The Great Divide Causes of the Civil War

The Great Divide ~ Causes of the Civil War

Outline for Mr. Rother’s American History Classes:

Step 1 = “Surface-level” examination of the 10 events. (30 points)

Using the textbook and the note sheet from class, students will examine the 10 critical events that led to the Civil War. For each event, they will write a few sentences explaining what happened.

Step 2 = Selection of topics and formation of groups.

Once students have gained a “surface-level” understanding about each of the 10 critical events, it will be time to dig into these topics further. To accomplish this, students will submit their list of “Top 4 Topics” to their teachers. Using these requests, the instructor will create groups of 2-3 individuals.

Step 3 = Researching the topics.

Each group will be assigned a topic to research. The group will be responsible for creating a brief presentation (5-7 minutes in length), which will be presented at an in-class “Civil War Fair”. Each group must develop a proposal for what they plan to do with their presentation. Presentations may take a variety of formats. For example, groups may choose to create a display board, a mural, a mobile, a puppet show, a diorama, a timeline with detailed explanations, a radio program, a TV news story, or an illustrated book. Each group’s proposal must be approved by your teacher.

Once this proposal has been approved, you will be given time in the library and computer labs to complete your research.

Step 4 = Presentations at the Fair.

Presentations must incorporate all members of the group. Your job will be to teach to your classmates why your particular event contributed to the “Great Divide” between North & South.

--All presentations must demonstrate a thorough understanding of the group’s topic. OR as we like to call it: “knowage.”

--All presentations must show connections to other topics as well as to the overall theme of the Great Divide Project. Additionally, transitions from person-to-person should be smooth, each member should have good posture, a clear speaking voice, and a strong presence. OR as we like to call it: “flowage.”

--All presentations must include some type of visual aid that enhances your presentation. OR as we like to call it: “showage.”

Showage, and Flowage must be prevalent when presenting. Additionally, you should have three critical questions that will be placed on the unit exam. The unit exam will be worth 100 points.

Step 5 = Logistics for the Fair.

Each class will be divided in half. ½ of the groups will present on DAY 1. ½ of the groups will present on DAY 2.

Name______Date______Period_____

The Great Divide ~ Causes of the Civil War (Note Sheet)

Using your textbook, write a brief description (3-5 sentences of the “who, what, when, where, why, and how”) and explain the significance of each event. You will receive 3 points for each.

1. The US-Mexican War

2. The Compromise of 1850

3. The Kansas-Nebraska Act

4. Bleeding Kansas

5. The Dred Scott Decision

6. The Birth of the Republican Party

7. The Fugitive Slave Act & Uncle Tom’s Cabin

8. The Lincoln-Douglas Debates (1858)

9. John Brown’s Raid on Harper’s Ferry

10. The Presidential Election of 1860

The Great Divide ~ Causes of the Civil War

Research Proposal Assignment (20 points)

Answer the following on a separate sheet of paper. Answers are to be specific, with as much detail & insight as possible. You must type of word-process this proposal.

Questions you must answer:

1. Describe your topic or the subject of your research.

2. What do you want your reader to know/understand about your topic/subject? What are the 3 or 4 most critical ideas? What makes this topic unique and important? (Think about how these might be shaped into three test questions that will be submitted to your teacher.)

A. Critical Idea #1 =

B. Critical Idea #2 =

C. Critical Idea #3 =

D. Critical Idea #4 =

3. Describe your product (showage).

A. What are you going to produce or create? Be specific.

B. How will the product help others learn about your topic.

C. What materials will you need to make the product? Create a brief list.

*Be sure to list all team members for this assignment, and submit it for your teacher’s approval.

The Great Divide ~ Causes of the Civil War Scoring Guide for the Group

_____/20 points = Your Understanding of the Topic (KNOWAGE)

The presentation shows that the topic was well researched and an effort was made to understand its importance. Being able to thoroughly explain and/or answer the KEY QUESTIONS.

_____/15 points = Quality of your Presentation & Preparedness (FLOWAGE)

You should use effective presentation skills that include: a clear voice, appropriate volume, eye contact, good posture, and a strong presence. Avoid gum chewing and other distractions. Transitions from person-to-person should be made smoothly. Members must all participate equally. Your presentation should demonstrate adequate preparation….it should not be hurried, incomplete, or sloppy.

_____15 points = Visual Aid (SHOWAGE)