US National Archives
WWII: The Pacific 1939-45 – Japan and the Atom Bomb
Though the scientists who developed the atom bomb did not believe it should be used to end World War II, American President Harry S. Truman and British Prime Minister Winston Churchill were of like mind in their decision to drop the bomb...
Curated OER
A Brief History of Fairfax County
Students brainstorm a list of things they already know about the history of Fairfax County, Virginia. After reading a primary source document, they discuss the similarities and differences between their prior knowledge and what they...
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Special Interests: How Would A Legislator Vote?
Pupils act as elected officials who must make decisions that will make someone unhappy. They consider five bills that are up for vote in light of the contributions that many special-interest groups made to their campaigns. Students...
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Medical Establishment: Hall of Fame
Young scholars discover what a medical establishment is and how it helps people with disabilities. For this medical lesson, students research information about a specific medical establishment online. Young scholars then work in pairs...
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Leonardo da Vinci: Creative Genius
Students discuss how Leonardo Da Vinci reflected the spirit of the Renaissance. They examine his achivements and explain the significance of his notebooks. They write essays on what constitutes a "rRenaissance man."
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Who Do You Know?
Students research and describe the contributions of African-American men and women. They write their notes in a Microsoft Word document. They present their information to the class.
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Research Projects for Regional History
Young writers of any grade level research a historical topic of their choice about their local community. Using primary sources, they examine the historical significance of their area. They participate in activities such as going on a...
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Minoan Pottery - A History Lesson
Accent your next ancient pottery art project with easy-to-follow background information. An article describes the background, significance, and history of Minoan Pottery. It includes links to images, sites and ideas. Tip: This is a great...
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American Women Who Shaped the Civil Rights Movement Explored Through the Literature of Eloise Greenfield
Examine the women who contributed to the Civil Rights movement. In groups, children read excerpts of writings from Eloise Greenfield and research the women she mentions using the internet. To end the lesson, they create a timeline of...
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I Am Special and You Are Special Too #3
Students explore the meaning of unique and special. They study about why a birthday is significant. They investigate how families celebrate birthdays in different ways and they reflect on why growing up is a good thing.
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Making Connection, Using Metaphor
Chief Seatle's "Letter to President Pierce, 1855" provides the text for a skills exercise that asks readers to consider how writers use metaphors to contribute to the meaning and impact of a work. Participants then apply what they have...
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Texas Struggle for Civil Rights
Seventh graders research three key people and three organizations important to the civil rights movement in Texas. They find five facts about each and their significant contributions to American civil rights.
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Sacagawea And the Lemhi Shoshoni: Contribution To the Lewis And Clark Expedition
Students dentify the period of the Lewis and Clark Expedition and the life of Sacagawea on a timeline that demonstrates the chronology of important events in American History.
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What Are the Literary, Artistic, Scientific, and Technological Contributions of Immigrants to the United States?
Students evaluate impact of immigration on America's economy and culture, research information about people of various countries of origin, and share findings with classmates through collages, posters, handouts, or skits.
Maker Media
Makerspace Playbook
Make the most of project-based learning with Makerspace. A playbook shows instructors and other interested parties how to set up a Makerspace and Maker community to foster STEM projects. It gives ideas for startup activities and for...
Curated OER
Celebrating Juneteenth in Texas
Fourth graders describe the origins and significance of Texas Independence day and Juneteenth. They identify the similarities and differences within racial, ethnic, and religious groups in Texas. They sumarize the contributions of people...
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Egypt's golden Empire
Young scholars explore many of the key scientific and technological contributions made by the ancient Egyptians. Researched data is presented to the entire group.
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HARLEM RENAISSANCE
Students analyze historical conditions which led African Americans to settle in Harlem. They describe the culture of everyday life in Harlem and identify individuals significant to the Harlem Renaissance and describe their contributions...
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The Renaissance: How did it change the world?
Eighth graders identify the conditions in Medieval Europe that contributed to the beginning of the Renaissance. They find characteristics of the Renaissance in its art, economy, discoveries, and ideas. They examine the ideas of Humanism...
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Create a Travel Brochure
Young scholars demonstrate an understanding of the contributions of the Ancient Roman civilization. They identify, study, and provide evidence for the significance of Roman citizenship and the spread of Christianity. Students then...
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How have world religions shaped who I am today?
Students analyze changing and competing interpretations of issues, events, and developments throughout world history. They analyze the roles and contributions of individuals and groups in cultural and religious practices and activities.
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The Columbian Exchange
Tenth graders examine the consequences of Spanish exploration of the New World on animals, humans, and plants. They read and discuss an informational handout, define key vocabulary terms, and complete a Venn Diagram with Old World and...
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The Building Blocks of the Nation
Students research either people how have made history in Michigan, women or people who contributed in specified time periods in American history. They use the Internet to complete the research. They create cube reports using word...
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Entrepreneurs in History
Students examine the contributions of American entrepreneurs. In this industrialization instructional activity, students complete the provided handouts to determine how Vanderbilt, Carnegie, Hill, and Rockefeller impacted American...