Name
Grade 8 American Studies I Extension Menu
Early Republic
Choose a learning activity from one square to complete. If you choose
the square, “Write your idea here,” please see the teacher with your idea
first. Circle the number of the learning activity you choose.
Turn in this paper with your work.
1. Research the Presidency of
George Washington. Create a
visual display (poster, graphic
organizer, PowerPoint
presentation, etc.) to illustrate
at least 6 important precedents
that he set while President that
we still observe today. Share
your findings with the class in a
3-5 minute presentation.
4. Study the historical
significance of Fort McHenry,
including how/why its location
was chosen, why it is called a
"Star Fort," and why it is
constructed in such a shape.
Construct a diagram, replica,
or blueprint of the fort to use as
a visual aid as you share your
findings with the class in a 3-5
minute oral presentation.
7. Examine the purpose and
historical significance of the
Monroe Doctrine. Design a 3-5
panel political cartoon that
explains and interprets the
principles behind this famous
document. Your cartoon should
be neat, colorful, creative, and
historically accurate.
2. Imagine that you are a
member of the Lewis and Clark
expedition. Compose a journal
(at least 3 pages in length)
describing several days of the
journey. Your journal entries
must be typed or neatly written
in blue or black ink. Create a
meaningful illustration for each
journal entry. Illustrations must
be neat and colorful.
5. Locate information on the
leadership styles of
Washington, Adams, Jefferson,
and Madison. Create a visual
(poster, graphic organizer, etc.)
to compare and contrast the
leadership styles of two of these
early presidents. Be sure to
include specific examples that
show qualities of each president
that made him a good leader.
3. Research Thomas Jefferson
and his life before, during, and
after his Presidency. Create a
museum style (three panel)
display including several
artifacts that show at least 6
different interests and talents of
Mr. Jefferson. Share your
findings with the class in a 3-5
minute oral presentation.
8. Write your idea here.
9. Choose a partner or a small
group (no more than 4 people)
and dramatize a conversation
between any of the early
Presidents. Select 3 or 4 topics
to discuss, write a script, locate
costumes and props, and
rehearse. Present your 5-10
minute dramatic re-enactment
to the class.
___________________________
___________________________
___________________________
___________________________
___________________________
6. Investigate the life of
Francis Scott Key and the story
behind “The Star-Spangled
Banner.” Compose a 3 minute
monologue in which you, as
Francis Scott Key, describe the
events that inspired you to write
our national anthem. You may
include your thoughts and
feelings on this fateful night in
American history.
___________________________
Teacher Initials for Approval: ______
Early Republic and Expansion/ASI/Grade 8
Teacher Resource Page
Grade 8 American Studies I Extension Menu
Concept and/or Topic: Early Republic and Expansion
Intended Purpose: Alternative activity for students who have mastered
curricular indicators
Standard(s) and Indicators Addressed:
Box 1: SS.AS1.40.03 Describe the precedents established by the Washington Administration.
Box 2: SS.AS1.40.08e Identify the costs and benefits of the Louisiana Purchase, explaining why
Americans migrated west, include Lewis and Clark, their group, and their effectiveness in
expanding our claim.
Box 3: SS.AS1.40.10 Identify the successes and failures of the Jefferson Administration.
Box 4: SS.AS1.40.011.b Describe the major battles/events of the War of 1812
Box 5: SS.AS1.40.04 Identify the successes and failures of the Washington Administration
SS.AS.40.07 Identify the successes and failures of the Adams Administration
SS.AS1.40.10 Identify the successes and failures of the Jefferson Administration.
SS. AS1.40 Identify the successes and failures of the Madison Administration.
Box 6: SS.AS1.40.011.b Describe the major battles/events of the War of 1812
Box 7: SS.AS1.40.014.e Describe the foreign policy of the Monroe Administration in relation to Spain,
Central and South America, including evaluating the Monroe Doctrine.
Box 9: SS.AS1.40.04 Identify the successes and failures of the Washington Administration
SS.AS.40.07 Identify the successes and failures of the Adams Administration
SS.AS1.40.10 Identify the successes and failures of the Jefferson Administration.
SS. AS1.40 Identify the successes and failures of the Madison Administration.
Organizational Tips:



Provide student access to the school media center, the Internet, textbooks, and/or subscription
databases (SIRS, Student Resource Center, etc.)
Provide access to supplies such as rulers, colored pencils, markers, paper, etc. for construction
of maps, graphic organizers, etc.
Final products may require access to:
o Software (Publisher, PowerPoint, Word, Excel, etc.)
o Art supplies (poster board, colored pencils, magazines, rulers, etc.)
Early Republic and Expansion/ASI/Grade 8