Philadelphia

Andrew, Karolye, and I have been thinking about updating the Philadelphia unit. Since it's the first thing that we do in the fall, I thought we might want to dedicate this time to thinking about how we want to update it. We have a general idea of what we would like to see, which is:

Study Lenape Indians Lenape encounter with Europeans, esp. interactions with Wm. Penn Breeze through colonial period Comparison of cottage industry with industrial revolution Beginnings of Philadelphia as the factory of the world Study of Philadelphia from 1900-present with neighborhood study [Students will study a particular neighborhood (West Philly, South Philly, etc.) in a group]

In thinking about UbD, I would like to think of an overarching and topical essential question that will help to weave the unit together and give students a storyline to understand the unit.

Some questions from the top of my head: How has technology changed how groups lived and interacted with people within their groups and outsiders? (I really like this question.) What makes up a community? What are factors that play into the development of a community?

So this is all I have for the time being. I'm trying to think of more when I have a few minutes to reflect. Let me know what you think.