Curated OER
Cities
Students examine U.S. Census figures. In this urban centers lesson, students compare city populations across the span of 50 years. Students create line graphs based on the data.
Curated OER
America's Economy: Sorrow And Hope
Young scholars discover how Americans found the hope that broke the Great Depression. In this American economics lesson, students watch "America's Economy: Sorrow and Hope." Young scholars then discuss the implications of the depression...
Curated OER
The Great Migration Internet Research
Students use maps, narratives and the Internet to research the Great Migration. They investigate the circumstances which led to the migration, notable individuals who made advances for African-Americans and the legacy of this movement.
Curated OER
Skagway: Gateway to the Klondike
Students explore the impact of the Klondike Gold Rush on the development of Skagway, Alaska. Lesson can be used in units on western expansion, late 19th and early 20th-century commerce, and urban history.
Curated OER
Create a City: An Urban Planning Exercise
Middle schoolers explore the effects of population growth in Arizona. In this history lesson, students work in small groups to create a "perfect" city. Activities include examining the Arizona census results then discussing the...
Curated OER
The Great Migration: Two American Tales
Students compare and contrast experiences of European immigrants and African American migrants in U.S. cities. After examining the topic, they write essays evaluating the differences and similarities of the groups' experiences.
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The Great Migration: Comparing and Contrasting Northern Life to Southern Life
Students research the Great Migration of African-Americans to the North and form an opinion as to whether this migration was beneficial to its participants. They, in groups, research various experiences and debate the topic.
Curated OER
The Meaning of Rock Art
Students examine the significance of rock art. They discuss and view examples of historical rock art, and create a design on a rock that tells a story using African and American symbols.
University of Texas
Understanding Migration
Human migration—often the result of push and pull factors—sometimes has dramatic outcomes for both those leaving their homelands and the host countries. Using a variety of case studies, learners consider those issues. Then, by completing...
Curated OER
Community Building
Students explore the issues of urban and suburban sprawl. They work in small groups to create their own planned communities.
Curated OER
Location of Cities 201
Students work in pairs to locate the ancient cities on a world atlas using the longitude and latitude measurements. They examine the physical and human futures that explain their locations.
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A Twist On American Symbolism
Students discover how and why flag and national anthem of the United States were created, and in what ways they represent the foundation of our national identity.
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Having Fun: Leisure and Entertainment at the Turn of the 20th Century
Students inquire about the history of enterntainment and flim. The development of the modern industry of entertainment is done from reflecting upon its roots and background. The discussion is leading to answering how Americans have...
Curated OER
Social Studies: Cultural New Orleans
Students observe the PBS film, "New Orleans," to explore such topics as race relations, cultural history, and urbanization. After examining n interactive map displaying the city at various dates in its history, students role-play as...
Stanford University
Jacob Riis
Fourth graders view and discuss the photographs of Jacob Riis.In this Jacob Riis and Immigrants instructional activity, 4th graders analyze the photographs of Jacob Riis and answer questions about the feelings evoked by the photographs....
Curated OER
MAPPING THE BLACK ATLANTIC
Students examine the geographic characteristics of Western and Central Africa, the impact of geography on settlement patterns, cultural traits, and trade. They compare political, social, economic, and religious systems of...
Curated OER
Brucemore Mansion
Students take a closer look at Brucemore Mansion. In this Iowa history instructional activity, students research what life was like at the mansion during the Gilded Age and through history. Students also research the responsibilities of...
Curated OER
Columbus Park
Students complete activities that go along with the study of and possible fieldtrip to Columbus Park in Chicago, IL. They discover how urban conditions influenced the creation of city parks. They examine the preservation of historic...
Curated OER
To Move or Not to Move? Decision Making and Sacrifice
Middle schoolers examine the motivations that prompted people to move westward during the 19th century. They take on the role of an average citizen and weigh the costs and benefits of making such a move and decide if they would have...
Curated OER
Having Fun: Leisure and Entertainment at the Turn of the Twentieth Century
Students explore how the innovations in culture and technology influenced the development of a leisure industry in America at the turn of the twentieth century.
Curated OER
Introducing: National Transportation Week
Focus your attention in the classroom to recognize the importance of our nation's transportation systems.
Curated OER
Orphan Trains
Students are introduced to the concept of orphan trains. In groups, they research the history of the New York Children's Aid Society and begin to identify the social-trade offs involved on the orphan trains. They examine the geneological...
Curated OER
How We Vote
Students fill in a graphic organizer and discuss the struggles in groups about the history of voting in Louisiana. Students also explore a voting timeline to see who could and could not vote before and after 1850.
Curated OER
The Immigrant Experience In America
Students study immigration, Ellis Island, and tenement life from 1890 to 1924. Each student create an identity of an immigrant and write an essay in the first person. Essays describe what they found when they arrived in New York City.