Who is this Hamilton guy? And why is he on the $10 bill??

In this lesson, you will explore the question “Does Alexander Hamilton deserve to be on the $10 bill?” In the introductory activity, we will look at US paper currency and identify which of the featured individuals served as President of the United States. In the learning activity, you will explore video segments from the PBS program Rediscovering Alexander Hamilton to learn about Hamilton’s contributions to the United States and his role during George Washington’s presidency. In the culminating activity, you will write an article, poem, song, speech or story about Alexander Hamilton.  When determining what you should write about Hamilton, think about the five W's (who, what, where, when, and why). You may do this on a Google Doc to share with me, make a presentation using your favorite technological tool, or simply use notebook paper and turn it into the box for your class period.  This assignment is due by Monday at the end of the day.

To help find information about Alexander Hamilton, go to the following links:
Alexander Hamilton: The Man Who Made Modern America

Alexander Hamilton and the Creation of the United States  
This site will ask you for a username and password.  
Username:  Munford  
Password:  Munford2014    

If you need to watch the videos again for ideas, you can find the first here:
Introducing Alexander Hamilton

The second video can be found here:  Alexander Hamilton and George Washington

All finished with the assignment?  Try this activity just for fun:  Design Your Own Bill

Drafting Board: Freedom of Speech

Does the Constitution guarantee students the right to wear whatever clothing they want to school? What if that clothing is controversial or disruptive? In this Drafting Board issue, students explore those questions and more through the lens of Ben Brewer. They must decide whether Ben’s controversial band   t-shirt can be banned by Principal Carter. Whichever side they choose, students must support their claim with relevant evidence and sound reasoning. The fate of Ben and his shirt hang in the balance!



Drafting Board:  Freedom of Speech

The Bill of Rights

Today we will be looking at the first 10 amendments to the Constitution- The Bill of Rights.
First we will watch a film, then you will play Do I have a Right: Bill of Rights Edition

Argument Wars

Today you will be studying some famous Supreme Court cases by playing a simulation game called
Argument Wars.  To earn points, you must win the case!
Click on this link to play:  Argument Wars

Court Quest

Now we know there are Federal Courts and State Courts.  Today you will play a game called Court Quest in which you will hear cases then decide if the cases will fit a federal court or a state court.

By the way, each state has its own court system so you will find that when dealing with the states, some have many different courts to use, while some only have 2 or 3.  Just be sure to look at the descriptions to get a good match for each case.

To receive points for this activity, you must correctly place at least 5 cases.
This is the link:  Court Quest

The Judicial Branch

This week we will be studying the Judicial Branch.
Click on the following link:

 The Courts in a Nutshell

If you have trouble going to the link that answers the last question in the webquest, go to this link instead:

Meet the Supreme Court Justices