A unique publication for grades 4-7Five years in the making: My Indiana is a unique history curriculum developed specifically to meet the needs of upper elementary and middle school students.Newspaper format: 30 chronological issues resembling small newspapers present the story of Indiana in a student-friendly, informal style that does not intimidate or repel young readers. History in their hands: In My Indiana events are seen as living and potentially life-changing experiences from which we can all learn. The people whose experiences and decisions changed our state and nation also come to life. Their story is told as it happened. 4th to 7th grade: My Indiana meets key curriculum criteria and may be used as a complete Indiana history at 4th grade or a valuable curriculum supplement to an Indiana history textbook at higher grades. Generally one issue is studied per week. Fascinating reading for education, travel, and fun: My Indiana makes a delightful yet valuable contribution to any student's knowledge of our Hoosier State. Robert C. Law, Author and Publisher | My Indiana is...A Weekly Newspaper: 30 issues of valuable information about Indiana history, geography, people, agriculture, industry, government, climate, and much more.A Textbook in Periodical Format: A chronologically structured, organized presentation with index, vocabulary, and discussion topics. A Curriculum in Disguise: A thorough study of our state for students in upper elementary grades supported by an extensive teacher's manual loaded with helps, activities, maps, copy masters, student responses, and additional testing opportunities. A Supplement at Higher Grades: Use to put life into textbooks at middle-school grades. Readily adapts to any chronological text. A Reference and Travel Companion: Assembled together in a flexible binding, the "Library Edition" provides the text in book form. Use as a library resource or to stimulate and educate youth (and parents!) as you travel. A Reader: An effective means of developing reading skills while engaging in an interesting and informative study of Indiana history and geography. Activity Sheets: A versatile collection of student activities, projects, and exercises useful alone or in conjunction with many classes and subjects at 4th through 7th grades. |

| Issue No. | Dates | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | to 1493 | This lesson will take you from the beginnings, wherever you wish to think of them, through 1492 and the "discovery" of the new world.
There are three primary objectives: |
| 2 | 1493-1500 | We began by relating the globe, the continents, our nation, and our state to each other and to ourselves in the first issue. Now we will bring them closer to home. In doing this, map familiarization becomes the primary objective. The Indiana resource map on page three and the county by county index on page two are important features. Activities suitable here are those which concentrate on Indiana and local geography. Where are you in Indiana? Relate this to the state as a whole. Complete the transition from the globe to your own neighborhood. |
| 3 | 1500-1540 | From the very beginning three European nations dominated exploration of the "New World." Spain seized the greatest initiative concentrating on access through the Caribbean and pursuing riches. England and France concentrated on the more northerly coast of the continent. We see growing interest in the New World, but also recognize that its size and importance went almost absolutely unrecognized for many more years. |
| 4 | 1540-1600 | The American Indians were Indiana's first inhabitants. Our principal objective is to acquaint students with these first Americans and to understand a few constructive principles of ethnic origins. One popular term for this is culture. We will introduce that term and study something of its meaning. This will be expanded in future issues to a broader appreciation of cultural differences and customs and to other races and people groups. |
| 5 | 1600-1630 | The study of colonization is the principle goal of this issue. What is a colony? Why establish colonies? What factors determine where they are established? In the process we will lay the foundation for the first settlements situated in the midwest and later colonial incursions in pursuit of farms, ranches, and communities. We see how this also relates to the development of conflicts among colonial powers and Indian nations. We examine "basic necessities" and explore our own priorities and their social and moral implications. |
| 6 | 1630-1670 | As the door opens to exploration of the midwest, we look more closely at the inhabitants of the area. In particular, we study the Indians of Indiana and the part they will play in the events to follow. |
| 7 | 1670-1700 | Three new cultures are appearing in the New World: Spain, France, and England. A fourth has been here all along. The conflicts which result are followed by more than 150 years of contention over the land now known as America. We study the entrance of these cultures. We see some similarities but also begin to recognize critical differences that will affect Indiana. In the context of events of this period, we introduce our study of climate and learn the difference between "climate" and "weather." |
