My American Identity

Social Studies American History American Identity My American Identity
Students upload a drawing or image that shows something they think is American in their life. Then they do research on their family roots in the United States: when they arrived, where they came from, and what makes their family feel the most American. Next they identify what they are thankful for and what they would change about life in the United States. Finally they create an expression of their American identity.

This learning experience is designed for device-enabled classrooms. The teacher guides the lesson, and students use embedded resources, social media skills, and critical thinking skills to actively participate. To get access to a free version of the complete lesson, sign up for an exploros account.

1:1 Devices
Teacher Pack

The Pack contains associated resources for the learning experience, typically in the form of articles and videos. There is a teacher Pack (with only teacher information) and a student Pack (which contains only student information). As a teacher, you can toggle between both to see everything.

Here are the teacher pack items for My American Identity:

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Exploros Learnign Experience Scene Navigation


Overview

In this experience, students begin by sharing a drawing or image that represents something they connect with life in the United States. Then they explore aspects of their family or community history, including places, traditions, experiences, and connections that have shaped their identity. Next, they reflect on parts of life in the United States that are important to them and areas they think could be improved. Finally, students create a project that uses several of these ideas to express what American identity means to them.

There is no quiz at the end of this experience. You may have students present their American identity projects to the class, or create an exhibit and invite other classes.

Estimated duration: Depends on how long you want to give students to prepare their family stories and to create their American identity projects

Objectives

  • Describe your family roots in the United States
  • Analyze what makes you feel most American


Engage


American identity can be shaped by many things, including family, community, traditions, experiences, and ideas about the country. In this lesson, you will think about the people, places, values, and experiences that help shape your own American identity and your place in American society.

Objectives

  • Describe your family roots in the United States
  • Analyze what makes you feel most American


football team on the field during a game

American football is one of the most popular sports in the United States.

The rest of the world prefers the game that Americans call soccer.


Draw or upload an image that shows what you think is the most American thing in your life.


If students are having trouble choosing an image, you can ask them some guiding questions to trigger ideas: What foods do you like to eat? What clothes do you like to wear? What hobbies do you have? What devices do you use? What organizations do you belong to? etc.


When everyone is ready to continue, unlock the next scene.


End of Preview
The Complete List of Learning Experiences in American Identity Unit.
Social Studies American History American Identity My American Identity
My American Identity
Social Studies American History American Identity Uncle Sam Wants You: National Symbols
Uncle Sam Wants You: National Symbols
Social Studies American History American Identity American Identity: Vocabulary
American Identity: Vocabulary
Social Studies American History American Identity The National Ethos
The National Ethos
Social Studies American History American Identity The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship
The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship
Social Studies American History American Identity American Identity: Review
American Identity: Review
Social Studies American History American Identity Your State and Local Governments
Your State and Local Governments
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