Curated OER
Message Control
Young scholars examine various forms of propaganda and how they are used to manipulate public opinion. Students review the techniques of propaganda, learn to recognize propaganda in oral, written, and visual communications and practice...
Curated OER
Making a Case
Start the day by sharing opinions about human rights. Then, read "A Defiant Hussein Pleads Not Guilty to Mass Execution" with your middle and high school class. Your pupils research the specific charges in the case against Saddam...
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Journalists Under Fire
Learners examine journalism in extreme conditions. In this war-zone journalism lesson, students research media coverage of Vietnam, Grenada, the Gulf War, and military actions in Somalia and Kosovo. Learners compare coverage in the past...
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Through the Eyes of Al McIntosh
Students examine World War II through the eyes of local journalists such as Al McIntosh. As a class, they discuss how stories about the war affects the public back at home. In groups, they compare and contrast how newspapers reported...
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America in the 1950's
In this America in the 1950's worksheet, students read about housing, education, entertainment, and the Cold War in the 1950s. Students then answer 5 questions about this time.
Smithsonian Institution
New American Roles
America has dealt with its fair share of hardships in contemporary history. The resource discusses the events of the Gulf War, September 11th, the Afghanistan War, and The Iraq War. Scholars click on artifacts to learn more information,...
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A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words: Public Views of Lincoln
Students write a letter in the voice of Abraham Lincoln. In this history lesson plan, students interpret the way the public viewed Lincoln during various times by examining political cartoons and images. Students write a letter in the...
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Journalists Under Fire
High schoolers research current events in relation to the United States military. In this current event lesson, students find out what is going on in the war and use what they find to explain and debate their stance on current events.
PBS
WWII: Detained
Imagine being forced against your will behind barbed wire for doing nothing but being yourself. Scholars investigate the impact Japanese-American internment camps had during World War II. Through video and archival evidence, they create...
National Constitution Center
Abraham Lincoln's Crossroads
History enthusiasts participate in an interactive website that brings Abraham Lincoln to life as he shares his personal experiences between 1854-1864. Scholars listen and read carefully to form their own opinions and discover if they...
Curated OER
Cartoons for the Classroom: Censorship, Silencing an Anti-War Voice
In this primary source analysis worksheet, students analyze political cartoons with anti-war messages and respond to 5 talking point questions.
Curated OER
To War or Not To War!
Ninth graders examine the various types of propaganda used during World War II. In groups, they make notes on each example and determine why they believe the opinion of the United States involvement in the war changed. They share their...
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Photographing War
Students examine the role of Matthew Brady photographing the Civil War and compare it with the role of photographers embedded in the War in Iraq.
DocsTeach
The Night Before D-Day
Get inside the mind of General Eisenhower regarding the D-Day invasion. An interesting activity uses historical documents to highlight the differences between Eisenhower's public stance on D-Day and his private opinions. Scholars analyze...
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News Coverage WWII
Students explore how Americans were affected by news coverage of World War II.
Curated OER
The Government of North Korea
Ninth graders study the Government of North Korea. They identify the system of government of North Korea today and explain how power is acquired, used and justified by it. They describe the use of propaganda by this government system...
Curated OER
Exploring 9/11 in Historical, Cultural and International Context: Why Here, Why Us, Why Now?
Students examine the international conflicts that might have caused the terrorist attacks of 9/11. In groups, they research the similarities and differences between the three major religions and how they connect to 9/11. To end the...
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American History Operation Iraqi Freedom
Students consider the responsibilities of American troops. In this Operation Iraqi Freedom lesson, students watch video segments regarding the work of the Arkansas National Guard. Students research media sources to determine the balance...
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Lincoln's Spot Resolutions
Students examine the controversy and varying points of view leading up to the 19th century Mexican War. They research examples of anti-war movements throughout history and write editorials about their findings.
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What America Knew About the Holocaust?
Students examine American involvement in World War II. In this World War II lesson, students discuss the Holocaust and its implications. Students read New York Times articles regarding the treatment of Jews during the war. Students infer...
Curated OER
Skepticism Toward Government
Young scholars explain how the media portrays certain events and its effects on public opinion of government. They focus on Watergate, the Vietnam War, and the Clinton impeachment. They write essays about skepticism promoted by the media.
Curated OER
I Want To Take A Picture In 1866!
Eighth graders examine the role of technology. In the Civil War lesson, 8th graders look at the advent of photography and determine the impact of photography on the Civil War.
Curated OER
Daniel's Story Study Guide
Students explore the concept of prejudice. For this World War II lesson, students read Daniel's Story by Carol Matas. Students complete the provided study guide as they read the novel and discuss the Holocaust.
Curated OER
John Brown Lesson Plan
Students create timelines of the Harper's Ferry Raid. In this Civil War lesson, students analyze information and music related to John Brown and his abolitionist work. Students design timelines that document the events that led to and...