Engage the Maze....
A Teaching American History Newsletter from Dr. Christine Johnson
Welcome to a new installment of Engage the Maze. Christine Johnson, Editor
June, 2008
Hello dear friends
Soon you will be traveling to the”cradle” of our union. You are going to places that will provide you with images that will make your instruction even more exciting. I will be with you in spirit. I can not take oppressive heat and humidity these days because of my health. I have been to all of those places before and know the special evocative moments they are sure to bring.
I am going to suggest:
- Do web searches for the sites you are going to. Simple Google searches produce many links. For example, http://emuseum.mountvernon.org presents Mount Vernon exhibits in detail.
- Do some research and resource purchases and observations to serve the lessons I have started.
I am developing lessons (as per Carol Hallman recommendation)on architecture, visual components and ”art” exhibited in homes here in the new colonies vs. the “European” art forms.
I am also developing a lesson around the currency used in colonies.( Make sure to check gift shops for packages of currency, please.)
I am hoping you can try out a feature of Google maps. It was that software program I introduced you to last year. Besides being able to find the sites you will view with a map grid you will also see street views-especially of D.C. Remember to make use of the 3-D capability. Your students will love to see where you are going. But why not surprise students in the future? Make yourself part of the map you use of this area from now on.
Here is my recommendation. Take a digital camera with you. Or buy a throw-away camera and get the film developed when you get home and order the a digital CD for this project.
Google maps allows you to add places and photos of them to your map. (Learn more about how to add places and photos to your map.) Note: You will need to sign up for a free Google account.
You can take a photo of yourself or someone special you want students to use as a guide. You can add photos to your map, as long as they are hosted online. Please use a service such as Google PicasaWeb or Flickr to put your photos online.
To add photos:
1. Create or open a map.
2. Click the appropriate place-mark, line, shape. The info window appears.
3. Click Edit.
4. Choose Rich Text or Edit HTML.
5. If you chose Rich Text mode, click the photo icon above the description field (the last one in the toolbar). Enter the URL of the photo you would like to add.
6. Click OK to save your changes.Read full instructions and see a how-to instruction video:
http://www.google.com/intl/en_us/help/maps/tour/#add_placeHave a wonderful and educational time. Here’s a thought for the bus ride: When did we stop using “emigrating” or ‘immigrating” and substitute “moving”? What makes the true difference to our students’ lives?
I am most anxious to hear from you. Send comments and outstanding photos I can use for the lessons to: cj@alivelearn.com
Have fun!
Christy
cj@alivelearn.comPrevious newsletters
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