Learn about the 26^TH U.S. President and the changes that took place while he was in office.

Objectives:

• Students will be name Teddy Roosevelt as the 26^th President and explain that he became President when William McKinley was assassinated.
• Students will be able to describe the key events that took place under Roosevelt’s administration, including the “fair deal,” building of the Panama Canal and conservation efforts.
• Students will be able to list and describe the three things Roosevelt created as part of his conservation effort – national forests, wildlife refuges and national parks.
• Students will recognize the invention of the Model T Ford and the Wright Brothers’ first flight as events that took place while Teddy Roosevelt was in office.

Suggested Grades:

4th Grade – 5th Grade – 6th Grade

Procedure:

1. Read lesson or have students read it silently.
2. Have students answer the questions on the worksheet.
3. Discuss answers to questions.

Lesson Excerpt:

In 1901, Theodore Roosevelt became the 26^th President of the United States. He had been Vice President under William McKinley and became President when McKinley was assassinated on September 6, 1901. Theodore – who was usually called “Teddy” – and his wife moved into the White House with their six children and a large collection of pets that included dogs, rabbits, squirrels and even a black bear and a badger!

Teddy Roosevelt was not like any other President before him. He had a lot of energy and was often found playing football on the White House lawn or having pillow fights with his children. He was energetic about his job too, and many changes took place in the country while he was in office from 1901-1909. For example, in 1902, coal miners went on strike for shorter hours and more pay. Mine owners were angry, but Roosevelt was on the workers’ side. He demanded that big business treat workers fairly, and with his help, the coal miners won a raise and a shorter workday.

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