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 * Topic:** America


 * Essential Question:** What is the "American Dream" and is it realistic?


 * Challenge:** Define and explore the real "American Dream"

1. Is there one "American Dream" for everyone, or does each individual create their own? 2. How do people stereotype the "American Dream" and how's that different from the real one? 3. Why is it known as the "American Dream" and not the "Italian Dream" or the "Irish Dream"? 4. How has the "American Dream" changed since America first began? 5. What opportunities come with the "American Dream"?
 * Guiding Questions:**

1. Use internet to research and look up interviews from past times (WW1 & 2, Holocaust) to see how the "American Dream" changed through time. 2. Interview a family member. 3. Conduct a class survey to see what they think the "American Dream" is now.
 * Guiding Activities:**

World War I: http://www.h-net.org/~local/exhibitions/dream.html http://74.125.47.132/search?q=cache:NZy_9DwhBOMJ:www.changetowin.org/fileadmin/pdf/American_Dream_presentation_Celinda_Lake_040407.pdf+american+dream+survey&cd=2&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us American Dream now and then: http://www.ego4u.com/en/read-on/countries/usa/american-dream Has it changed, or have we changed it?: http://www.reliefloans.com/The-American-Dream.html During the Holocaust: http://www.questia.com/library/book/daily-life-during-the-holocaust-by-carol-d-schulz-eve-nussbaum-soumerai.jsp
 * Guiding Resources:**

Many different people have an idea of what the the "American Dream" is, but is it realistic? Throughout time, views of the "American Dream" have changed. During earlier times, such as World War I, people's dreams concerned ending wars, forming new opportunities, and creating new technology. However, during that period of war, many Americans thought that it was becoming harder and harder to reach their own "American Dream." Wars and depressions made it more difficult for the citizens to accomplish their goals and dreams. Also, during past times, Irish and Italian immigrants would come to America with their dreams of being able to practice their religion freely. They were hoping that there would be more equal opportunities for them to accomplish their goals and to make a living because the world had marked the United States as the country of hope and good prosperity. In an interview with Mrs. Lomaglio, an example of someone who came to the United States from another country, the "American Dream" for her was just the same as the Irish and Italian immigrants; it was all about opportunity and raising a family in safe and free environment. But now, as times are changing, ideas of what the "American Dream" are also changing. According to Celinda Lake of Lake Research Partners, people base their dream on being able to support their family by providing income, protection, and heath care, creating opportunities for their children and their future, and gaining respect. By looking at this class survey, many high school students have their own idea of what the "American Dream" can be. Many believe that it means either "get rich or die trying" or "to get rich." On the other hand, many students responded with saying it meant happiness, success, fortune, freedom, achieving goals, and loving who you are no matter what you become. Overall, each individual has their own idea of what the "American Dream" is. It's up to yourself to determine what you want your dream to be.
 * Solution/Action:**