Thomas Gray
Activities Director/ Social Studies Department Head/ 8th Grade American History Teacher
Shaler Area Middle School
I am an 8th grade Social Studies Teacher at the Shaler Area Middle School. I have been the Activities Director at the school for years now. I am a student of the American Civil War with a particular interest in the Battle of Gettysburg.
Thomas Gray's collections
Civil War Photography
Examine the ways that photographers captured history during the American Civil War.
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Battle of Gettysburg Photos
These are all photos of the aftermath of the Battle of Gettysburg.
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American Civil War Battle of Gettysburg Historic Photo Analysis
<p>Using the photos in this collection, students will work to answer analysis questions about the Civil War and the Battle of Gettysburg. Some of the photos in this collection are 3D. Students can use the the blue and red 3D glasses to see the images as they were meant to be viewed in the 1860's. </p>
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Boston Massacre Primary Source Analysis
In this lesson the students will use both the engraving and poem to determine how propaganda was used by Paul Revere after the Boston Massacre. At the conclusion of the lesson, the students will work to detect the symbolism on the Boston Massacre Monument.
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Andrew Jackson Campaign Poster Creation
<p>In this collection, students will be tasked with taking an image or work of art of Andrew Jackson and use it to create a Campaign Poster he would have used as the first Democratic President. The instructions for the students are attached along with some recommended images from the lab. The students will take one of these images or one of their choice and add Hot Spots to explain why they chose this image. The Hot Spots will indicate what about that image makes Jackson seem Presidential or appeal to the common man. Students should be encouraged to be very creative with their Hot Spot topics.</p><p><em>#historicalthinking</em></p><p><br /></p>
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Battle of Bunker Hill Story Creation
<p>Using the information on the documents included, students will work to complete the story outline and then as a class put on a reenactment of the Battle of Bunker Hill.</p>
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Spotting Symbols in the Lansdowne Portrait of George Washington
Learning resource collection, which includes an iconic portrait of George Washington, filled with symbols that tell a story about early America and its first leader. Explore the ways that the artist uses symbols in the portrait to tell about the subject’s life, personality, and achievements.
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Battle of Bunker Hill
<p>The students will use the following artifacts to study the events of the Battle of Bunker Hill.</p>
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Nightstand Portraits "A Burton Morris - inspired Activity
This teaching resource collection includes an activity, (created by the Heinz History Center's Education Manager, Mariruth Leftwich), highlighting Pittsburgh-native pop artist Burton Morris' "Nightstand Portraits" series as a springboard for students to create their own imaginary "Nightstand Portrait". This could be a portrait of themselves, a historical figure, or even an icebreaker activity for students to introduce each other to the rest of the class.
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Thomas Jefferson Commemorative Coin Assignment
<p>Students will work in teams to design commemorative coins for the U.S. Mint to honor the life of Thomas Jefferson. There will need to be 2 sides to the coins with different themes for each side. The students will research the life of Thomas Jefferson and decide what the theme for each side will be and what images to use to match that theme. The design is to be accompanied by a written explanation of the teams ideas. </p>
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Presidential Nightstand Assignment
<p>The students will create a collection that is representative of what might appear on a chosen President's nightstand. The items will serve to provide clues for students to attempt to guess who's nightstand it is?</p>
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The Industrial Revolution
<p>This collection will explain the changes brought to American Life during the Industrial Revolution.</p>
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The Plantation South
<p>This collection will examine the Plantation South and the Cotton kingdom.</p>
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Growing Tensions over Slavery and Failed Compromises
<p>This collection will examine how the North and the South further divided during the 1840's and 19850's.</p>
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The Crisis Deepens and The Coming of the Civil War
<p>This collections examines the final events that led to the outbreak of the American Civil War.</p>
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Battle of Bunker Hill Remote Learning Collection
<p>The students will use the following artifacts to study the events of the Battle of Bunker Hill.</p>
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