Cinco de Mayo
Jennifer Hasseld
Elm Middle School, Elmwood Park, Illinois

Name:________________________________________  Due Date:______________

By the end of this unit you need to know:

1. Major players and their roles

2. Causes of the battle and the lasting outcomes of the battle

“C” Level:

You must

Complete

70 Points before moving to the “B” Level.

Signature

Points Received

Points Possible

Job

   

5

Create an interactive BULLETIN BOARD about the Battle of Puebla.

   

5

DESCRIBE why France and Mexico were at war-the events that led to the battle starting with 1821.

   

5

Research how much MONEY Mexico owed and convert it to today’s money.

   

5

Make a POSTER asking for volunteers for either army. Include a picture and at least 3 clear reasons why they should join.

   

10

Make a DIORAMA of the Battle of Puebla. I can provide a Kleenex box.

   

10

You’re an archeologist and you find the Mexican FLAG from     1862. Draw it and explain what each color and symbol mean.

   

10

Write a LETTER from General Zaragoza to his wife about events that are leading up to the battle. Mention at least 5 facts.

   

10

Draw a MAP of Mexico showing the 31 states. Outline it with marker, label Vera Cruz, Mexico City, and label Puebla with a star. Be prepared to tell me about the oceans and the state that Puebla is in.

   

10

Create a POP-UP BOOKLET regarding how Mexico and the US helped each other from 1862-1867. Include at least 5 facts.

   

10

Read about Cinco de Mayo and make TRADING CARDS about Juarez, Diaz, Napoleon III, Lorencez or Sheridan and Maximilian. Have a picture, birth and death dates, and 2 facts about each.

   

10

Design a WORD PUZZLE using at least 10 words regarding Cinco de Mayo. Provide one blank copy and one copy with the answers filled in.

   

15

Compare the ARTILLERY of both armies. Draw and color a picture of the French artillery and the Mexican artillery.

   

15

Research one figure and write a one-page BIOGRAPHY. Include at least 1 picture.

   

15

Create the front page of a NEWSPAPER describing France’s problem with Mexico with a minimum of 400 words. *

   

15

Read facts from 3 websites and compile a list of 15 facts. Include the website addresses.

   

15

Write and illustrate a TIMELINE of events starting with the Mexican-American War and ending with 1867.

   

15

Compare the UNIFORMS of the French Army and the Mexican Army. Draw and color a picture of each.

   

15

VIDEO POLL 5 people and ask them what Cinco de Mayo is .  *

   

15

Design a WEB PAGE to teach about anything from the battle-Benito Juarez, Maximilian, Gen. Zaragosa, or the battle itself. Include a picture, and 10 facts about the person or battle *

   

20

Design a BOARD GAME that can be played by at least 2 people. *

   

20

Design a 3-D MAP of Puebla and the surrounding area. It should have the two forts labeled, as well as where the French landed and where they were headed. Include the elevation of Puebla, and show the French and Mexican forces.

   

20

Print out in color two paintings relating to CdM. Tell me about the painter, when it was painted, and compare and contrast the two works.

“B” Level:

You must Each

Complete 1

assignment

assignment before moving to the “A” Level.

must include at least 10 facts.

Signature

Points Received

Points Possible

Job

   

15

Write a CHILDREN’S BOOK about the battle-events before and after. Your book must have at least 5 pages of writing and a cover. Many pictures, few words!

   

15

Write and perform a NEWS REPORT telling about the history, battle, and future effects of Cinco de Mayo.

   

15

Make at least 3 PARADE FLOATS and the commentator’s script.

   

15

Write and perform a PLAY about Cinco de Mayo.

   

15

Create a POWER POINT about anything relating to Cinco de Mayo (not covered in the A level). You must have at least 10 slides.

   

15

Create a PUPPET SHOW to tell the story of Cinco de Mayo. Have a puppet for each of the major figures.

   

15

Write and perform a SONG about Cinco de Mayo. It should have at least 3 verses and a chorus.

“A” Level:

Congrats!

J Complete

one activity worth 15 points. You may also present this information visually.

Signature

Points Received

Points Possible

Job

   

15

Did France have a right to take over Mexico in order to collect their money? Write a one-page paper and include at least 3 facts to back up your opinion.

   

15

Whose side are you on? Write a one-page paper defending France, Mexico, or a Mexican fighting for France. Include 3 details to support your choice.

   

15

What impact did the Battle of Pueba have on our own Civil War? What might have happened if Mexico hadn’t stepped in?  Write a one-page paper defending your opinion and include at least 3 details to support your opinion.

The Fine Print

1. ALL assignments will be graded using oral defense. You may refer  to your notes but may not read word-for-word. If you are unprepared, 5 points will be deducted.

2. Items marked with a * can be done with a partner, but the requirements are more involved. See me if you’d like this option.

3. YOU are responsible for all deadlines, even if you are absent.

4. Maps, posters and illustrations must be in marker-no pencil or pen! Maps must take up the WHOLE page-no tracing!

5. Papers must be double-spaced and typed in 12 point font. Even your title will be 12 point font, and photos and sources will be on a second sheet. Not following these guidelines will result in 5 points off. If I find that you have copied anything from a website-a paragraph, a sentence, even a phrase-I will not accept the assignment at all.

6. I reserve the right to discount points for spelling and grammar errors. Please check all work carefully before turning in to me. 

7. Your name must appear on everything you turn in before I will accept it for grading.

Resources

1. For general resources and the debt conversion to today’s prices: www.backflip.com/members/jen924 and click on the “Cinco de Mayo” folder.

2. Free website: www.matmice.com

3. Puzzles: http://www.edhelper.com/crossword_free.htm You may also do any other type of word puzzle if you prefer, but please check with me first.