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October Civics and History Activity

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1. On October 28, 1701, William Penn wrote Pennsylvania's 1701 Charter of Privileges.
Why are they important?

 

 

2. John Adams was born October 19th. What events influenced him to support the American Revolution?

 

 

3. Historically, on the last Sunday in October, many people would "fall back", setting their clocks back one hour.
A Pennsylvanian originally proposed making good use of daylight in his essay An Economical Project.
Who was that author?

 

Why do we change the clocks "springing forward" and "falling backward" each year?

 

How does this impact your schedule?

 

Optional Look into it - The Energy Act of 2005 changed Daylight Savings Time.
Which changes are important to employers?

 

 

Use your Internet researching skills to answer these questions.

4. Get the facts about the October born U.S. Presidents of the 19th Century.
(I have given the answers, for a recent president, as an example)

Name Date took office Length of time as President Remembered for:
George W. Bush

Jan 20, 2001

8 years, two terms Bush Doctrine - If the U.S. feels threatened by another country, the U.S. will attack them, even if they have not attacked the U.S.A.
       
       
       
       

 

5. On October 28th 1886, her dedication took place in front of thousands of spectators.
She was a gift from France to the United States. Who is she?

 

Where is she located today?

 

What do the spikes in her crown represent?

 

Fascinating facts: Her creator said she symbolized freedom and commemorated the alliance between France and the United States during the Revolutionary War. The statue depicts a woman escaping the chains of tyranny bearing the torch of "liberty". On the tablet she bears is written JULY IV MDCCLXXVI (July 4, 1776 in Roman numerals). At the feet of the statue lie broken shackles of oppression and tyranny.

 

6. The first in a series of eighty-five essays by "Publius" appeared in the
New York Independent Journal
on October 27, 1787.

What are these essays now called?

 

What was the goal in writing the essays?

 

How was the goal achieved?

 

Who was "Publius"?

 

7. Use the resources at Ben's Guide to the U. S. Government for Kids to answer this question.

In October, the Supreme Court begins its work each year.
How are the Supreme Court Justices chosen?

 

How long do they serve?

 

Compare: What is the maximum length of time a president can serve? Why?

 

8. What are initiatives and referendums in government?

 

 

Initiative and Referendum Institute

Does your state allow initiatives or referendums?

 

If yes, name a recent initiative or referendum in your state.

 

If no, do you believe initiative or referendum should be allowed in your state? Explain.

 

Be a history detective.

On October 13, 1792, George Washington laid the corner stone for a building.
Here is the advertisement announcing a prize for the best design plans for the building described as the President's House. James Hoban won.

What is the building called today?

 

When was this building finished?

 

What is its address?

 

"As long as the differences and diversities of mankind exist, democracy must allow for compromise,
for accommodation, and for the recognition of differences." Eugene McCarthy

 

Challenges: Do some digging.

1. Identify a famous or significant place in your state or local area.
Write a “ how” or “why” question about it and the answer.

 

2. Check out the history related museums that are located in your state.
Which one would you like to visit?
Explain why.

 

Extras:

Freedom In America: Some Assembly Required - electronic field trip

Decipher the History Mystery Message | Mystery Object Challenge | A Note for Freedom project

Lincoln Bicentennial | Theodore Roosevelt Reforms

Civics & Constitution Projects, Essays, Elections & Voting, Quotes, Resources

Government, Statistics and the Media | Explore Pennsylvania Projects

GeoWeb - Be a cyber cartographer | Look into your Community's History through its names

October Facts Hunt | October Facts Hunt 2

Internet Hunts / Nature / Computers / Puzzles & Projects / Pennsylvania Projects / Problem & Project Based Learning / Site map / Home

2006 Cynthia J. O'Hora In the spirit of Thomas Paine - released for use by nonprofits.
Updated 9/2023, posted 9/2006 All trademarks, copyright and logos belong to their respective owners.

tree icon How to make a Digital Answer Format: Highlight the text of the questions on this web page, copy them - Edit .. Copy. Open a text document or word processing document. Paste the questions into the blank document. Answer the questions in the word processing document in a contrasting color (not yellow) or font (avoid fancy fonts like: black, Symbol, dearform fomnt or broad). Save frequently as you work. I do not like losing my work. You will not like it either. Enter your name in a document header. Submit your work via an electronic class drop box, or email attachment.

Proof your responses. It is funny how speling errors and typeos sneak in to the bets work. smiling icon
How to: Make your own printer ready paper answer sheet with lines.

Standards:
NCTE Standard 3 - Students apply a wide range of strategies to comprehend, interpret, evaluate, and appreciate texts.
NCTE Standard 8 - Students use a variety of technology and information resources to gather, synthesize, and communicate knowledge.
PA Academic Standards - History, Civics and Government, Science and Technology, Reading Writing, Mathematics
ISTE Standard 3 - Technology productivity tools | ISTE Standard 5 - Technology research tools
Information Literacy Standards - Independent Learning
National Standards for Civics and Government