The Life and Times of George Washington

Mount Vernon

Instructional Unit:
Plantation Life at Mount Vernon.

Curriculum Unit:
Grade 4
Social Studies

Objectives:
At the end of the field trip, the students will be able to:
1. Describe at least 2 items from the Mount Vernon Museum that tell something of plantation life or George Washington's personal life.
2. Name at least 3 out buildings on the plantation and explain their uses.
3. State the dates that are important to Mount Vernon and George Washington.
a. The year he acquired the plantation.
b. The year he died there.
4. Describe something about how the buildings are constructed, painted, decorated, or furnished. (inside or outside)
5. Locate Mount Vernon on a map.

Pre-Visit Activities:
1. View filmstrips of subject and discuss how daily life has changed.
2. Books on subject can be read by small groups or individually.
3. Have pamphlet from Mount Vernon available to use with maps and descriptions. Discuss terms used.
4. Discuss the requirements of the field trips and the objectives.

On-Site Activities:
1. Students will keep an inventory and description of items they see around the plantation and house.
2. Students will sketch one of the buildings and describe either the interior or exterior.

Follow-Up Activities:
1. Students will write an essay in which they describe items located around the plantation and house. They will discuss what their use would have been in the times of George Washington.
2. Students will also discuss three buildings they saw and describe what they were used for.
3. Students will display their sketches and describe items in their sketches.

Appendices: none

Bibliography: none
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