Yule: Reactions & the New Nation
Chemical Reactions & the Constitution
❄️ Unit Overview
At the winter solstice, we celebrate transformation—the return of light after the longest night. In chemistry, we study chemical reactions: how substances transform into new ones. We read The House on Mango Street, exploring identity and belonging through beautiful vignettes. In history, we witness the birth of a new nation through the Constitution.
📚 Learning Goals
English II
- • Analyze vignette as a form
- • Explore themes of identity and belonging
- • Write original vignettes
- • Connect personal experience to literature
Geometry
- • Prove properties of parallelograms
- • Identify special quadrilaterals
- • Work with similar polygons
- • Apply coordinate geometry
Chemistry
- • Classify reaction types
- • Balance chemical equations
- • Predict reaction products
- • Understand energy in reactions
U.S. History
- • Explain Constitutional compromises
- • Analyze Bill of Rights
- • Describe early republic challenges
- • Understand emergence of parties
Weekly Lessons
🕯️ Hearth Circle
Finding light in darkness; transformation and change
📖 Language Arts
Introduction to The House on Mango Street; vignette form; identity
📐 Math
Properties of parallelograms; proofs with quadrilaterals
⚗️ Science
Types of chemical reactions; synthesis, decomposition
🇺🇸 History
Constitutional Convention; debates and compromises
🎨 Art
Vignette-inspired art; small moments captured
🏃 Movement
Transformation through movement; before and after
😫 "Just Can't" Day Alternatives
When the full lesson feels like too much, try these lighter alternatives:
- 📺 Watch reaction videos (NileRed, Periodic Videos)
- 🎧 Listen to House on Mango Street audiobook
- 🎮 Play Constitution games (iCivics)
- 📱 Watch Hamilton clips for early republic context
- 🎨 Create your own vignette illustrations
See the supply list for optional "Just Can't" Day purchase suggestions.