National History Academy: Better Angels Debate introduction

Wednesday, June 27, 2018

National History Academy, Day 3

Wednesday marks only the third day of the National History Academy, but already campers are forming friendships on their journey through American history. Students paired up in class to learn about what ties their identity to the history around us, especially to the ideals within the founding documents encountered at the National Archives and the exhibits displayed at the Smithsonian earlier in the week. Classes split into groups to discuss the concerns held by the fourth President of the United States, James Madison, as he struggled to form a new government and constitution in the 1780s. In the afternoon, everyone gathered to learn a new style of public debate that we will be using throughout the summer as a way to bridge the divide between opposing sides of current events. Students were excited to engage in active discussion and ongoing debate with their peers, teachers, and counselors, in what is sure to be a summer of fun and enlightening experiences.

Char Green

Master Teacher