The War of 1812


Social Studies American History Westward Expansion to 1850 The War of 1812
Students first view a print of the burning of Washington, D.C. and predict what is happening. Then they examine a timeline to identify causes of the War of 1812. Next they analyze the outcomes of the war. Finally they examine the history of “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

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 The War of 1812:

Preview - Scene 1
Exploros Learnign Experience Scene Navigation


Overview

In this experience, students first view a painting of the burning of Washington, D.C., and predict what is happening. Then, they examine the causes of the War of 1812. Next, they analyze important events and outcomes of the war. Finally, they learn how Francis Scott Key’s experience during the Battle of Baltimore led him to write the poem that became “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

The Teacher Pack contains two optional videos you may project for students.

If you have access to leveled readers with a biography of Dolly Madison or Francis Scott Key, assign them to the students in parallel to this experience.

Estimated duration: 35-45 minutes

Vocabulary words:

  • impact
  • witness
  • benefit
  • textile
  • thriving
  • patriotism
  • respect
  • negotiate
  • personification

Objectives

  • Analyze the causes and effects of the War of 1812
  • Explain the history of “The Star-Spangled Banner”


Engage


Recall that France sold the Louisiana Territory to the United States in 1803. At the time, France and Great Britain were at war in Europe. Their fighting caused problems for the United States. It especially troubled American ships and sailors. In this experience, you will learn how these issues caused the United States to declare war on Great Britain in 1812. You'll learn about the conflicts that led to this decision.

Objectives

  • Analyze the causes and effects of the War of 1812
  • Explain the history of “The Star-Spangled Banner”


war scene with a city on fire, cannons shooting with American flags flying, boats approaching a beach

The taking of the city of Washington in America, by West Smithfield, 1814


Study the image shown above. It is entitled The taking of the city of Washington in America, and it was created in 1814. The title of this lesson is “The War of 1812.”


Consider these two titles and any other facts you know, and describe what you think is happening in the drawing.

Post your answer

Accept any reasonable answers at this point. You can revisit the image after completing scene 3.


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


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