The National Ethos

Social Studies American History American Identity The National Ethos
Students predict the significance of the phrase E. Pluribus Unum. Then they examine racial, ethnic, and religious data about the U.S. population. Next they explain how diverse groups have contributed to our American identity. Finally they choose a favorite foreign or ethnic food and research a fact about the group that brought that particular food to the United States.

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

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Here are the teacher pack items for The National Ethos:

Preview - Scene 1
Exploros Learnign Experience Scene Navigation


Overview

In this experience, students predict the significance of the phrase E. Pluribus Unum. Then they examine racial, ethnic, and religious data about the U.S. population. Next they explain how diverse groups have contributed to our American identity. Finally they choose a favorite foreign or ethnic food and research where it came from and how it has been influenced by people throughout history.

Estimated duration: 40-50 minutes

Vocabulary words:

  • seal
  • intolerance
  • interpreter
  • Nobel Prize

Objective

  • Evaluate the elements that contribute to a national American identity


Engage


People from many different backgrounds have shaped the history and culture of the United States. Native peoples lived across North America long before the United States was created, and immigrants from many parts of the world have also contributed to the nation over time. Today, Americans come from many racial, ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds.

In this experience, you will learn about some of the people and groups who have helped shape the United States and consider how shared ideas and values can connect people with different backgrounds.

Objective

  • Evaluate the elements that contribute to a national American identity


the Congressional Seal with the bald eagle and an E. Pluribus Unum banner; the back of a U.S. penny

E. Pluribus Unum


The Latin words E. Pluribus Unum appear on the Great Seal of the United States and on most of its coins and paper money. Locate the phrase in the images shown above.


The words E. Pluribus Unum mean “Out of many, one.” What do you think that means?

Post your answer

In scene 3 students will revisit this phrase and apply it to data they examined in scene 2.


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


End of Preview
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