| 8 | 1700-1715 | The French claim upon Louisiana established the Mississippi River as a potential trading route to Indiana. It also divided Spain's colonies in Florida from those in Mexico. America was now effectively partitioned into three European colonial empires with France in the middle. The Native Americans (Indians) represent a fourth, key empire. We study the effects of this on trade with the Indians and the shift of French efforts toward colonialism in North America from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico. We will also study money, weather, and climate. |
| 9 | 1715-1748 | The principal objective of this lesson is to study and appreciate our midwestern geography. We will discuss a few ways in which it affects us, then we will define many terms common to geography and topography. In the concluding discussion, we particularly want the students to identify geographic character and features in their part of Indiana. |
| 10 | 1748-1757 | The three Americas we have studied have coexisted in North America for 250 years. In spite of the space and freedom known, tensions are developing. English colonials have begun to penetrate the Appalachian barrier. French and Indian residents are disturbed. They fear the possibility of English colonial expansion. Meanwhile, Spain's growing fear of the French only makes matters worse. |
| 11 | 1757-1765 | Of all the conflicts recorded on this continent, the one with which most Americans are least familiar is the French & Indian War. Yet this war set the stage for the revolution that followed in less than 20 years. It also critically influenced the history of Indiana. In the previous issue we explored events leading up to this war. Now we will study the course of the war itself, the principal battles, and its conclusion. |
| 12 | 1765-1775 | We focus on final events leading to the Revolutionary War. The most critical goal of this issue is understanding cause and effect. The events which precede the revolution present an excellent illustration of how things can work together to produce unexpected results. They show how events build one upon another, sometimes exaggerating their importance beyond reason. We strive to see this from a personal perspective as well. |
| 13 | 1775-1785 | From the seeds of unrest and distrust sewn through events before 1775 emerge a revolution like none other in history, a successful war of independence giving birth to a new and "free" nation. Now we see that war from an Indiana perspective. In particular, we see how Indiana is impacted and examine the role played by a Virginian, George Rogers Clark. |
| 14 | 1785-1800 | The new nation, having succeeded in revolution, now faced the challenge to succeed in independence. What form should government take? How would it function, who would lead, what would be that leader's authority? Many questions with difficult answers would face the United States. Resolving these issues required the formulation of a national constitution. Another question too: What would become of the frontier lands west of the Appalachians? Could they, and, if so, how would they share statehood in the new union? SUMMARY |
| 15 | 1800-1811 | The Louisiana Purchase of 1803 doubled the size of our nation. It would have dramatic effects on Indiana. No longer would the Mississippi River be America's western boundary, but the opening of new lands in the west would draw even more settlers to the virgin lands. The Lewis and Clark expedition to the Pacific proved the continent could be crossed. In this context we begin to study overland transportation and our frontier roads. |
| 16 | 1811-1814 | The key event of this period was the War of 1812. A form of slavery called "impressment" was one important cause of that war. Forced service imposed on sailors of captured vessels was associated with the privateering practices of the day. We study privateers, buccaneers, and pirates to understand their similarities and differences. The new American nation was dependent on trade for survival. That dependence on land and sea increasingly placed her at odds with her parent nation, England. In 1812 it came to war. |
| 17 | 1814-1820 | In 1816 Indiana became America's 19th state. This was the turning point from external to internal government. Now Indiana government would be defined by people IN Indiana. It was the time when Indiana assumed the rights and responsibilities of statehood and self-government. But what is "self-government," that is, what are these rights and responsibilities? Would this new state be able to separate from the United States if it so chose? Our lesson introduces this crucial question. |
| 18 | 1820-1830 | With statehood, Indiana entered a new stage of being. Now it would host thousands of new families seeking to make their homes on the fertile prairies. Why would they come and where would they live? Making a new home on the frontier was a challenge that invites our study seeking to understand the character of these people on whom Indiana was built. Westward migration also posed new problems, especially for southern slaveholders. As new lands were settled, would they be slave or free? We study the Missouri Compromise. |
| 19 | 1830-1836 | Indiana is beginning transition from an undeveloped wilderness to a prime agricultural partner in the growing American nation. Small towns are appearing statewide. With increased agricultural productivity new concerns are arising: concerns about transportation, funding of improvements, slave holding, safety from Indian raids, provision of education, and many others. Onto this scene emerges one of America's all-time greats: Abraham Lincoln. We examine the man and the foundation of his greatness. |
