Lesson

Sea to Shining Sea: The Mexican-American War and America’s Push West

Lesson Overview

Using the History in a Nutshell video on The Mexican-American War, learners analyze causes, key events, and outcomes of the war through mapping, discussion, and role-based inquiry. Students will evaluate multiple perspectives and create an authentic product to show how government policies shaped expansion and conflict. The lesson blends multimedia learning, critical thinking, and historical empathy to help students understand this pivotal moment in U.S. history.

Duration
Multiple days
Lesson Type
Project Based Lesson

Essential Question

How did the Mexican-American War reflect America's belief in Manifest Destiny and change the nation's map and identity?

Grade(s):

Subject(s):

Other Instructional Materials or Notes:

4

  • History in a Nutshell: The Mexican-American War(with captions on)
  • Handouts included in this plan:
    • Do Now Map of Texas-Mexico border region
    • Guided Notes
    • Perspective Cards
    • Choice Board
    • Claim-Evidence-Reasoning (CER) Exit Slip)
    • Chart paper labeled "Our Guiding Questions" with the 5 questions already written

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