Procedures

• SET-UP:

  This lesson offers several options for you to use with your students whether you are teaching in class, using a hybrid model, or engaging through distance learning. It can be completed in steps as a class or students can move at their own pace and complete the activities independently.

  You can post links to the videos in the lesson along with the related handouts and engage in discussion to share responses on a discussion board or learning management system.

  You can also save and share the following Google resources for students to use with this lesson.

  Vocabulary Chart: The Tidal Basin (Google Doc)

  Note-taking Chart: The Tidal Basin (Google Doc)

  Handout with Questions: The Tidal Basin (Google Doc)

  Choice Board with Activities: The Tidal Basin (Google Slides)

  In Google, choose "File" then "Make a Copy" to get your own copy. You can make any needed adjustments in the instructions such as which activities students need to complete, when it is due, etc. and then make it available to them via Google.

• INTRODUCTION:

  Have students view the video clips below. Then engage in class discussion with the related questions.

  Video Clip 1: Construction of the Tidal Basin (2:43)

  Mike Litterst explains why the Tidal Basin was constructed and how it functions.

  • Why was the Tidal Basin constructed?

  • Describe the function of the bridges and how it relates to the tides.

• Video Clip 2: Origin of the Cherry Blossoms (2:21)

  Mike Litterst explains the origin of the Cherry Blossoms and the festival that is attended by thousands of people each year.

  • Explain the origin of the cherry blossoms in the Tidal Basin.

  • How did the Cherry Blossom Festival originate?

• EXPLORATION:

  Have students view the following video clips and respond to the accompanying questions. They can watch each video independently or view a video with a partner, prepare responses to the questions and share them in class discussion.

  Video Clip 3: Swimming at the Tidal Basin (3:48)

  Mike Litterst talks about the history of swimming as a recreational activity at the Tidal Basin.

  • Explain how swimming as a recreational activity in the Tidal Basin evolved.

  • Describe the activities that occurred in this area after it opened.

  • Explain the segregation that occurred during this time.

• Video Clip 4: Developing the Tidal Basin (2:25)

  Mike Litterst describes the construction of Kutz Bridge at the Tidal Basin. He explains how the idea of creating the Jefferson Memorial emerged and the Cherry Tree Rebellion that occurred in opposition to its development.

  • Explain the development of Kutz Bridge.

  • What was the Cherry Tree Rebellion?

• Video Clip 5: FDR and MLK Memorials (1:33)

  Mike Litterst discusses the symbolism in the FDR and MLK Memorials by the Tidal Basin.

  • Describe the symbolism of the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial.

  • Describe the symbolism of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial.

• Video Clip 6: Tradition of Gifting Trees between the U.S. and Japan (:35)

  Mike Litterst describes the continued exchange of trees between the U.S. and Japan.

  Summarize how the U.S. and Japan continue this gift giving relationship.

• CONCLUSION:

  Complete one of the activities listed below:

  You are visiting the Tidal Basin in Washington, DC, taking in the sites, stopping by monuments. What did you do? What did you see?

  Draw a picture and write a brief explanation describing the place you chose to illustrate and why it was important to you.

  Create a social media post showing your location and what occurred there.

  Write a poem describing your experience.

  Write a journal entry chronicling your experiences. Some ideas to consider are:

  • How did you spend your time there?
  • Who was with you?
  • You can include illustrations as well of things you saw.

• EXTENSION:

  Students can choose to research a topic to learn more about the area of the Tidal Basin that interests them. Below are some helpful links:

  Tidal Basin, Washington, DC (U.S. National Park Service)

  Kutz Memorial Bridge (U.S. National Park Service)

  National Cherry Blossom Festival

  Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial (U.S. National Park Service)

  Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial (U.S. National Park Service)