Our National Anthem, according to 8th graders

(Image Credits: Author composite of Wikimedia public domain images: Key, sheet music, lithograph

Before teaching the War of 1812 and the genesis of the US National Anthem, I gave my 8th grade American history students a pretest.

Although young, my students have already heard the song dozens if not hundreds of times at assemblies, sporting events, etc.

Students could earn extra credit by…

1. Naming the song (25% correctly wrote “Star…