Honors American History Summer Assignment:
IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS, SEE MR. ELLIOTT BEFORE SUMMER BREAK!!!
1. Read Chapter 2, Defining and Debating America’s Founding Ideals. This section will talk about
five key ideals that were important to the Founding Fathers in the creation of the United States.
2. Read Chapter 3, Setting the Geographic Stage. This section talks about the role of the
geography of the United States and how it has played a role in the nation’s development.
3. Read the chapter summaries for chapters 1-4 (Exploration and the Colonial Era through the
Union in Peril)
After completing the reading, respond to the following writing prompt:
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Discuss how America’s founding ideals and geography impacted the growth and development of
the nation with a focus on…
 Exploration and the Colonial Era
 Revolution and the Early Republic
 The Growth of a Young Nation
 The Union in Peril
Be sure to discuss at least one ideal and geographic element for each time period.
Be sure to begin your paper with an introduction that discusses the role of American ideals and
America’s geography in the development of the nation.
Also finish your paper with a conclusion that wraps up your thoughts about the role of America’s
ideals and geography in the development of the nation.
Paper Format:
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Length: 3-5 pages
Font: Calibri 12 point
Spacing: Double Space
Margins: 1 inch
Due Date:
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August 24th, 2011
You may bring in a printed version or submit electronically
Electronic Submission:
o E-mail: scott_elliott@bigwalnut.k12.oh.us
o On-line Classroom: Go to www.bigwalnut.k12.oh.us Go to high school page and choose
On-line Classrooms. Go to Mr. Elliott’s page. Select Honors American History. Under
assignments, choose 2011-2012 Summer Work and upload assignment.
See back for grading information!
THIS IS A REQUIREMENT TO REMAIN IN THE CLASS!!! NO LATE WORK WILL BE ACCEPTED!!!
Grading Rubric:
____/10: Introduction—Discusses the importance of the ideals of our founding fathers and the role of
geography on the development of our nation. Focuses on the general ideas and your overall view on
their role in developing the U.S.
____/20: Exploration and the Colonial Era—Section thoroughly discusses at least one ideal and one
geographic element. Discusses the importance of the ideal and element on the time period in American
History. Be sure to use examples from the reading.
____/20: Revolution and the Early Republic—Section thoroughly discusses at least one ideal and one
geographic element. Discusses the importance of the ideal and element on the time period in American
History. Be sure to use examples from the reading.
____/20: The Growth of a Young Nation—Section thoroughly discusses at least one ideal and one
geographic element. Discusses the importance of the ideal and element on the time period in American
History. Be sure to use examples from the reading.
____/20: The Union in Peril—Section thoroughly discusses at least one ideal and one geographic
element. Discusses the importance of the ideal and element on the time period in American History. Be
sure to use examples from the reading.
____/5: Conclusion—Wraps up final thoughts on the role of our founding father’s ideals and geography
on the development of the U.S. Not a restatement of the introduction.