Caucus 101
Caucus History and Iowa’s “First in the Nation” Status
What is a caucus? Why is Iowa's first? Why did Iowa shift to the caucus format? After researching these basic questions, class members debate the question of whether or not Iowa should maintain its "first in the nation" status for caucuses.
Curated OER
The Hispanic Migration into Iowa
Sixth graders examine the positive and negative effects of the migration of people of Hispanic descent in the state of Iowa. They examine and interpret census data using maps before comparing the positives and negatives. They read...
Curated OER
Iowa word jumble
In this Iowa activity, students unscramble the words that represent Iowa's history. Students unscramble 20 words that represent the state of Iowa.
TCI
Picking Rusty Gold: Why Do People Buy and Sell Antiques?
Your historical sleuths will work to research the in-depth history of chosen artifacts and will use their research to design a fictional advertisement for an early 20th century item.
Scholastic
Perfect Postcards: Illinois
Connect the geography and history of Illinois using an art-centered activity on the railroads. The railroad connected once-distant places, particularly in the Midwest. Using research, class members create postcards of fictional...
Curated OER
Civil War Literature Circle
Historical fiction can be a valuable asset when learning about the past. Integrate several novels written about the Civil War into your social studies unit, with groups of four working collaboratively to comprehend the novel from...
Curated OER
African-American Iowans: History, contributions & Accomplishments.
Young scholars explore lives of African-Americans in Iowa. Students will examine biographies and discuss perspectives of African-Americans. They will then create posters illustrating elements of those lives finally, putting on a five act...
Curated OER
Prairie Voices: Iowa and the Civil War
Students study how the Civil War affected Iowa natives. In this Iowa history lesson, students read the provided article on Iowa and its Civil War experiences. Students analyze the article to determine how the war affected civilians and...
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Iowa: Crossword Puzzle
In this United States history worksheet, students use the 14 clues in order to fill in the crossword puzzle with the appropriate answers pertaining to Iowa.
Curated OER
Prairie Voices: German Immigrants Move to Iowa
Students create historically accurate travel journals. In this Iowa history lesson plan, students research the German immigration experience as they write travel journals that feature a German family's move into an Iowa county.
Education World
St. Patricks Day Lesson: The Real Story of St. Patrick
Fun St. Patrick's Day facts abound. The lesson plan tells the story of the most famous icons associated with the holiday: the shamrock, snakes, Celtic religion, Irish history, and St. Patrick himself.
Curated OER
The Role of the Media
Students participate in class discussion to investigate how media affects the ideas of Americans (specifically in politics) and then research events in political history to analyze how the media may have influenced the government's...
Curated OER
Prairie Voices: Community Development, Investigating Local History
Students investigate local history. In this research skills lesson, students examine historic landmarks, tax records, fire maps, town plans, historic photographs, newspapers, and other primary sources to learn about local communities in...
Curated OER
Wisconsin
In this Wisconsin state history worksheet, 4th graders read two pages of information about Wisconsin then complete 10 true and false questions.
ReadWriteThink
Martin Luther King, Jr. and Me: Identifying with a Hero
Here, young historians compare their early lives to that of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s. They listen to a read aloud of a story by Dr. King's sister, and then write in the provided reflective journal template. Lastly, they share their...
Curated OER
Migration of the African American Family
Students investigate the influence Africa has had on African-American families as they have migrated from Africa to various sections of the United States. They utilize map skills to locate regions in Africa and in the United States.
Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area
Life as a Pioneer
Students examine historical documents and research why early pioneers settled on the Iowa prairie. They review maps, describe the impact of railroading, describe life in pioneer times, and identify the effects of drought, prairie fire,...
Curated OER
A Walk Through History
Fifth graders construct a multi-media CD-ROM using cross-platform Hyper Studio software. They identify a person in history to research for their report. In order to broaden their horizons, 5th graders are encouraged to investigate...
Curated OER
History Talks
Students engage in a lesson that deals with a historical figure from the area of Mississippi. Then questions are asked of them using a game show format that is followed with additional ones used for brainstorming for more ideas of inquiry.
Curated OER
Brucemore Mansion
Young scholars take a closer look at Brucemore Mansion. In this Iowa history lesson, students research what life was like at the mansion during the Gilded Age and through history. Young scholars also research the responsibilities of...
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Montauk Historic Site
Students study the contributions of the Larrabee family. In this Iowa history lesson, students listen to a lecture regarding William Larrabee's governorship and the building of Montauk home.
Curated OER
You Gotta Know the Territory
Young scholars examine the relationship between Native Americans and those who settled the Iowa territory. In this Iowa history lesson, students investigate the process for settling the territory and how intercultural relationships...
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Prairie Voices: Abbie Gardner Sharp Cabin
Students study the events of the Spirit Lake Massacre. In this Iowa history lesson, students consider the role of Abbie Gardner in the Spirit Lake Massacre as their instructor presents a lecture.
Curated OER
Prairie Voices: Plum Grove
Students explore Plum Grove located in Iowa City. In this Iowa history lesson, students listen to their instructor present a lecture on the history of Plum Grove and the leadership of Robert Lucas. Students select assessment activities...