mount vernon partnership
With the generous support of the Reynolds Foundation, Mount Vernon and the Fairfax Network have partnered to provide schools with engaging and FREE satellite-delivered distance learning broadcasts.
Previously broadcast programs are available on DVD—free of charge—to educational institutions.
George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens
George Washington’s
Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens
When George Washington lived here, Mount Vernon was an 8,000-acre plantation divided into five farms. Each farm was a complete unit, with its own overseers, work force of slaves, livestock, equipment, and buildings.
Take a virtual tour of the Estate.
October 29, 2009 · Grades 9-12
Through dedication and determination, George Washington accomplished the impossible by leading the Continental Army to victory in the American Revolution. Our panel of historians explore how Washington’s leadership was instrumental in securing American independence. The panel includes Caroline Cox, professor of history, the University of the Pacific; William Fowler, professor of history, Northeastern University; Ed Lengel, associate professor of history at the University of Virginia; and Andrew O’Shaughnessy, Saunders director, Robert H. Smith International Center for Jefferson Studies at Monticello.
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.
We hope you and your students enjoy the program. Please take a moment to complete program evaluation form. Your participation in the evaluation process is greatly appreciated.
To order a free DVD for your school (1 per school), please send the request on school letterhead to:
Fairfax Network
4414 Holborn Avenue
Annandale, VA 22003
SUGGESTED RESOURCES
Mount Vernon's Education Department Lesson Plans
Exploring George Washington’s Leadership
This lesson plan uses primary documents to explore the relationship between the many roles in Washington's life and his leadership characteristics.
George Washington Crossing the Delaware
In this lesson, students explore and describe Emmanuel Leutze's painting, "George Washington Crossing the Delaware".
George Washington’s Revolutionary Journeys
In this lesson, students use activities to discover various journeys George Washington made during the Revolutionary War, create 18th century maps, and compare them to modern maps.
What Makes a Good General?
This lesson explores George Washington’s leadership and character as commander-in-chief of the Revolutionary War.
Additional Lesson Plans
George Washington as Military Leader
Students use primary sources to evaluate Washington as a military leader—from the PBS program, Rediscovering George Washington.
George Washington: First in War, First in Peace, and First in the Hearts of His Countrymen
Three lessons, from the Library of Congress’ Learning Page, examine George Washington's leadership.
Standards
Virginia History and Social Science Standards of Learning
VUS.1
The student will demonstrate skills for historical and geographical analysis and responsible citizenship, including the ability to (d) develop perspectives of time and place, including the construction of maps and various timelines of events, periods, and personalities in American history; (e) communicate findings orally and in analytical essays or comprehensive
VUS.4
The student will demonstrate knowledge of events and issues of the Revolutionary Period by: (d) analyzing reasons for colonial victory in the Revolutionary War
VUS.5
The student will demonstrate knowledge of the issues involved in the creation and ratification of the Constitution of the United States and how the principles of limited government, consent of the governed, and the social contract are embodied in it by: (b) identifying the major compromises necessary to produce the Constitution, and the roles of James Madison and George Washington
National Social Studies And History Standards
Era 3: Revolution And The New Nation (1754-1820s)
Standard 1A
The student understands the causes of the American Revolution.
Standard 1C
The student understands the factors affecting the course of the war and contributing to the American victory.