2. Teacher Notes: This lesson aligns with the Common Core Standards in English Language Arts emphasizing that instruction helps students demonstrate independence; build strong content knowledge, respond to the varying demands of audience, task, purpose, and discipline; comprehend as well as critique; value evidence; use technology and digital media strategically and capably; and come to understand other perspectives and cultures. Students become engaged with learning about Illinois while helping entertain their visitors.

3. Enduring Understandings >Knowing about the past helps us to better understand our country today. >Past and present times are different. >There is a sequence to events in history. >Major holidays are celebrated to remember certain important leaders and events of the past. >The patriotic symbols have specific meanings. >The United States of America has people with different ethnic origins, customs, and traditions. Essential Questions 1. How has life changed over time and how does this help us today? 2. Why do people celebrate national holidays? 3. What are the American national symbols and what do they represent? 4. How do people of the United States of America who are from different ethnic origins and religions, customs, and traditions participate in and contribute to their community?

5. Name of City: share your rationale for why this city is important to Illinois history. Important Illinois Cities

7. Regardless of what state you live in, there are facts that are important to know! Do you know what these are for Illinois? Click on the Post-it Notes to learn more!

8. Corn is a major industry for Illinois. I am going to take Maria and Natalie for a bike ride to pick up corn for our family dinner from a local farmer. He has a cash box and relies on the “honest John” policy. Watch the video on corn’s future. Corn is used for a lot of things than just one of our daily vegetables!!! Click on my picture to view the video. Click here to find out what "honest John" policy means.

9. Natalie and Maria's mother is a history teacher who loves to learn about different cultures and architecture. How will you help her learn about the history of Illinois? Here are video clips to help you get started on your research! Click on the images to view the videos.

10. You plan to take the Hernandez family to the Lincoln's Home. What interesting facts and information do you think would be important to highlight?interesting Click here to find out more. Make your notes below: