Who's in the News?

Overview

In honor of the Vermont Copper, students will read about Ethan Allen and his militia group, the Green Mountain Boys, to understand how they helped Vermont become an independent republic in 1777.

Activity

After reading January 2005's Coin of the Month page, ask students to discuss the reasons why Ethan Allen was important to the state of Vermont. Review with students the reasons why New Hampshire and New York wanted to claim the area of Vermont as their own. Have students visit Web sites about Ethan Allen and Fort Ticonderoga such as:

Discuss other information such as: the Governor of New York's feelings toward Ethan Allen, the location of Fort Ticonderoga and the 1775 attack on Fort Ticonderoga.

Have students write a time period newspaper article about the accomplishments of Ethan Allen and his militia's attack on Fort Ticonderoga in 1775. Students should use the writing and editing process and include the 5 W's; who, what, when, where, why, and how.

Extension

Tell students they are famous television reporters working with the network of their choice. Their assignment is to go back to the year 1775, and give a live report on Ethan Allen's attack on Fort Ticonderoga. Encourage students to work in groups in order to interview Ethan Allen and the Green Mountain Boys. This news event can be videotaped for classroom viewing.

Standards

The project described above reflects some of the national standards of learning as defined by the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS), the National Council for Teachers of English (NCTE), and the International Society for Technology in Education. These standards are listed below:

Language Arts Standards

Gather and use information for research purposes: Students will locate materials to assist in research for their article.

Social Studies Standards

People, Places, and Environment: Students will read about Ethan Allen and how he fought for Vermont's independence.

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