A Dinner Party with History
United States History
American History is teeming with interesting and influential people; people who shaped the foundation upon which the
present-day United States is built. For “A Dinner Party with History” each student will assume the role of one of the
many historic figures. Students will research the basic biographical information of the historic figure, research the era of
history in which the historic figure made the greatest impact, research the role the historic figure played in shaping the
United States into the nation it is today, and “play” that person during our in-class dinner party. The physical set-up of
the class will help facilitate a whole class discussion in which each member of the class participates in the discussion
under the guise of his or her historic figure. A complete grading rubric and outline can be found below.
Grading Structure
1. Dinner Party Outline
2. Dinner Party Participation
a. Students must speak at least 4 times. Each time a student
participates they will be graded on the below rubric.
Schedule of Events
1. First two minutes of class—Prep for Dinner Party
2. Five minutes—Pass out food/beverages and assume seats
3. Thirty minutes- Dinner Party and Discussion
4. Five minutes—Clean up
5. Remainder of class-Wrap-up
Participation Expectations and Grading Rubric
20
17-19
- The response or question
is thoughtful and well
supported by historic
evidence.
- The response or question
demonstrates a deep
understanding of the historic
figure and the material being
discussed.
-The response generates or
maintains quality discussion.
-Student remains in
character for the entirety of
the “dinner party.”
-The response or
question is thoughtful
and supported by
historic evidence.
-The response or
question demonstrates
an understanding of the
historic figure and
material being discussed.
-The response generates
or maintains discussion.
-Student remains in
character 85-90% of the
“dinner party.”
20 points
80 points
Total: 100 points
The Dinner Party Outlines
1. Character Outline
2. Historic Era Outline
These will need to be completed prior to the party.
14-16
11-13
10 and below
- The response or
question is supported by
historic evidence.
-The response or
question demonstrates
an understanding of the
historic figure.
-The response generates
some discussion.
-Student remains in
character 70-80% of the
“dinner party.”
-The response or
question is supported by
evidence.
-The response or
question demonstrates
an understanding of the
topic.
-The response generates
a following response.
-Student remains in
character 60% of the
“dinner party.”
-The response or
question is not supported
by evidence.
-The response or
question fails to
demonstrate an
understanding of the
historic figure and topic.
-The response or
question fails to generate
any further discussion.
-Student remains in
character for less than
50% of the “dinner
party.”
A Dinner Party with History
Outline #1
Historic Figure: Character Outline
10 points
10 points
Name of Historic Figure
Region of U.S. with which
the historic figure is most
associated.
Place of birth (if available)
Family
Occupation
Religious Affiliation?
Slave Owner?
Participant in
Government?
Political beliefs
Interesting Personal
Facts
A Dinner Party with History
Outline #2
Historic Figure: Era Outline
Time period(s) in which
your historic figure had
the greatest impact.
Major events of the time
period. Be sure to include
a brief description of each
event
1.
2.
3.
Significance of the time
period on the development
of the United States.
Role your historic figure
played in the historic
events mentioned above.
(If your historic figure did
not participate in the
events described above,
please pick three events
your historic figure from
the time period in which
your historic figured
participated.
1.
2
.
3.
Significance of your
historic figure in the time
period.
Create THREE thought
1.
provoking questions your
historic figure may ask at a 2.
dinner party with historic
peers.
3.