National Endowment for the Humanities
A Debate Against Slavery
Slavery is a serious topic that can be challenging for middle schoolers to study. Young scholars can see firsthand through primary sources what occurred during that time period in the United States. The third of five lessons provides...
Curated OER
Taste the Learning
Lesson and activity ideas to Incorporate National Blueberry Month into all content areas.
Curated OER
The Betsy Ross Story: Truth or Legend?
Students discover that some historians question the story of Betsy Ross's involvement in the creation of the first U.S. flag, study why historians question the story and list reasons the story of Betsy Ross might not be true.
Curated OER
PASSENGER PIGEONS: NOMADS LOST
Students explore the concept and implications of extinction using the example of the Passenger Pigeon, once an extremely abundant species that was completely eliminated by humans.
Curated OER
Modernizing a Traditional Irish Folktale
Students write their own folktales based on "Cathal O'Cruachan and the Cowherd." In discussions they examine the animal symbolism in the story, as well as the characters, events, problems, and solution. With partners, they select...
Curated OER
Meet the Mayas, Aztecs and Incas
Students study the geography of the Mayas, Aztecs and Incas and create a map book. They share in stories and legends about these people. Handouts and worksheets are included.
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Understanding Europe: A Cultural Mosaic (Theme 1)
Students discuss the cultural similarities and differences found in Northen Europe, Southern Europe, Western Europe, and Eastern Europe and create daily journal entries charting their discoveries. This lesson is the First Part in a Four...
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Florida: Reading Comprehension
For this Florida reading comprehension worksheet, students read a 2-page selection regarding the state and then respond to 10 true or false questions.
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Capitalism and Communism: What's the Difference?
Students discover the differences between capitalism and communism. They participate in a simulation activity in which they examine Marx's philosphy of communism. They also examine Zapatista communities.
Curated OER
Me Oh Maya
Students compare basketball to Mayan ring-ball. They write a newspaper article that may have been published during Mayan times.
Curated OER
I AM a Researcher, "I"nca, "A"ztec, "M"aya
Students create and original multimedia presentation on the Incas, Mayans, or Aztecs. In this Meso-American civilization lesson, students research and then compare and contrast the civilizations of the Incas, Mayan and the Aztecs....
Curated OER
Fields of Candy Bars
Young scholars research and write about the origins of the ingredients in candy bars. They taste them and describe what they are tasting. They use descriptive words to write a paragraph describing the candy bar. They research...
Curated OER
Designing a Quilt Pattern
Students create and color a one-patch quilt design based upon a regular hexagon. They examine quilts and photos of quilt designs, read a handout, and complete their quilt design on a worksheet.
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Learning About Guatemala Through Its Kites
Students are introduced to Guatemala and to the tradition of giant kites. They decorate the kite sail and construct the kite. Students identifies possible causal factors contributing to given historical events.
Curated OER
Mexico: One Land, Many Cultures
Students research and study the country of Mexico and complete a project about it. In this Mexico lesson plan, students research Mexico's geography, traditions, art, songs, stories, and legends that are native to Mexico.
National Endowment for the Humanities
The Debate in the United States over the League of Nations: Five Camps: From Voices of Consent to Voices of Dissent
Students explore and discuss Woodrow Wilson's concepts for peace and the League of Nations. They understand efforts made to foster American support for the League and discuss the opposition shown in the Senate.
Curated OER
The Debate in the United States over the League of Nations: League of Nations Basics
Learners describe Woodrow Wilson's concepts for peace and the League of Nations and efforts to foster American support for it.
National Endowment for the Humanities
The President Under the Articles of Confederation
The Articles of Confederation sounds like one big, fancy title to middle schoolers. Here, scaffolded steps help to ease novices into understanding this all-important American document. Discussion questions, lesson plan activities, and...
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What It Means to Be an American Indian
Students analyze primary source documents and evaluate historical evidence to find consequences of the policies that were adopted from the 1830s to today regarding Native American Indians.
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Kill the Indian, Save the Man!
Students investigate primary sources from Carlisle Indian School including letters and photographs. In this investigative lesson students answer questions about their research.
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Uniform Design
Students investigate the military by examining their uniforms. In this design lesson, students analyze the military uniforms from different locations and time periods. Students create new ideas for current military uniforms.
Benjamin Franklin Tercentenary
Classroom Constitutional Convention
Students investigate the eight phrases that comprise the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution to determine its principles and purpose. Their own Constitutional Convention is convened to craft a preamble for their school's governance.
Curated OER
Afghanistan and Its Neighbors: Model Summit
Students examine the relationship between the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War. They discover the role of religion and cultural identity in the war in Afghanistan. They explore the arguments for and and against...
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AIH-16: Effect of Revolutionary War on American Indians
Students examine how American Indian cultures changed as a result of the Revolutionary War.