Layer 4

Why Are They Wearing That? Life in Colonial and Early America

When we put on our favorite t-shirts, they reflect far more than where we shop, our favorite sports teams, preferred musical groups, or political viewpoints. Material culture, such as clothing, is a window into time and place. Inanimate objects are more than interesting they are innately able to relay information about technology, economics, resources, transportation, and, of course, culture.  Using textiles as a primary resource, layer by fascinating layer, we will literally step into the world of the 18th century. As participants dress in period correct attire, they will be learning not only how to interpret the past but also how current material culture reflects contemporary values and resources.

Essential Questions:

How is history interpreted to relate the past to the present?
How do the concepts of family, education, leisure, government, economics, religion, and communication define a culture?
How are investigative tools used by historians to study and interpret history?
How is history linked to economics and other social sciences?
How did education and social issues influence various colonies?
What can I learn from the past?
How am I connected to people and events from the past?
What causes change, and what stays the same?
What patterns develop in the course of history?
How are cause and effect shown throughout history?
How do historical and social events shape the future?

History Standards: 8.1 A,B,D  8.2.3 A,B,C,D    8.2.6 A,B,C,D    8.3.3 A  8.3.6 A,B,D

Reading Standards: 1.1.5.A,G 1.2.A  1.3.A,F  1.6.A,B,D,E

“It’s always a lot of fun when you come to our school and give us a break from the normal everyday stuff that we have to learn. I always learn a lot from you.  I love that you have props to go with what you’re teaching. It always makes learning so much more interesting if we can actually see and feel the things that we are learning about.”
         Rachel D.