Unit 1 serves as the introduction to America’s History in the Making. This unit consists of two parts: Session Preparation Part 1 introduces the Historical Thinking Skills, as defined by the National Center for History in the Schools. Application of these skills will lead to deeper historical understanding, and the skills can be applied to any historical content. Session Preparation Part 2 focuses on pre-Columbian America, an era of American history that is often overlooked.

This unit focuses on the migration of people to the Americas, and explores the variety and complexity of their cultures.