Grading policy:

Test/Classwork: 70%

Homework: 10%

Exam: 20%

Louisiana History Textbook online code

http://www.experiencestatehistory.com

Student’ codes:

User name: sttamm

Password: 808080

Grade 8

Louisiana History and Acadians

Unit 4: Early Peoples of Louisiana and a Meeting of Different Worlds

Time Frame: Approximately 11-30/12-11

Unit Description

This unit focuses on the historical eras beginning with Louisiana’s first inhabitants and extending through the Louisiana Purchase. Exploration of the arrival of the Europeans and their struggle to gain control of North America and the Mississippi River is included.

Student Understandings

Students recognize the influences of cultural diffusion as evidence of the contributions the Native Americans, the French, and the Spanish had on Louisiana’s history. This early history of Louisiana is reflected in its language, customs, and government today. Students analyze the cause and effect of European exploration and colonization on Louisiana’s history, economy, government, and geography. Students identify and describe the impacts of various ethnic groups who migrated to Louisiana during the colonial period. Students understand the significance of important events and key people during this period and their impact on Louisiana today.

Guiding Questions

1. Can students describe ways in which location and physical features have influenced historical events in Louisiana and the development of the state?

2. Can students explain why humans settled and formed societies in specific regions or why immigrant groups (e.g., Acadians) settled in specific areas of Louisiana?

3. Can students describe the causes and effects of cultural diffusion and the effects of cultural diversity in Louisiana?

4. Can students analyze, evaluate, and predict consequences of environmental modifications on Louisiana landforms, natural resources, and plant or animal life?

5. Can students analyze the benefits and challenges of Louisiana’s physical environments on its inhabitants?

6. Can students construct a timeline of key events in Louisiana history?

7. Can students interpret data presented in a timeline correlating Louisiana, U.S., and world history?

8. Can students compare and contrast events and ideas from Louisiana’s past and present, explaining political, social, or economic contexts?

9. Can students analyze how a given historical figure influenced or changed the course of Louisiana’s history?

10. Can students analyze given source material to identify opinion, propaganda, or bias?

11. Can students conduct historical research using a variety of resources and evaluate those resources to answer historical questions related to Louisiana history?

12. Can students describe major early explorers and explorations significant to Louisiana or early settlers in Louisiana?

13. Can students describe leaders who were influential in Louisiana’s development?

14. Can students describe and explain the importance of major events and ideas in the development of Louisiana?

15. Can students describe the causes and effects of various migrations into Louisiana?

16. Can students describe the contributions of ethnic groups significant in Louisiana history?

17. Can students describe major conflicts in the context of Louisiana history?

18. Can students describe and analyze the impact of Louisiana’s geographic features on historic events, settlement patterns, and economic development?

Acadians:

This unit focuses on the Acadians as an example of a people with a distinct history and culture who have made an indelible impression on Louisiana that is still evident.

The plight of the Acadians and the remnants of their unique culture have attracted attention from historians, preservationists, and tourists. The effort to preserve their unique language and customs has brought international attention to Louisiana. The influence of the Acadians on Louisiana’s culture as well as the desire to preserve their unique ethnicity is a part of Louisiana’s diversity and an identifiable influence on the state’s tourism trade.

Student Understandings

Students understand the push/pull factors related to the migration of the Acadians to Louisiana. Students describe the basic history of the Acadians as it relates to Louisiana. Students analyze the unique cultural offerings of the Acadians as evident in literature, preservation efforts, and influences on Louisiana.

Guiding Questions

1. Can students construct a map of the Acadian odyssey based on given narrative information?
2. Can students explain ways in which cultures have affected perceptions and uses of places or regions in Louisiana?
3. Can students explain why the Acadians settled and formed societies in specific areas of Louisiana?
4. Can students analyze the causes, effects, or impact of the Acadian migration to Louisiana?
5. Can students describe the causes and effects of various migrations into Louisiana?
6. Can students describe the contributions of ethnic groups (e.g., the Acadians) significant in Louisiana history?
7. Can students explain cultural elements that have shaped Louisiana’s heritage?