Nephi Evans
Faces of History
Fight
for Freedom
"There's a difference between
us. You think the people of this country exist to provide you with position. I
think your position exists to provide those people with freedom. And I go to
make sure that they have it." [1] I am William
Wallace. [6] About 750 years ago, I was a Scottish warrior, who was fiercely
resolute to fight for freedom.
[2] Suddenly, the king Alexander III died and had no children to become the new
king or queen. [3] Edward I, king of England, invaded Scotland, determined
to rule over both countries. Since this journey would become my life story and
legacy I will start from the beginning with my early childhood. [6] Following
my childhood, I developed into great warrior because of the need to
fight for Scotland’s freedom. [4] Finally, like all men, I William Wallace, am
ultimately defeated by death.
I was born in 1270. [6] In my early years, I was a member
of the lesser nobility, but little is definitely known of my family
history or even my parentage. [2] Interestingly, some believe my father, whose
name is Alan Wallace, may be the same as the one listed in the 1296 Ragman
Rolls as a crown tenant in Ayrshire. [3] While some sources announce
that my father is Sir Malcolm of Elderslie. [5] According to my seal, my
father’s name is Alan Wallace. [4] It is known from other sources that surprisingly
I have two brothers named Malcolm and John. [1] Although in the year of
1270 when I was born, I am described as lesser nobility I would eventually rise
up and create a long-lasting legacy.
Aye, fight and you may die, run, and you'll live... at least a while. And dying in your beds, many years from now, would you be willin' to trade ALL the days, from this day to that, for one chance, just one chance, to come back here and tell our enemies that they may take away our lives, but they'll never take... OUR FREEDOM! During an attack near Stirling, I rescued an orphan named Calum, who had been punished by soldiers for begging for food. [2] Famously, with the help of the orphan boy, I led the Scots to victory against a larger ferrous English army at the Battle of Stirling Bridge in September 1297. [3] Calum revealed to us Abbey Craig. [6] Although not all wars would be won. [5] The battle of Falkirk, which was on July 22, 1298, would shatter my coalition and destroy my reputation as a general. [1] Miserably, I was then forced into hiding. Evading capture by the English until August 5, 1305, when John de Menteith, a Scottish knight loyal to Edward, turned me over to English soldiers at Robroyston, a site commemorated by a small monument in the form of a Celtic cross.[4]
Crossly, I was
charged with treason, but at my trial I declared: “I could not be a traitor to Edward, for he was never my king.” Brutally, I was executed on August 23, 1305. [3]
Suffering, I was stripped naked and dragged through the city. [4] I was then
strangled by hanging, but released moments before my death so that further
tortures could be inflicted upon me. [1] Throughout this torture, ruthlessly
my stomach was cut open; the bowels pulled out and burned before my eyes. [2]
Finally, I was beheaded and my body was chopped into four pieces. A gruesome
death. [6] After my death, my head was dipped in bubbling tar and placed
on a pike atop London Bridge. Although my sacrifice for my country did not go
in vain as Scotland was able to achieve independence a few years later. [5] Because
of my courage, I am now regarded as a prominent national hero in Scotland. In
1869, the Wallace Monument, which is a massive tower standing 220 feet
tall, was erected close to the site of my victory at Stirling Bridge.
Born
in Scotland. [6] As I examined the helpless people of Scotland
suffer under English rule, I became deeply angry. Because of this anger, I chose to
fight many wars. Paying the price for freedom, I would end my life being
charged with treason. [4] Courageously, I showed that clever rebels could
triumph over a stronger enemy. [3] Over time the people of Scotland learned
that lesson well, and Robert the Bruce, who was my best friend, went on to win
Scotland’s freedom. [2] Remember you must always fight for freedom.
Science mixed in - we combined all the kids together and did a lesson on Sargassum seaweed that is currently in the news. It is a massive amount in Florida. We purchased some and had it shipped from Florida for the kids to explore all the creatures inside. Then we ate seaweed chips afterwards. It was a great connection for our older kids as they are reading about the Gulf Stream.
Ms. Erin leading up the class.
Fun outside afterwards. 
We had some of the kids sing the Greek alphabet after Faces of History was complete. 
I got mask for all the audience to wear. We are also surprising the kids in two weeks with a trip to the Medieval castle in Chicago as a co-op so they can wear them there as well. Its going to be amazing!
Seaweed Chips! Most loved them.
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