A Growing Sense of Nationhood
Write the lyrics to describe one of four leading
political figures of early America in this 8thgrade U.S. history WebQuest!
MAT 675 Integrating Multimedia – Professor Zone
Patrick Sieler
WebQuest Introduction
A Growing Sense of Nationhood
 After the War of 1812, America enjoyed a new
sense of pride and unity.
 In its geography, politics, art, literature, and
music, America was emerging with a new
national identity.
 In this WebQuest, you will investigate one of
four American political leaders of the early 19th
century and tell about their accomplishments.
8.5.2, 8.6.2, 8.7.2, 8.8.1, 8.9.5
The Tasks
There are three parts to your assignment to
complete over two class periods. You and
your partner will be randomly assigned one
of four American political leaders of the early
19th century: Henry Clay, John C. Calhoun,
Daniel Webster, and John Marshall. You will
use the Internet and any other library or
classroom resources to,
1. Find out as many facts as you can about their
significant accomplishments.
2. Write lyrics about their accomplishments that
match the melody, “Oh, Susanna!” by Stephen
Foster
3. Perform your song for the class.
The Process – Here’s what
you do
Part 1: The research:
 First, print out a copy of the song lyrics to “Oh! Susanna”
by Stephen Foster. Get familiar with the rhyming pattern
and beat of the song.
 Next, print a copy of the blank lyric sheet you will use to
construct your own lyrics based on the life and
accomplishments of your assigned political figure.
 Use class materials, library materials or the Internet to
research your political figure. Type the name of the
person in the search field. Or go to the Resource section
and click on the links.
 Look closely at the Requirement Sheet to be sure you
include ALL the required information for your song
The Process - Here’s what you
do (cont.)
Part 2: Writing the lyrics.
 After gathering facts about your political figure, you and
your partner will write song lyrics that match the song
“Oh! Susanna” by Stephen Foster
 Before you begin writing, get familiar with the tune. Listen
to some recordings of the song by James Taylor and
Johnny Cash, Pete Seeger, The Byrds, Ed McCurdy,
and…The Singing Dogs. Be familiar with the rhythm.
 Refer to the Requirements Sheet to be sure you include
all that is required in your song lyrics
The Process - Here’s what you do
(cont.)
Part 3 : The presentation.
 You and your partner will deliver a 2-3 minute
performance of your song. You will use your lyrics
sheet on the overhead camera to teach the class so
they will be able to sing along.
 Make sure all the items in the Requirements Sheet
are in your lyrics.
 Be sure you rehearse and practice for your
presentation! Also, be sure the work of presenting is
shared evenly between partners.
Evaluation - How is it graded?
 Your song and presentation is worth 100 points.
Look at the grading rubric to see how your song is
evaluated. Basically, your song should:
 Match the melody of “Oh! Susanna”
 Contain the same number of lines as shown in the song
 Tell us at least three significant details about your
assigned political figure. Details may include personal
facts, political philosophy, and actions of the figure.
 Be clever and entertaining—that is, it gets the class to
participate.
Resources
Use the Internet, or click on the pictures of your assigned
figure to find out information.
Henry Clay
Resources (cont.)
Use the Internet, or click on the picture of your assigned
figure to find out information.
John C. Calhoun
Resources (cont.)
Use the Internet, or click on the picture of your assigned
figure to find out information.
Daniel Webster
Resources (cont.)
Use the Internet, or click on the picture of your assigned
figure to find out information.
John Marshall
Conclusion
You’re ready to begin!
 Remember to work as a team
 Check the requirements sheet often
 Be creative and strive for a “wow” factor in your
presentation.
 Have fun!
 When you finish your presentation and hear the others in
class, you will be able to match the political figure with
their significant contributions to American history with
100% accuracy.
8.5.2, 8.6.2, 8.7.2, 8.8.1, 8.9.5