Manifest Destiny Project

 
 

In 1845 a magazine editor John L. O'Sullivan referred to the concept of manifest destiny.  Manifest Destiny is the idea that Americans were the chosen ones that would colonize and occupy the North American continent from sea to shining sea.  Regardless of legal and monetary obstacles, troubles with transportation, weather, and cultures; tens of thousands of Americans would traverse across the Mississippi River into the adventurous and often perilous West.

Lesson Objective


To successfully complete this lesson, the student will need to create approximately 20 or more still images showing the acquisition of U.S. territories between 1801-1861 (SOL 8a).  The student will begin by downloading the blank United States Outline Map.  Once the map has been  downloaded the student will upload the image to www.splashup.com where they will draw in each new territory.  They will save each new addition that they add to the U.S. map as a separate image to their hard drive.  This process can be witnessed by watching the online video tutorial.  Once the images have been created and saved to the student’s hard drive, the student will animate the still images using iMovie HD 06.  Lastly, the student will use their interactive notebook, class notes, and the internet to research information that will allow them to include a narration and any necessary sound effects into their final animation.