What are some good movies (or TV show episodes) to supplement 8th grade U.S. History?

Question

I will be teaching 8th grade American History for the first time this year. I have a lot of great resources, but I want to change things up by showing some movie clips -- I think that can help bring history alive for some kids. For example, I obviously don't want to show an entire mini-series like North & South, but maybe clips of the movie Glory.

I might also be interested in episodes of TV shows that made good historic points or had good Constitutional discussions.

Thanks all!

Answer 1

HBO Films just did a great documentary series on John Adams against the backdrop of the American Revolution, & the aftermath.   You could edit it & just highlight a few of the important parts.  It won 23 Emmy  nominations.

Also, the musical 1776 might be good too.  It treats history with a more melodious tone.  I think if there were funds available, I'd also put up posters that feature the issues of the time during the era you're covering.

Answer 2

What an awesome way to teach history! I can remember a few teachers who used multimedia formats in their teaching (and this was before "multimedia" was in the American lexicon!). I was curious myself, and found two websites which seem to answer your question.

Good luck in your class!!! I think your kids will have a great teacher!

Answer 3

What about Forrest Gump.  It covers a lot of different time periods....also Apollo 13

Answer 4

dances with wolves

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dances_with...

i have watched it in my grade 8 class