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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

 

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>
Thomas Gray
29
 

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>
Thomas Gray
13
 

Battle of Bunker Hill

<p>The students will use the following artifacts to study the events of the Battle of Bunker Hill.</p>
Thomas Gray
13
 

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.
Thomas Gray
6
 

Civil War Photography

Examine the ways that photographers captured history during the American Civil War.
Thomas Gray
13
 

Early Years of the War

Thomas Gray
3
 

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.
Thomas Gray
8
 

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>
Thomas Gray
2
 

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.
Thomas Gray
7
 

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>
Thomas Gray
4