Introduction of Unit-

Reason- I wanted to increase my personal knowledge of the Age of Jackson.  I also felt that this was a weak spot in my curriculum.  The main focus of the unit will be the use of primary sources to understand the conflicts of Andrew Jackson’s presidency. 

The two major lessons in the unit that will incorporate primary sources are the issue of the National Bank and Indian Removal Acts.  The first lesson would use the Structured Academic Controversy (SAC) to incorporate primary sources in Jackson’s argument against the National Bank.  The second lesson would use different primary sources to create a court case on the Indian Removal. 

Why Study Jackson Era- Jackson's presidency can be seen through two views, both as an expansion of democracy and a decrease of the rights of minority groups.   During the Jackson era Americans came out to vote like never before.  Jackson used the common mans vote to veto the National Bank.  Jackson also increased the power of the Presidency by using his veto more than any other previous President. At the same time Jackson allowed for the removal of Native American reducing equality for minorities. 

Fitting the Needs of My 8th Grade Students- Eighth grade students often learn best from hands on learning.  Just giving primary sources to the students would not be enough.  The SAC method gives each student a question to answer through the use of primary sources.  Students learn through discussion and see the different view points on the same issue.  This method will be used in the studying of the National Bank issue.  When studying the Indian Removal Acts the students role play as different people and be a part of a mock trial.  They will use actual writings of these people to get an understanding of their views on the issue.

TEST RESOURCES