User Image

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

 

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
 

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
 

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
 

Civil War Photography

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

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
 

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>
Thomas Gray
11
 

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>
Thomas Gray
5
 

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
 

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
 

My Nightstand

Thomas Gray
4