A Growing Sense of Nationhood

Write the lyrics to describe one of four leading political figures of early America in this 8th-

grade U.S. history WebQuest!

Patrick Sieler MAT 675 Integrating Multimedia – Professor Zone

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 TasksThere 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 Foster3. 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 songTell 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.

ResourcesUse 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

ConclusionYou’re ready to begin!

Remember to work as a teamCheck the requirements sheet oftenBe 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