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African Americans and the Move West
Students examine the phases of westward migration in the United States during the 19th century focusing on the incentives that led many African Americans to make the move.
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Cowboys in the 1890s
Students study the rise of cattle ranching in the West and the economic conditions under which cowboys worked in the 19th century. They examine the economic changes that affected cowboys in the 1890s. They analyze the effects of the...
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Debating for Land
Students research pertinent information based on historical facts and is supported by quotations from primary sources in order to prepare for a class debate about land ownership in the 19th century.
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The Past Is Gone, But Not Forgotten
Students examine the role of historic sites in preserving the past, and use a NY Times article about a preserved 19th century farm as a springboard for discussion about the conservation of other historic sites and research about historic...
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The Collaborative Works of Rodgers and Hammerstein: Show Business
Students study the work of Rodgers and Hammerstein in an historical context of the development of American musical theatre as an art form. Students explore "roots" of the genre as it evolves in last half of the 19th and first two decades...
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Mystery Photo!
Students examine an original engraving of a piece of equipment called, The Grasshopper Catcher. They describe how technologies developed in Iowa during the Industrial Revolution influenced farming practices, and develop hypotheses about...
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Lesson 6: Native Americans in the West
Students recall their knowledge of Native American people who lived in the West and reflect on how their perspectives differed from pioneers and argonauts of the 19th century.
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Don't Fence Me In
Middle schoolers examine historical information about the development of barbed wire and practice identifying geometric terms. After reading through background information, they participate in several activities that include making...
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It's Just a Barn
Investigate Pennsylvania Barns. Have your class consider the elements common to Pennsylvanian barns and why they are significant to the food production process. They write summaries of Frederick Watts and his impact on agriculture.
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Making a Brand for Ourselves the "Cowboy" Way
Students define cowboys and learn about their roles on rangelands. In this rangeland lesson, students define cowboys and cowgirls and complete a KWL chart. Students read Cattle Kids and Til the Cows Come Home. Students visit the Diamond...
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World War II: Bombs and Peace
Students explore the final events and end of World War II. They examine the community impact of such events as the dropping of the dropping of atomic bombs, and President Roosevelt's death. Students prepare a presentation.
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American Growth and Expansion in the late 1800s
Eleventh graders examine a picture of John Gast's, American Progress to determine what they know about American growth between 1877- 1900. By working through thirteen center or folder activities, they study the economics,...
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WWII: On The Homefront and Abroad
Middle schoolers explore World War II from the perspective of both the sides. They research the changes that occurred on the homefront during 1942-1944. Students prepare and conduct an interview with a local veteran or spouse of a...
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Listening to the Prairie
Students, in groups, visit an exhibit and for a prairie scavenger hunt to locate sunflowers and name products made from them. After sketching a prairie dog, they find nature cues farmers use when growing plants and raising animals. The...