Historic U.S. Holidays

Developed by Nikki Swank

Overview|Introduction|Quest(ions)|Process|Resources|Evaluation|Conclusion

Overview

Overview|Introduction|Quest(ions)|Process|Resources|Evaluation|Conclusion

Introduction

For most U.S. holidays, we know them because we get a day off from school or from work. To many, it is a day of play or a chance to get extra house work finished and chores done. But have you ever stopped to think about why we celebrate these holidays?

Each of these holidays holds a significant place in our nation’s history. But should they be a national holiday where everyone is off from school and work to observe all day, or should it be a regular day where we take a moment to remember and recognize the importance of the great things that were done to make these days special.

Overview|Introduction|Quest(ions)|Process|Resources|Evaluation|Conclusion

Quest(ions) and the Task

Do you think it is important to remember important historic U.S. holidays?

For this assignment, you will be looking at one of the U.S. holiday mentioned above. You will be reading about your specific holiday, what happened throughout history that made this holiday important, and why we celebrate it. You may use books from the library, internet sites provided, and your own research online of the holiday you are assigned to learn as much as you can about it. You will then write a paper about what you have learned about your holiday. What events occurred to make your holiday important? As a conclusion to your paper, you will write your own opinion about your thoughts on the holiday you have researched. Should it be considered a holiday where it is observed as a day of for celebration and remembrance? Or should it be a normal working day?

There may be more than one person assigned to each holiday. You will begin working on it yourself, learning what you can about your holiday and forming your own opinion about the holiday being celebrated. The links or pictures provided will help you in your quest. Click on the pictures to take you to a website with info.

Person 1: Independence Day

 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Independence_Day_%28United_States%29

Person 2: Columbus Day

http://usinfo.state.gov/scv/life_and_culture/holidays/columbus_day.html

Person 3: Labor Day

                                                                            http://info.detnews.com/history/story/index.cfm?id=150&category=business

Person 4: Memorial Day

            http://wilstar.com/holidays/memday.htm

Person 5: Veterans Day

http://www.patriotism.org/veterans%5Fday/index.html

Person 6: Martin Luther King Jr. Day

http://www.classbrain.com/artholiday/publish/MLK_jr_day.shtml

Person 7: Presidents Day

http://www.factmonster.com/spot/washington1.html

Overview|Introduction|Quest(ions)|Process|Resources|Evaluation|Conclusion

Process

Once you have written your paper expressing what you have learned and your opinion about the holiday you are working with, you will get together with people learning about the same holiday. You will compare notes, discuss your views, and explain why you came to the conclusion you did about the holiday. Remember that everyone in your group has their own opinions. Make your point clear to your group but do not try to force them to change their opinion because you believe you are right and they are not. Try to come to a common consensus about your holiday, whether it should be observed with a day off or remembered while going about a normal day. Think about your answers carefully. Don’t decide that it should be a day off just because you want a day off from school. Decide whether you as a group think this holiday should be observed as a holiday and deserve the attention it receives as a holiday. Back up your opinions with facts that support you decision.

Once you as a group have reached a common agreement, you as a group will design a presentation to present to the class. You will tell the class about your holiday; a brief history of your holiday and why it is important. Be as creative with your presentation as you want. You can draw a poster about your holiday, make up an outline, or use websites for pictures. Try to come up with something visual that will help you during your presentation.

Overview|Introduction|Quest(ions)|Process|Resources|Evaluation|Conclusion

Resources

Resources that you may use to present your holiday to the class are listed below:

Overview|Introduction|Quest(ions)|Process|Resources|Evaluation|Conclusion

Evaluation

You will be graded on your work, both as an individual and as a group. A check list is provided to help you hit every point.

Individual Work:

___ Well written paper. (Introduction paragraph, body, conclusion with        opinion stated)

___ Sources cited (book title and Author, internet address)

___ Internet sources used

___ Another source used besides internet (library book, encyclopedias)

Group Work:

___ Participation in group presentation

___ Participation in group work

___ Overall Group Presentation

___ Use of Visual Aids

Overview|Introduction|Quest(ions)|Process|Resources|Evaluation|Conclusion

Conclusion

Explain to students how the conclusion will offer the opportunity to engage in further analysis. For example:

Overview|Introduction|Quest(ions)|Process|Resources|Evaluation|Conclusion

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