The Great American Landmarks Adventure

Suggested Activities - Social and Political

Old South Meeting House, African American Meetinghouse, Susan B. Anthony House, Maria and Piero Botto House, U.S. Capitol	Have students write a play about historical events represented by one of these landmarks. Perform the play for a school assembly, the PTA, or another community group. [4-8+: art, history, reading, social studies, writing] Ask students to identify places in the United States and other countries that are like these special places where people are striving to achieve civil rights or other social actions. Break into small groups and have students clip articles from newspapers and magazines that report about actions today and share with the class. Are there other issues that might benefit from group action? What are the advantages and disadvantages of group action? [3-12: geography, history, social studies, reading] Have students select women or minority persons in history and prepare essays on the importance of their lives. Discuss how and why the history of these persons is the same or different from others in our history books. [4-12, history, reading, social studies, writing]
The Octagon House (The Octagon)	Divide students into small groups and research some of the treaties in American History. What are some of the major differences that people have with one another when they enter war? What is the purpose of a treaty? Where are treaties ratified today? Does a treaty always signal the end of differences between countries and people? [4-12: government, social studies]
U.S. Capitol	Read about the legislative process. Develop a model legislature with political parties and work through the process of passing legislation. End the experience with a visit to an elected official's office. [6-12: writing, government, social studies] Select an issue that students believe requires legal action. Research the issue and have students write a letter to a local, state or federal representative to encourage the introduction or passage of legislation. Attend a legislative hearing or debate on a bill. [5-12: writing, government, social studies]

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