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Jamestown Journey Part 1
Fourth graders work to solve one of the major problems facing the Jamestown settlers, the best location to settle upon arrival in Jamestown. Students discuss and review the past European and American events that lead to the...
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Bartering Through the Seasons
Fifth graders explore bartering. In this bartering instructional activity, 5th graders investigate bartering between the American colonies. Students study the climate and geography of neighboring colonies and investigate crops native to...
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Colonial Currency
Fifth graders develop a common currency. In this colonial currency lesson, 5th graders exchange beads, rice, coins, and paper bills for goods and services. Students explore web tools to research ways colonists used money, even if it was...
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Russia's Colony: Examining the Effects of Russian Colonization
Young scholars respond to the question: How did Russian colonization effect Alaska's history? students examine environmental, cultural, economic, social and political impacts.
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American Aloha Lesson Plan: Perpetuating Indigenous Cultural Traditions in Diaspora
Students examine the culture and decline of the culture of native Hawaiian people as the islands were colonized. They study issues of cultural identity for Native Hawaiians.
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Clash of Cultures and Marching North
Each of the 23 slides that comprise this presentation are intended to enhance or support lessons on shifts in religion and the colonization of the Americas. Students are guided through the changes in religion that ultimately lead to the...
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Thanksgiving: Multiple Perspectives
Pupils examine different perspectives about Thanksgiving that include those of the European Settlers and the Native Americans. They read and discuss an article about Plymouth being "America's Hometown." They develop a landmark for...
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Pilgrims: The First Americans
Fifth graders become familar with the pilgrims and first Thanksgiving through essays about important people of the time. In this Thanksgiving lesson, 5th graders choose an important figure from the time of the Pilgrims and write a two...
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Hull of a Ship
Fifth graders engage in this introductory unit lesson. A bulletin board for the unit be started, Colonial Notebooks be presented to each student, and a pre-test on colonization be administered.
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Exploring Ethnic Groups in Africa
Students research the ethnic groups located in African countries where African Americans immigrated. They view a multi-media presentation imbedded in this plan, then construct posters that represent ethnic groups.
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Non Native Species: English Ivy-Landscape Plant or Deadly Killer?
Young scholars study the impact that invasive species have on biodiversity and more natural areas.
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Field Trip to Living History Farms
Students tour "Living History Farms" in Iowa. In this field trip preparation lesson plan, students observe ways Native Americans began growing crops in the 1700's as well as how the farm changed in the 1800's. Upon their return from the...
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A Colony is Born : Lesson 2 - Sez Who?
Second graders increase their baseline knowledge of primary and secondary sources and the likenesses and differences of them with regard to a selected historical event.
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Native Knowledge
Students investigate what type of climate and physical features certain Indigenous groups live in using an atlas and a provided worksheet. They then match the tribe and its location to the sustainable stategy employed in agricultural...
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California Indians
Fourth graders discuss the major nations of California Indians, their geographic distribution, economic activities, legends and religious beliefs. They describe the function of Spanish missions and the influence of Catholicism. In...
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The Importance of Buffalo Culture to Blackfeet Indians
Learners examine importance of buffalo in culture of Blackfeet Indians, and explore types of technology used by Indians to kill large numbers of buffalo. Students research transition of Blackfeet from subsistence economy to capitalist...
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California's Mission/Rancho Era
Fourth graders complete a variety of activities as they study the Spanish colonization of California, including the relationships among missionaries and Indians and their interactions with soldiers and people in the pueblos and ranchos.
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Maroon Communities
High schoolers examine political and religious factors that influenced English, Spanish, French, and Dutch colonization of the Americas, how slavery shaped social and economic life in the South after 1800, and elements of slavery during...
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A Nation in (Some) Context
Eleventh graders view selected websites to gain information about Puerto Rico and think about its relevance to Rafael Ferrer's "12 Variations on An 18th-century Map of Puerto Rico".
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Modern Day Pilgrims
Students examine the similarities and differences between modern day immigrants and pilgrims. They listen to stories, discuss their ancestors' origins, and create a native costume for a paper doll for where their ancestor is from.
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Pontiac's War
Students interpret primary sources concerning Pontiac's Rebellion. They are able to explain the motives behind the attack on the British. Students predict possible outcomes of Pontiac's Rebllion.
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The Martian Chronicles: Concept Analysis
If you're planning on including Ray Bradbury's The Martian Chronicles in your science fiction unit, use a concept analysis guide to frame your instruction. It covers literary elements such as setting, narrative voice, and theme, as well...
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Developing Flags
Students examine why having a symbol such as a flag is important for countries. In this flag lesson plan, students break into groups and create their own flag to represent their group dynamic.
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I Have No Money, Would You Take Wampum
Students engage in a discussion about their experiences with goods, services, and money. In this bartering lesson, students read The Wampum Bird story and brainstorm their personal experiences with economics.