Dinner & a Movie: The History Edition

After a facebook survey and some really great feedback -  I'm combining movies and food to tell the story of America's history. It is going to be a delicious journey and one that will help students feel more connected to the stories of their past in a powerful and tasty way!

American History through film will combine fun and interesting movies with the foods that drove historical events. Students will be required to watch classic movies as well as binge-watch some newer series with serious historical content. To sharpen critical thinking skills, we will evaluate how accurately films portray historical events through discussions, debates, and presentations.

In addition to the films, students will also taste and make food that shaped America's story. For example, the Boston Tea Party means more when students understand that British taxes were driving up the cost of breakfast. Caffeination is no joke — if colonists had to do without their tea, there might have been serious trouble. Did you know that coffee was also an important commodity during the Civil War? We'll learn how Victory Gardens were a real thing during World War II, and how families in the Great Depression could dine on dish for an entire week.

I've been surveying everyone's favorite historical films, and I'm having a blast watching great movies during my summer break. Because every family might have different values, students and families will be able to filter content specifically to them with VidAngel. Oh, and students enrolled in my class will receive six months of free access to VidAngel for the films covered in class, so we don't have to skip any blockbusters because of violence, language, or other concerns.

My history class is for high school students and will be one full credit! We will explore how the USA is a Judeo-Christian, Greco-Roman civilization and how some of the founding principles of America were introduced in the ancient and medieval worlds. We'll also examine how England played a crucial role in the development of representative democracy. By the end of the year we will have covered history through the global pandemic.

Now, there are classes that explore US History through film and classes that explore history through food (mostly at the college level), but I'm combining both

for a complete cinema and cuisine experience that you won't find anywhere else. You can find American History in Film here.

If you have a junior high student, be sure to check out Histopoly, a game-based US History class. Since writing is my first love, check out Literary Intelligence Agency as well as my American Literature and Composition class (for High School). If you are looking to travel around the world, join me for World Geography. And Personal Finance is best when it feels like a real game of life — yes, the board game! I have a busy year ahead, and I would love to have your kids join!