High School

Middle School and High School

Barter to Market or What's in Your Household?

Lesson Abstract

For the most part, in the 17th and 18th century agrarian societies, there was little or no money. Exchange of goods was completed through the barter or trade system. This gradually began to move to a market system. By examining trade records from the Fort Pitt Day Book (1765) and early inventories of households, we can discover what was being traded and what people relied upon in their homes.

8th Grade Level

Picture Analysis: Conflict & Cooperation in the French & Indian War

Lesson Abstract

Are you a constructivist teacher? Do you prefer direct instruction? Both approaches are described in this lesson plan about conflict and cooperation among Europeans and Native Americans in Western Pennsylvania at the time leading up to the French and Indian War.

High School

Trial of George Washington

Abstract

In this lesson, students assume the roles of judge, attorneys, jurors, and baliff to determine the guilt or innocence of George Washington. The Charge: "George Washington is charged with recklessly endangering the safety of the British Empire by his conduct at the Great Meadows (Fort Necessity). It is alleged that, as a result of his actions, the Americans, British, French and Indians were drawn into a costly war." Defense and prosecuting attorneys subpoena witnesses – French, British, Native American. The research involved in preparing for and implementing the trial gives all involved a greater understanding of the varied viewpoints of the people and nations represented in the time period of the French and Indian war. Since the trial script is based loosely on New York State Criminal Procedure Law, this lesson also familiarizes students with the trial vocabulary and courtroom practice.

High School

Understanding Points of View in the French and Indian War: Document and Painting Analysis

Lesson Abstract

This lesson was designed to help students analyze a variety documents to determine various points of view, including the views of the French, the British, the American colonists, and the Native Americans. As a result, students should recognize the complexity of the historical context of the French and Indian War. The lesson on document analysis includes scaffolding questions that ask the students to determine unstated assumptions or answer general questions about the documents. The lesson on image analysis focuses on the painting The Death of General Wolfe by Benjamin West (1770) and includes background materials to help students better understand the subjects in the painting and the time period it represents.

High School

Whose Land Is It Anyway? Conflict and Cooperation in the French & Indian War.

Lesson Abstract

This unit incorporates time periods from both the Early American (to 1630) and the Colonial Period (1630 – 1763). It delves into the land claims made during the Early American time period to set up the conflict and cooperation that will occur during the French and Indian War in the Colonial Period.