shows the development of North Carolina. North Carolina was called the "Rip Van Winkle" state. Students should learn about this topic because they live in the state and should know the slow development of NC.
 * 35. Military-** The Military are the people who fight for our country. They go through hard work and training to make sure our country is safe. Students should be taught about the military because it could be a job or interest for students once they graduate.
 * 36. Natural Disasters -** Natural distasters occur every day and year. They influence the lives of many and effect our country financially and socially.
 * 37. Farming -** Farming is a major part of our lives and how our food is made. One could look back at the history of farming through slavery and then up to the advancements today.
 * 38. The Counterculture -** This was a time in American history that occured during the 1960's. People began to speak out about women's rights, sex and race.
 * 39. The Boston Tea Party -** This event occured because there was a tax on the import of tea.The colonies had to pay a tax on the import of tea before they could receive it. This event could demonstrate how taxes can effect trade.
 * 40. Education-** This topic is very important because it can cover areas such as younger to high adult education. Education has developed into an aspect for many people.


 * 10 Smaller Ideas**


 * 1. John F. Kennedy-** Kennedy was a famous president and after visiting his museum in Texas, his life story was very interesting. I also think it would be good to teach students what happens after a president is assassinated.
 * 2. Virginia Dare -** Virginia Dare is a big part of our country because she was the first child born in America. She was also part of the Roanoke Colony.
 * 3. George W. Bush -** George Bush was a president during my time so I would be very informed and comfortable talking about his tributes to America. He was also the president during September 11th and had many decisions to make.
 * 4. George Washington -** George Washington was our first president. We sould teach our students about the man who took responsibility to run our country for the first time.
 * 5. Abraham Lincoln -** Abraham Lincoln was also an American president. He gave the Gettysburg Address during the Civil War. Lincoln should be taught because he was considered one of our greatest presidents.
 * 6. Anne Frank -** Anne Frank was part of the Holocaust and gave her own story of what it was like to live during this time period. Students should read her diary because it gives a personal example of how this horrible event was.
 * 7. Harriet Jacobs -** Harriet Jacobs was a former slave and wrote a narrative about her life. She struggled with the life as a slave as being a woman.
 * 8. Doris Miller -** Dorie Miller was an African American cook who took over a machine gun during the attack on Pearl Harbor. He can demonstrate how we should not doubt others of their abilities.
 * 9. Frederick Douglass-** Frederick Douglass was part of slavery. He has written autobiographies about himself so others can understand the life of a slave. Students should read his autobiography to understand is hardships and success.
 * 10. Adolf Hitler -** Hitler should be taught because he had a big influence on many people to exterminate groups of people. He had enough influence to destroy the lives of millions of people. This would be a good topic to follow along with the Holocaust big idea.