Things were finally settling into routine for the young USA. Then, less than 30 years after winning independence, conflict with Britain erupted once again in the War of 1812. But despite that, settlers didn’t give up their hopes and dreams, and pushed ever westward away from the Atlantic coast. Looking back at this huge ocean leads to an exploration of salt water, continents, waves, tides, and sedimentary rocks—as well as unseen things like underwater mountain ranges and volcanoes. Great literature immerses readers in this important time of war, building, and expansion. As students copy verses from “The Star Spangled Banner,” they’re challenged to reflect on its rich imagery and outline its rhyme patterns. Along with continued research and mapping of the Southern and Midwest state regions, a study of Presidents begins in this unit. And as always, regional cooking and period songs, games, and activities add depth and focus to an exciting time in America’s history!

Package Contents

In addition to the core resources, the Nation Building unit uses the following materials:

• Nation Building teacher manual
• Nation Building Student Notebook pages (three grade levels in downloadable .pdf format)
• The Cabin Faced West
• Justin Morgan Had a Horse
• Francis Scott Key

You will need to print student pages from the included PDF download file. For your convenience ready-to-use printed student pages are available for each grade. The six weeks of student notebook pages are only $15 for each grade level. (Hint: preprinted student pages save time, pre-planning, and wear on your printer/toner cartridges.) We really want to make life easier for you—if you buy all six units at once we'll give you one of them free!

Projects and games in the Nation Building unit include:

• 3-D Map Model
• Pick-Up Sticks
• Metal Punching
• Tin Punch Lantern
• Watercolor Activity
• Who or What Am I? Game
• Editor's Toolkit
• Building Block Bingo
• Nation Building Bingo