American Literature, Fall 2002

Abstract:: Studies the national literature of the United States since the early nineteenth century. Considers novels, essays, and poems, focusing on efforts to define and reform a sense of American identity amidst increasing awareness of cultural diversity. Readings usually include works by Hawthorne, Thoreau, Frederick Douglass, Dickinson, Frost, Faulkner, Maxine Kingston, and Amy Tan. This is a HASSD -CI course. Like other communications-intensive courses in the humanities, arts, and social sciences, it allows students to produce 20 pages of polished writing with careful attention to revision. It also offers substantial opportunities for oral expression, through presentations of written work, student-led discussion, and class participation. The class has a low enrollment that ensures maximum attention to student writing and opportunity for oral expression, and a writing fellow/tutor is available for consultation on drafts and revisions.

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Benjamin Franklin

Abstract:: This guide is designed to take advantage of the educational information in the three-part PBS series BENJAMIN FRANKLIN (PBS airdate November 19-20, 2002), directing teacher’s to specific sections of the series relevant to the lesson plan. The lessons engage students with a media-rich environment that employs video, DVD, computers, and the Internet in addition to more traditional print resources. The lesson plans are flexible, allowing teachers to adapt the instruction to their particular needs. Pre K-12 teachers may videotape the series and use it in the classroom for one year.

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Abstract:: Discover our new exhibitions that bring the world’s largest collection of knowledge, culture, and creativity to life through dynamic displays of artifacts enhanced by interactivity. Examine rare and unique items, including the rough draft of the Declaration of Independence, the Gutenberg Bible, the 1507 Waldseemüller map that first named America, Thomas Jefferson’s recreated library, and the architectural wonders of the Thomas Jefferson Building.

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Abstract:: Each two-week module in the Study of Place curriculum is framed by an historical event that makes a connection between the physical environment and human activity. The activities focus primarily on physical and earth science content, geography, and inquiry skills. Assessments and scoring rubrics, including a pre-assessment that can be used for both modules, are embedded in each module, providing opportunities for tracking student learning. The Ocean Currents Exploration module is framed by Benjamin Franklin's quest to explain why English ships carrying mail to the American colonies took two weeks longer to cross the Atlantic than colonial merchant ships making a similar voyage. It explores the mysterious force in the ocean called the Gulf Stream. Students: * use images of the Gulf Stream to explore seasonal changes in temperature, wind direction, and wave height; * investigate density-driven ocean currents and consider whether global climate change might affect deep currents; * learn about wind-driven currents by plotting the location of sneakers from a ship's container spill, and model the movement of gyres; * investigate how sand and water store and transfer heat energy and read about the possible climatic implications of a warmer ocean.

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Abstract:: Students discuss the characteristics of storms, including the relationship of weather fronts and storms. Using simple materials, the students develop a model of a simple lightning detection system and analyze their model to determine its effectiveness as a storm warning system for a community.