| 20 | 1836-1845 | The frontier is moving west. A "manifest destiny" draws adventurers, then settlers, farther and farther toward that horizon. Indiana's transition from frontier to modern state continues. A prosperous Indiana is being born with improved transportation; namely canals, roads, and railroads to carry goods to and from the state's fertile interior. Access to global & national markets presents a worldwide opportunity for Indiana farmers. A statewide movement for "internal improvements," is soon to be the state's biggest political issue as well as sign of growth. |
| 21 | 1845-1854 | From railroads to wagon trains, this issue concentrates on transportation and westward migration. By 1853 the Wabash and Erie Canal reached Evansville. It opened eastern markets to Indiana farm products. Railroads connect with the canals. California is no sooner American domain than gold is found. Masses of fortune hunters join in a rush. Prairie schooners loaded with families bound for Oregon come through Indiana too. Many are drawn to its fertile land and stop to set their roots here instead. |
| 22 | 1854-1862 | The Civil War is upon us. Now Indiana will be challenged by the greatest threat ever to strike the nation. Not all her citizens support the Northern view of slavery. What will Indiana do? We study the final events and concerns that precipitated the war. Abolitionism reaches a frenzy. Abraham Lincoln rises to fame. Fort Sumter is fired upon. At Bull Run the war begins in earnest. |
| 23 | 1862-1865 | Civil War has divided the Union. President Lincoln recognizes that only a Northern victory can restore it. "Save the Union" is his call. While very little of the war was fought in Indiana, it was near and very much affected Indiana. Soldiers from all parts of the state joined the Union Army. We attempt to better understand the war and the part Indiana played in it. When the North did ultimately win, the question was how to reunite the nation. |
| 24 | 1865-1885 | Indiana has become an entirely different place with prospering farms and growing industries. Thousands of new residents are streaming in, many fleeing from oppressed nations and poverty stricken cities of Europe. The new Indiana is a land of increasing opportunity. For many it is the gold at the end of the rainbow. But industry brings new concerns to the Hoosier State. |
| 25 | 1885-1910 | Indiana now becomes an international state. Industries blossoming here attract more and more of the disenchanted and disenfranchised from European shores. Rich farmlands attract those seeking opportunity to build a new life in rural Indiana. Soon the state is a popular destination for America's new wave of immigrants. |
| 26 | 1910-1940 | Prosperity and depression are the key words of this lesson. Associated with them is drought. After the World War (I), America experienced a time of great prosperity and unrestrained frivolity. The Roaring Twenties, prohibition, and bootlegging dominated the scene. Then came the "crash" and everything went from riches to rags. We study what led up to this stage in our history and what emerged from it. |
| 27 | 1940-1950 | Again we see the world at war. This time it has heavy racial and ethnic overtones. It is fitting that, as we near the end of our series, we focus on race and difference. How did racism contribute to this war? We explore reasons why racism is foolish behavior. We look again at the healthy side of "difference," and explore how we have come to be so different. We also explore the wonderful ways in which we are alike. We close this issue looking at important events taking taking place in Indiana at the war's end. |
| 28 | 1950-1970 | Civil Rights dominates this issue. After John F. Kennedy was killed on a street in Dallas, we study the background of political and racial tensions that clouded senses. We study the process of coming fully to grips with the principle of equality we have recognized all along. We look at the end of segregation throughout the South, but the continuing difficult battle to achieve the fulfillment of equal opportunity-equal responsibility. Yet Indiana has been growing dramatically. We see new interstate highways cross our land & industry leading toward an age of prosperity. |
| 29 | 1970-1990 | Agriculture is vital to Indiana. As its principal theme, we use this issue to teach about statistics and their use. We study farm products and learn which are most important to Indiana and where they are raised. Then we spotlight the counties which are most productive. Comparing productivity enables us to examine statistical summaries and charts and study the ways in which they may be used. Making statistics visible is important and this is often done with graphs and charts like those we draw in this lesson. |
| 30 | 1990+ | We have been studying the past. We call it "history." It is not ancient. But, for these students, everything past is ancient! We close our study by looking at the present and the future. Instead of "his-story," now we study "my-story." The my-story for these young ones is their-story and America's future! We study the calendar of the present and that of the future as we look ahead to the 21st century and our part in it. |
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