The National Ethos

Social Studies American History American Identity The National Ethos
Students predict the significance of the phrase E. Pluribus Unum. Then they examine racial, ethnic, and religious data about the U.S. population. Next they explain how diverse groups have contributed to our American identity. Finally they choose a favorite foreign or ethnic food and research a fact about the group that brought that particular food to the United States.

This learning experience is designed for device-enabled classrooms. The teacher guides the lesson, and students use embedded resources, social media skills, and critical thinking skills to actively participate. To get access to a free version of the complete lesson, sign up for an exploros account.

1:1 Devices
Teacher Pack

The Pack contains associated resources for the learning experience, typically in the form of articles and videos. There is a teacher Pack (with only teacher information) and a student Pack (which contains only student information). As a teacher, you can toggle between both to see everything.

Here are the teacher pack items for The National Ethos:

Preview - Scene 1
Exploros Learnign Experience Scene Navigation


Overview

In this experience, students predict the significance of the phrase E. Pluribus Unum. Then they examine racial, ethnic, and religious data about the U.S. population. Next they explain how diverse groups have contributed to our American identity. Finally they choose a favorite foreign or ethnic food and research where it came from and how it has been influenced by people throughout history.

Estimated duration: 40-50 minutes

Discovery Reading

A printable Discovery Reading is included in the student pack as a support for understanding the experience’s core content and concepts. This Discovery Reading is not necessary to complete the experience and serves as an optional support resource.

Vocabulary Words:

These vocabulary words are used in the experience or connect closely to the standards and content students examine. Students should understand these terms as they work through the experience.

  • E. pluribus unum: a Latin phrase that means “Out of many, one,” showing how people from many backgrounds form one nation.
  • Great Seal of the United States: an official symbol of the United States that includes the words E. pluribus unum.
  • ethnic group: a group of people who share a common culture, language, history, or ancestry.
  • religious group: a group of people who share the same religion or beliefs about religion.
  • national identity: the shared ideas, values, symbols, and traditions that help define the United States and its people.
  • Census: an official count of the population that gives information about people living in the United States.
 

Objective

  • Evaluate the elements that contribute to a national American identity


Engage


People from many different backgrounds have shaped the history and culture of the United States. Native peoples lived across North America long before the United States was created, and immigrants from many parts of the world have also contributed to the nation over time. Today, Americans come from many racial, ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds.

In this experience, you will learn about some of the people and groups who have helped shape the United States and consider how shared ideas and values can connect people with different backgrounds.

Objective

  • Evaluate the elements that contribute to a national American identity


the Congressional Seal with the bald eagle and an E. Pluribus Unum banner; the back of a U.S. penny

E. Pluribus Unum


The Latin words E. Pluribus Unum appear on the Great Seal of the United States and on most of its coins and paper money. Locate the phrase in the images shown above.


The words E. Pluribus Unum mean “Out of many, one.” What do you think that means?

Post your answer

In scene 3 students will revisit this phrase and apply it to data they examined in scene 2.


When everyone is ready to continue, unlock the next scene.


End of Preview
The Complete List of Learning Experiences in American Identity Unit.
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Social Studies American History American Identity American Identity: Vocabulary
American Identity: Vocabulary
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The National Ethos
Social Studies American History American Identity The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship
The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship
Social Studies American History American Identity American Identity: Review
American Identity: Review
Social Studies American History American Identity Your State and Local Governments
Your State and Local Governments
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