Episode Guide

1. Primarily George (Grades 5-12) — Various aspects of George Washington and the founding era will be taught by panelists to discuss the challenges and best practices involved in teaching with primary source documents. This program features educators from Mount Vernon, the National Archives, the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, and the Papers of George Washington. (Not CC)  (45:00)

2. Seed to Table (Grades K-5) — Students gain insight on George Washington as a farmer and a businessman. This program will teach how a farm works; how farm resources are managed; how the foods we eat are produced; and how simple machinery works. In addition, the program will provide students with information about the operation of a water-powered gristmill, the jobs that exist at a farm and mill, and the importance of animals to farming. (Not CC) (30:00)  Teacher’s Guide and Web Resources

3. First in War (Grades 9-12) — Through dedication and determination, George Washington accomplished the impossible by leading the Continental Army to victory in the American Revolution. Discussion topics include Washington’s relationship with his generals as well as the common soldier, the British perspective of the war, the turning point at Valley Forge, and the quelling of a rebellion at Newburgh.  Key themes include leadership, perseverance, and teamwork and cooperation to achieve a goal. (60:00)

4. Fractured Union (Grades 9-12) — Examines the complex and often tumultuous relationships between our founding fathers.  Historical interpreters — portraying Washington, Jefferson, Madison, and Mason — offer high school students a close look at the presidents engaged in heated discussions. Commentaries from leading historians show why the first presidents’ perspectives led to heated debates. (60:00)

5. The Challenges of Nationhood: Presidential Perspectives (Grades 9-12) — The struggle to establish a new nation was complex and challenging.  While today we know that the government of the United States under the Constitution works, it was an experimental concept 200 years ago.  The founders believed that their actions would impact not only themselves but Americans for generations to come.  But while their resolve and their recognition of public trust never faltered, their visions for the future nation differed.  Perhaps no men in history faced a greater challenge than the first presidents of the United States who had the responsibility of guiding a young, untried nation to economic stability, to ensuring the safety of the nation’s borders, and to establishing respect for the United States in the eyes of the world. This program explores the struggles to establish a nation as seen through the eyes of our nation’s first four presidents—George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison.  (60:00)