19th Century Eras Lesson Plans

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.

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.

Learners analyze historical photographs to draw conclusions about family life in Colorado mining camps and towns in the late 19th century. They discuss inquiry questions within groups and record information.

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.

Fifth graders examine significant events in Post-Civil War America. For this Post-Civil War lesson, 5th graders investigate the important events after the war in 19th century America. They read primary source documents about six topics which include steamboats, Erie Canal, railroad, and the Free Market system. They research the importance of inventions and innovations that came into being soon after the War and examine how life changed due to the Industrial Revolution.

Students examine the role of historic sites in preserving the past, and use a NY Times article about a preserved 19th century farm as a springboard for discussion about the conservation of other historic sites and research about historic sites in their c

Students examine reasons for immigration to the United States in the 19th century. They role play as immigrants asked to write accounts of their immigrant experiences.

Students examine how posters can depict history and reflect societal issues of an era. They apply principles of poster art to create original posters reflecting society in 19th century England.

Students examine the larger social, political and economic issues that influenced the first Asians' migration to the Americas in the 18th and 19th centuries. They distinguish between commonly held assumptions about the first Asians in the Americas and the more historically accurate version.

Young scholars study biography from the 19th century. They read "The Red Badge of Courage." Students research a topic from the list provided in the lesson plan and write a 5-7 page paper. They study lyrics and melodies of the confederacy and contrast/compare their messages and meanings to the social climate of the day.