Lesson Plan

I am planning on doing my lesson plan on gardens, school yard gardens, victory gardens, and current gardens like the one that Michelle recently planted on the White House lawn. I would like to show how they have been used throughout history, as well, as gather more information about heirloom seeds and use the Hull House as one example of urban gardens and its contribution to society. I will have my students create a school yard garden as most of them haven’t been to a farm or planted a garden. I think this will be a fun and informative lesson plan. Sherri

Friday, June 12, 2009 – Wisconsin

Friday, June 12, 2009

We boarded the bus bound for Wisconsin, EARLY at 5:50 a.m., and it was soooo worth it!  The state is green and lush, filled with various kinds of farms.  We were at the Wisconsin Historical Society and had an informative lecture and tour.  I really enjoyed seeing many of the artifacts in that museum.  The one I especially remember is Lincoln’s shawl that Mary Lincoln had given to Dr. Abbott which, he handed down through the family until his grandson donated it to the museum.  Another artifact that intrigued me was a slave collar that was used to keep the slaves from moving their neck and heads.

Jonothan kindly bought Amy fried cheese curds a specialty in Wisconsin, which she had been longing for..  I have to say I tried some Wisconsin cheese in a shop and it was fabulous. Amy bought cheese curds that were not fried and they were okay.  She said they should squeak to be really good.  Mine did not squeak.

Lunch was held at the Great Dane’s outdoor patio restaurant.  The restaurant was packed with patrons and the atmosphere was most cheery, with vines and greenery all around.  The meal was so amazing, We had artichoke, and a beer battered bread appetizer, a huge salad, I had peanut stew, and drinks.  It was a beautiful afternoon, and so enjoyable.

Next, we headed to the University of Wisconsin, (Jonothan’s graduate alma mater), and Jonothan Pollack did his best to keep us all awake, after that huge meal. He spoke on immigration and had copies of various naturalization papers, in order to show how  requirements changed over the years to become a United States citizen.  I will make copies of those handouts and use with my students next year and discuss them.

One of the most favorite parts of the day was going upstairs to look at the primary documents.  I looked at some of the Parsons papers regarding the Haymarket tradgedy, and then got absorbed in the 1905-1940’s pictures, as well as some of the mid-1800’s photo’s.  Dr. Miller was kind of enough to let us photograph the items, even though they don’t typically allow that.  I will show these photo’s to my students, I think they will find them extremely interesting, especially when we study this era.  We were also introduced to some University of Wisconsin websites that will be valuable for research.

Then Stan Shultz lectured.  He was an incredibly informed man, and gave such a wonderful and passionate presentation of the progressive era.

Lastly, the group headed over to eat and sit by Lake Minona (sp?).  It was Friday evening and the brew was flowing.  I was somewhat surprised having attended a Midwest Baptist College, I had never seen that atmosphere at an educational institution.  New for me!  Scott, Dana, and I went on a short walk along the water then headed back to bus to end a wonderful day – and yes Jonothan it was worth getting up at 5:00 a.m., for.  Thank you, very very much.