Contributor’s Name: Sarah Halstead
My Heroes & Conflict Cycle of Study features a week-long Pedagogy of Place trip to the historic Allegheny Highlands and Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia. This is the year we study US History and West Virginia history, so I’ve fused our Pedagogy of Place spring trip with our study of the abolitionist movement, Civil Rights, moral dilemmas and consequences. John Brown is a perfect historical figure to consider in the context of what makes a hero, and what kind of conflict motivates a person to stand his/her moral ground, or capitulate. John Brown was hanged in Charlestown, WV, after a stand off in Harpers Ferry. Brown’s standing in history is being reconsidered by modern historians, so students will study his life and times, and decide if he’s a hero, or America’s first terrorist. They will also walk literally in the footsteps of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and many other historic figures. We manage to work in some service learning as well, assisting the mayor of West Virginia’s oldest town with some special projects, and assisting the National Park Service with projects in Harpers Ferry.
Theme:
Geared Towards seventh,eighth
Curriculum: Curriculum – Field Studies,Curriculum – English,Curriculum – Social Studies
Tags: Social Studies,Middle School
Kick off: Leadership 3-2-1
Seminar Title: John Brown: American’s First Terrorist?
Group Initiative: Explore Your Values
Project: Research Project: Creating a Biographical Sketch
Discussion Topics: What’s it take to be a hero? Ethical behavior
Outside Opportunity: Pedagogy of Place Field Study
Download Files:
Social Studies,Middle School