TEACHER'S INTRODUCTION

In 1805 a Senate committee urged the building of a road that would connect the east and west of the growing American nation. That road came to be known as the National Road. This curriculum based packet, TRAVELING THE NATIONAL ROAD, is designed to provide you with background information, and with ready-to-use and suggested classroom activities. It concentrates on the National Road during the years 1806 - 1853, the period of its construction and greatest prosperity.

The packet contains six units, each with general objectives. These general objectives are listed on the Teacher Sheet in each unit. The objectives have been kept general so that they can be built upon to address the needs of various student groups. Please keep these general objectives in mind when using each unit and when providing feedback on the packet.

Each unit contains a Teacher Sheet, a Student Sheet, and two or more Activity Sheets. The Teacher Sheets contain the unit objectives, materials needed, and background information. This information is a more detailed version of data presented on the Student Sheets. The background information should help you better use the unit and also can be shared with the students during the course of the activities. Additionally, the Teacher Sheets contain suggestions of questions, activities, and sites that can be visited. These extra opportunities can increase students' understanding of the unit content. Answers for the Activity Sheets are at the end of each Teacher Sheet. The answers provide suggested responses, but they should not be considered the only responses possible.

The Student Sheets contain relevant background data needed to complete the Activity Sheets. Each sheet can be reproduced and distributed to your children. Most Activity Sheets are written for the students to do themselves, either individually or in small groups. Some activities may need to be teacher-directed. The Student Sheets also contain Thought Questions and additional research topics that interested students can pursue on their own. Objectives for each unit can be assessed through the use of these Activity Sheets and Thought Questions.

A Glossary and Site Resource List are provided at the end of the packet. The Glossary should be reproduced and distributed so children can use it throughout unit study. Glossary terms are highlighted on the Student Sheets, and several Activity Sheets also utilize the Glossary. The Site Resource List contains information about relevant sites students might visit. (Sites are mentioned throughout the packet as well.)

An Evaluation Form appears at the end of this packet, and you are encouraged to complete and return this form. Your feedback is greatly appreciated, and is the only way we can determine the effectiveness of the packet for future revisions.

This packet and the activities within will stimulate interest in the story of the National Road. It is the story of the growth of a nation and the people who grew with it.

LIST OF CONTRIBUTORS

Sheila M. Sibley

Summer Education Specialist Intern with the National Road Heritage Park and the National Park Service

J.B. Thomas

Retired Elementary Principal and National Park Service Volunteer

Jane Schmidt Clark

Supervisory Park Ranger, Fort Necessity National Battlefield

Mary Jane McFadden

Park Ranger, Fort Necessity National Battlefield

Caroline Rigg

Park Ranger, Fort Necessity National Battlefield

James Tomasek

Park Ranger, Fort Necessity National Battlefield

Lawren Dunn

Museum Technician, Fort Necessity National Battlefield

Frank Marhefka

Park Ranger, Fort Necessity National Battlefield

Robert Rafail

Instructional Support Teacher, Grade 6, Uniontown Area School District, Lafayette School

Janet Clark

Teacher, Grade 4, Uniontown Area School District, Lafayette School

Shelley Larimer

Intern, Fort Necessity National Battlefield

Yvonne Becka

Artist for selected illustrations

Tom Markwardt

Web Site Administrator, Fort Necessity National Battlefield