Using the Book.

For students, the White House is a very visible and concrete symbol of the United States, its government, traditions, history, and leaders. This activity book gives students an opportunity to learn more about the White House and its significance to them as Americans. Here are suggestions for using each page.

How Much Do You Know About the White House?

Objective

* Assessing knowledge of and promoting interest in the White House.

Background and Tips: Before handing out the quiz, have a discussion to make sure that all students have some pre-existing knowledge of the White House. If not, briefly explain that the White House, located in Washington, D.C., is where the President of the United States lives with his family. It is both a home and an office, since it is also where the President conducts much of his official business. November 2000 is the 200th anniversary of the White House; it was in November 1800 that the first occupants, John and Abigail Adams, moved in.

You Do It!/Extension: Direct students to the "Learning Center" on the White House Historical Association Web site, www.whitehousehistory.org, the White House Web site, www.whitehouse.gov, or the library to look for answers to their questions.

Discussion Questions:

* What is the most interesting piece of knowledge about the White House that you gained from the quiz?

* What other interesting facts do you know about the White House?

What's Inside the White House?

Objectives

* Understanding ratios

Background and Tips: The White House has grown considerably since it was first designed and built in the 1790s. Theodore Roosevelt added the West Wing. And in 1927, a third story was built, adding 14 rooms. Most of the rooms are not public.

Answers: 1. d. third floor; 2. b. first floor; 3. 18; 4. 36; 5. b; 6. all answers are correct. 7.28:12.

You Do It!/Extension: Suggest that students categorize rooms in their school or home or another building they are familiar with. Ask them to use ratios to compare room types.

Can You Find White House?

Objectives

* Learning about Washington, D.C.

* Reading a street map

* Following directions

Background and Tips: To help students keep track of where they are on the map, suggest that they draw in the route as they go along. Remind students that they will need to collect a letter after every step.

Answer: The letters spell out the name of the first White House architect: James Hoban.

You Do It!/Extension: Suggest that students first find the letters on the map that spell out a short answer to a question. They can then write directions that take readers to the letters in the right order. Encourage students to do research to find out more about Pierre Charles L'Enfant, Andrew Ellicott, Benjamin Banneker, and...