1800s Lesson Plans

Young scholars participate in a series of activities to explore the lives of slaves in 19th century America. They examine the design of slave ships, the hardships endured, and the ways that owners depended on slaves for their economic survival.

Students discuss the lines, shapes, and patterns used to decorate a 19th century chandelier. In this visual arts lesson, students examine the lines and identify the patterns on the chandelier. Students create a papier-mache sculpture influenced by a 19th century chandelier.

Third graders discuss the farming life in 19th century New England. In this New England instructional activity, 3rd graders watch a DVD and listen to a story describing this time period. They answer questions and create a Venn Diagram poster showing Work in the 19th Century and Work today. 

Sixth graders examine 19th century inventions that prompted Westward Expansion. In this Westward Expansion lesson, 6th graders analyze primary sources available from the Library of Congress that feature 19th century inventions.  Analysis of best practices and technology integration articles are included to further support the teacher of this lesson.

Learners research the differences between traveling on a stagecoach and wagon trail in the 19th century. In this historical lesson, students discover the uses of stagecoaches and wagon trails in the 19th century, then decide which one they would have preferred to ride.

Learners compare and contrast the elements used in the 19th century British novel and those novels in American society today. In groups, they brainstorm what it might have been like to be a teenager growing up in England during the 19th century and compare it with the information they gather from the novel itself.

Students investigate the conditions of life and medicine for people in the 19th century. In this history of medicine lesson, students discuss the current ways to stay healthy. Students research developments during this period and create a timeline of medicine. They complete an analysis of the medicine history for Prince Edward Island.

Fourth graders compare and contrast the clothing during the 19th century to the fashion trends of the present day. They design something suitable for a future time period and explain why.

Young scholars interpret historical evidence presented in primary and secondary resources. In this immigration instructional activity, students research immigration to the United States in the latter half of the 19th century and discuss the motivation for it. Young scholars also discuss the effect of immigration on the Industrial Revolution.

Young scholars read fictional short stories and novel excerpts about the American frontier. They create charts with major characteristics of the real-life American people who went west during the 19th century and specifics from the works of fiction they've chosen that either confirm or negate those characteristics. Essays clarify whether the author's portrayals of characters do or do not correspond with research characteristics.