The White House

The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Ave.
Washington, D.C.
(703) 456-2550

Instructional Unit:
The field trip to The White House will reinforce knowledge of the Presidency, as well as link the past, present, and future of our country through portraits, furnishings, and mementos.

Curriculum Unit:
Grade 5
Social Studies

Objectives:
1. Provide students with a first hand opportunity to observe the residence of the President of the United States.
2. Students will be able to identify the current daily uses of each of the main rooms on the tour.
3. Students will be able to describe at least three portraits in The White House and briefly describe them-- "their story".
4. Students will identify furniture and occasional pieces that exhibit early American Craftsmanship.
5. Students will observe and describe various types of chandeliers in The White House, as well as note their similarities and differences.
6. Students will observe areas of The White House where the President may speak while on television.

Pre-Visit Activities:
Prior to the trip, Students will have read and studied The White House, the Presidency, and the War of 1812. A slide presentation will have been completed. The "Student Worksheet" booklet will have been explained and provided for the students.

On-Site Activities:
The students will complete the "Student Worksheet" booklet. This will encourage careful attention to the rooms and the contents therein. The tour will mention the historical significance of the various items. We will also consider the function of each room within the role of the President and his duties.

Follow-Up Activities:
The students will share their thoughts from the visit. The video, A Day in the Life of The White House , will be presented to reinforce our knowledge gained on the trip. The class will be visited by a White House staffer or Secret Service Agent for the purpose of clarifying any questions.

Appendices:
The White House Worksheet

Bibliography:
Dream Chasers , Silver Burdett and Ginn, 1989.
The United States-- It's History and Neighbors , HBJ Social Studies, 1985.
The White House , National Park Service publication.
White House Historical Association Catalog.

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