The Branding of America

Type of Resource: Teacher Tools and Information, Online Activities, Student tools and information
Free or Fee: Fee
Computer Needs: None Apparent
Link: Visit the Site!

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Recommendation:

This collection of brand name products and the information included is of high interest. It takes some creative thinking to utilize these entertaining pieces in a unit, because they are not explicitly meant for media literacy learning. Finding hometown products is an interesting project, but would work best for schools in a city or an area where original products are known.

Description:

From the website: "This activity provides a historical view of some of the brand name products familiar today. By examining the history of these products, students can begin to get a sense of how some of today's successful brand names got their start. They can learn the fascinating stories behind the product names. They can observe how products changed over the course of history as a response to economic, cultural or technological influences. They can witness the adventure, creativity, imagination, courage, persistence and frustration exhibited in the lives of the brilliant and dedicated men and women responsible for the success of these products. They can investigate their own communities to locate and share similar success stories. By studying American brand name products from a historical point of view, students will gain a better understanding of the economic culture that they live in today."

Possible uses:

Students conducting product research may find their product on this site and images to use in reports. Classes can use this site as a springboard for discussing product advertising, successful campaigns and advertising strategies. Use the questions in the `Did you Know?´ section for discussion. Participate in the project to add your hometown products to the site. Research, write, illustrate and upload their work to the site.

Related Resources:

K-3, 4-5, 6-8, 9-12+

Science : Discovery & Invention
Social Studies : History
Media Education : Advertising

Teacher Tools and Information, Online Activities, Student tools and information