LEARN NC

K–12 teaching and learning · from the UNC School of Education

Impressed With Embargo

Students will learn about the causes of the War of 1812 and make connections to current world events.

A lesson plan for grade 8 English Language Arts and Social Studies

By Andrea McGuire

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Learning outcomes

Students show an understanding of the causes of the War of 1812 and connect them to similar events happening in world politics today.

Teacher planning

Time required for lesson

2 Hours

Materials/resources

  • drawing paper
  • colored pencils
  • crayons, etc.
  • writing paper
  • pens/pencils

Technology resources

Word processing program and computer if typed papers or Internet access to research current embargos is desired.

Pre-activities

Students will need to know about impressment and Jefferson’s embargo as well as the purpose of each.

Activities

  1. Students will draw a political cartoon about the embargo. It can be from the viewpoint of a merchant, a ship’s captain, Jefferson and his supporters, or Jefferson’s political opponents.
  2. Have students brainstorm ways embargos have been used in recent history and in today’s world. Students could do library or Internet research on more current embargos.
  3. Once several recent embargos have been discussed, each student should pick one to write about.
  4. Students will write an essay comparing and contrasting Jefferson’s embargo with the current one they have chosen. Included should be causes of, people and products involved, and duration of the embargos.
  5. Assign peer tutors to critique essays and allow for rewrites.

Assessment

Cartoons should be judged on historical accuracy and originality of design.

Papers should be judged on historical accuracy and comparisons made - do students show understanding of the reasons embargos are used and their effectiveness or lack thereof.

Supplemental information

Background information can be obtained from filmstrips or other audiovisuals such as “Jefferson’s Embargo”, or books such as North Carolina and the War of 1812.

Related websites

N/A

Comments

Time spent on this lesson will vary according to how much in-class or homework is allowed for writing and rewriting as well as research time. This lesson also goes along with the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Early Adolescent Social Studies entry 2 “Making real world connections”.

After searching, no relevant websites were found for Jefferson’s embargo. If anyone using this site finds one, please email me. Thank you.

North Carolina Curriculum Alignment

Social Studies (2003)

Grade 8

  • Goal 3: The learner will identify key events and evaluate the impact of reform and expansion in North Carolina during the first half of the 19th century.
    • Objective 3.01: Describe the causes of the War of 1812 and analyze the impact of the war on North Carolina and the nation.

English Language Arts (2004)

Grade 8

  • Goal 1: The learner will use language to express individual perspectives through analysis of personal, social, cultural, and historical issues.
    • Objective 1.01: Narrate a personal account which:
      • creates a coherent, organizing structure appropriate to purpose, audience, and context.
      • establishes a point of view and sharpens focus.
      • uses remembered feelings.
      • selects details that best illuminate the topic.
      • connects events to self/society.
    • Objective 1.03: Interact in group activities and/or seminars in which the student:
      • shares personal reactions to questions raised.
      • gives reasons and cites examples from text in support of expressed opinions.
      • clarifies, illustrates, or expands on a response when asked to do so, and asks classmates for similar expansion.
    • Objective 1.04: Reflect on learning experiences by:
      • evaluating how personal perspectives are influenced by society, cultural differences, and historical issues.
      • appraising changes in self throughout the learning process.
      • evaluating personal circumstances and background that shape interaction with text.
  • Goal 2: The learner will use and evaluate information from a variety of sources.
    • Objective 2.01: Analyze and evaluate informational materials that are read, heard, and/or viewed by:
      • monitoring comprehension for understanding of what is read, heard and/or viewed.
      • recognizing the characteristics of informational materials.
      • summarizing information.
      • determining the importance of information.
      • making connections to related topics/information.
      • drawing inferences.
      • generating questions.
      • extending ideas.
    • Objective 2.02: Use multiple sources of print and non-print information to explore and create research products in both written and presentational forms by:
      • determining purpose, audience, and context.
      • understnaing the focus.
      • recognizing and/or choosing a relevant topic.
      • recognizing and/or selecting presentational format (e.g., video, essay, interactive technology) appropriate to audience.
      • evaluating information for extraneous detail, inconsistencies, relevant facts, and organization.
      • researching and organizing information to achieve purpose.
      • using notes and/or memory aids to structure information.
      • supporting ideas with examples, definitions, analogies, and direct references to primary and secondary sources.
      • noting and/or citing sources used.
      • recognizing the use of and/or employing graphics such as charts, diagrams,and graphs to enhance the communication of information.