Oh, What a Tangled Web...

Time Trial

We begin our day with a trial - the trial of Benedict Arnold - using a lesson plan from the National Museum of American History.  The full program can be viewed in the video here, but we will work through the program in a more systematic manner.

• What do you already know about General Benedict Arnold?​
  
• Who was Benedict Arnold?  Why is he so well-known?

Liberty's Kids

Word Wise

honor

traitor

treason

Bad Company

See if you can find the comedy in these very serious moments in American history:

Art Appreciation

Analyze the Mort Künstler painting at the artist's link.  Check out its details.

• What do you notice?
• What do you think is happening?
• What caused the scene in the painting?

• What might happen after the scene shown?
  
• What does this piece make you wonder?

Love Triangle?

What was there about Peggy Shippen that she was able to meet and influence two high-ranking officers in the Revolution - one from each side of the war?

At 18 years old (initially), Margaret "Peggy" Shippen may have been an integral cog in "turning" Benedict Arnold to the British side (and getting her ex-boyfriend executed in the process).

Speaking of John André, he was quite the gentleman in his last days.  We simply must consider his behavior in the end.  Does this change your opinion about the British officer?

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West Point

Before examining the map at the right of these words, look at the map in the Clements Library.  What do you notice about the map?  There is a line that appears to extend across the Hudson River.  What do you think that line represents?

​Read the Hudson Valley article to learn more.

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That's a Big Chain

It's time to pull out the scissors and glue!  The teacher has a paper version of this for you to work on.  We'll combine everyone's contribution to make a strong "defensive shield" for the classroom.  Get ready to think.

(For the teacher:  this activity is a paper chain version of "I have/Who has".  Print the following file and allow each student to make a chain by matching the question on one link to the correct answer on another.  Consider allowing students to use this website to find answers.)

Unite the States Review (Chain Activity)
File Size:	235 kb
File Type:	docx

Download File

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Are you ready for the West Point Military Academy?  View the video (right) and be ready to discuss.

Strongest Link

After that, the teacher has a challenge for the class.  We will use colored paper clips and specific clues in this competition.