Historical Thinking Matters
Social Security: 5 Day Lesson
Did the New Deal fundamentally shift the role of the American government in the economy? Your class members will examine the interpretations of various historians in answering this question, and use a variety of primary and secondary...
Curated OER
New Deal Programs: Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?
High schoolers research New Deal programs. In this Great Depression lesson, students analyze primary sources to develop an understanding of the effects of the depression and how WPA programs and other New Deal programs impacted...
Curated OER
Having Fun with Primary Sources
Students analyze primary sources to determine the effects of the Great Depression on American society. They evaluate how government expanded during this time period because of New Deal legislation.
Curated OER
Enduring Legacies of the New Deal
Young scholars investigate U.S. history by listening to an economics lecture. In this U.S. government lesson, students research the "New Deal" which happened after the Great Depression. Young scholars identify movies, books and music...
Curated OER
Corporate Governance
Examine the role of the Securities Exchange Commission. Upper graders watch a short Bill Moyers video, analyze a political cartoon, complete a graphic organizer on the SEC, and develop SEC reform strategies to rebuild investor confidence.
Curated OER
The Great Depression Essay
Students explore the events that led to the stock market crash,the concerns of the Depression, and the effects of the New Deal programs on the American people and the American economy.
PBS
The Roosevelts: An Intimate History—Snapshot Lessons
The Roosevelt family was one of the most influential and prominent political forces in the 20th century, leaving behind a wide-ranging legacy of conservation, progressivism, and economic growth. Learn more about President Theodore...
Curated OER
New Deal Agencies
Students identify examples of government intervention during crisis. In this New Deal lesson, students play a game to place descriptions and names to abbreviations of New Deal Agencies. Students interview a person who lived through the...
Curated OER
The Social Security Act
High schoolers examine the Social Security Act of 1935. In this U.S. history lesson, students research primary sources in order to prepare for a mock debate of the act prior to it becoming legislation.
Learning for Justice
The Color of Law: Creating Racially Segregated Communities
It is pointed, powerful, and painful! The first of three lessons about laws and practices that support inequality looks at how government policies created and reinforced segregated communities. Young social scientists read excerpts from...
Curated OER
Emerging Democracies in Eastern Europe and Russia: How Are They Doing?
High schoolers consider the success of democracies in Eastern Europe. In this government systems lesson, students research the implementation of democratic practices and rule in the countries of Eastern Europe following the Cold...
Curated OER
Breadline
Students examine the breadlines during the Great Depression. They view a short video about different country's responses to mass unemployment. They interview family members if possible who lived during the Depression.
ProCon
Social Security Privatization
Should Social Security be privatized, or is the government program fine just the way it is? Scholars read pro and con arguments and watch videos to learn more about the debate topic. Pupils also have an opportunity to interact with other...
Captioned Media
Creating Dramatic Monologues from The Grapes of Wrath
Set in Oklahoma in the 1930s, The Grapes of Wrath presents a powerful view of life during the Great Depression. An insightful lesson plan takes a closer look at the characters in John Steinbeck's classic novel, combining the...
Curated OER
A FREE MARKET WITH THE HELP OF GOVERNMENT
Students engage in a study that explains how laws and government have policies that affect the economy to run more smoothly. The focus is upon the historical development of the free market and how the government was involved. Students...
Curated OER
The New Deal
In this 1930s American history worksheet, students study the New Deal as they write 10 vocabulary terms that match 10 definitions, rewrite 4 false statements as true statements, and explain 2 historical themes regarding this time period...
Curated OER
The Works Progress Administration and the New Deal
Students research the Depression Era and how it contributed to the formation of the Works Progress Administration. After research, they create a skit to illustrate life during the Depression and the role of the Works Progress...
Curated OER
Chapter 18 – The New Deal
In this U.S. history instructional activity, high schoolers read assigned textbook pages regarding New Deal policies and respond to 47 short answer questions.
PBS
Master of the Airwaves: How FDR Used Radio to Ease the Public’s Fears
The political and economic climate during the 1930's was uncertain and tumultuous. But Americans' minds and hearts were eased with the reassuring words of their president, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and addresses over the radio. High...
Annenberg Foundation
Migrant Struggle
The American Dream is a goal that many pursue, but is it truly attainable for all people? An in-depth lesson explores the plight of migrants in twentieth-century America. The resource includes a video and author biographies and...
Curated OER
Great Depression's Impact on Organized Labor
Pupils investigate that labor unions recruited more workers to join their ranks during the Depression, and speculate as to why this growth occurred when it did. They research the impact of federal legislation of the New Deal (esp. the...
Curated OER
Lesson 1: "...we are in need."
Learners investigate Great Depression social programs. They discuss government role in addressing the needs of the poor and assess the governments' ability to respond to requests for aid.
Curated OER
Economic Crash and Recovery
Students compile research notes on the Great Depression through library and internet research. They research a New Deal policy and orally present their findings in order to create a class matrix on the different New Deal policies of the...
Curated OER
Battle of the Pole Holes
Students consider the relationship between business and government. In this rural electrification lesson, students read "Battle of the Pole Holes," and then write editorials that address the way that business and government functioned in...