What do the Medals of Freedom tell us?

I heard on the radio tonight that President Obama awarded 13 individuals with the Medal of Freedom.  I want to learn more.  So far, I've reviewed the list and I'm trying to figure out what these awards tell us about the American Identity.

Of course Dylan relates to folk music and protest, and Toni Morrison writes beautiful American novels, but what about John Doar, John Glenn and Jan Karski?

Find out here and make your own connections to the American Identity:  http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/election-2012/post/presidential-medal-of-freedom-obama-to-honor-bob-dylan-john-doar-and-more/2012/05/29/gJQAcxzUzU_blog.html

Think about science, politics, religion, gender, ethnicity, and change.

As we close this momentous school year of many firsts, please take with you the habits of mind you have effectively developed this year.  Remember that learning can happen anywhere, as long as you are paying attention.    

When you have time listen to this podcast: http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/media/2012/05/29/20120529_tonimorrison.mp3

We will watch a preview together:  http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/entertainment/jan-june12/tonimorrison_05-29.html

The Changing American Identity

As you already know, we have focused heavily on the American Identity this year.  And as you also know, history is never stuck in the past; history is alive, history is now, history is all around us.

Read this article and discover how our current American Identity is changing. 

• Why do you think analysts describe this as "an important tipping point"? 
• In addition, how does this shift affect decisions about education and immigration?
• Overall, descsribe how our American Identity is changing.  Use evidence from the article in your answer. 

LINK:  http://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/17/us/whites-account-for-under-half-of-births-in-us.html?_r=1&nl=todaysheadlines&emc=edit_th_20120517

Let's hope the blog isn't blocked tomorrow...

Historians,

I apologize for the delay.  The blog has been blocked at school.  If you are planning on bringing something to share tomorrow, that is great.  If you forgot, or are unable to bring something, don't worry!  We are going to work on our Visitor Guides for the THEMES IN THE STREETS Fieldtrip.

If there's food, fabulous!  If not, there is always work to be done!

See you in class superstars.

Ms. Blatteau

P.S.  The Exam is OVER!

College Board Link: AP US History Exam Sample Essays

If you enjoyed reading sample essays from real students who took real AP Exams, follow this link to review even more examples of essays and student work:  http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/apc/members/exam/exam_information/2089.html

Secretary of State Madeleine Albright on The Daily Show

LINK:  http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/tue-april-24-2012/madeleine-albright

Happy May Day!

Use the instructions on today's lesson plan to complete this opening. 

LINK #1:  Profile of Lucy Gonzales Parsons

LINK #2:  An unpublished 1934 letter from Lucy Parsons 

(For the sake of time, scroll down to the text of the actual letter that starts with "Dear Comrade Lawson...")