Random U.S. Fact Week 4

The first two navel orange trees in the U.S. were from Brazil and planted in Riverside, California,  in about 1874. Virtually all navel oranges grown in the U.S. are offspring from these trees. One of the original trees was replanted by Teddy Roosevelt in 1903 but died. The other is still alive today in a park in Riverside!

Why did I chose this fact? Because I've seen this tree. When I was younger. I think. My memory of a four year old is foggy but I've been TOLD that I've seen this tree. And who am I to doubt my parents?

Presentation Reflection

1. My first interview actually gave me the idea of presenting on what history can mean to people. While talking to my interview we got sidetracked, as usual considering i cannot keep a straight train of thought for too long, and we got to discussing how people just don't care about history anymore. I thought that on talking about how history can mean different things to different people could change that.

2. I feel that the reason that I like history really stood out. Just for the reason that my reason was kind of narcissistic and basically made me feel good about myself.

3. The hardest part for me was the visual. I’m not artsy OR creative in any way, shape, or form. So I had to think especially hard for that.

Random U.S. Fact Week 3

US Highway 550, near Durango and Silverton, Colorado, is called the Million Dollar Highway because it was paved with low grade gold ore in the road bed! Although there is dispute to this, on of the more popular "legends" is that it was paved over 1 million dollars (in the 1920s) worth of gold ore.

I chose this because as a kid when my dad told me this, I always thought that if worse came to worse we could just head over to Highway 550 with a jackhammer and strike it rich!

Senior Project Presentation 1

Objective:

 Students will learn the importance of history on a personal level and how it can help them in their everyday lives.

Procedure:

1.       Ask class what History means to them. Ask 2 people (1 minute maybe?)

2.       Give a Brief Explanation on what History means to ME (1 minute)

3.       Explain how it can mean different things to different people (1 minute)

4.       Check for understanding (explained below 1 minute?)

5.       Conclusion (30 seconds)

6.       30 second buffer just in case.

Check for Understanding:

Ask what History could me to someone with low self-esteem or how it could help someone understand culture etc…

Visual:

Uncle Sam Picture with the words “What History means to YOU!”

Resource:

Article 2: Why Teach History by James L. Smith

Random U.S. Fact Week 2

The California grizzly bear is the state's official animal. In 1953, when it was named, it had already become extinct. The last California grizzly to have been seen was killed in 1922.

Interview Check

I have chosen to interview my 8th grade teacher. I chose her basically because she used to force history upon me. She knew i'd love it and really encouraged my exploration of it. I plan on asking her questions on schools and what type of path to take to pursue my teaching dream.