Curated OER
Consequences of the Sedition Act
Learners research and discuss the consequences of the Sedition Act. They illustrate the difficulty of balancing security needs and personal freedom using an example from John Adams's presidency.
Curated OER
Lincoln and the War’s Larger Meaning
High schoolers analyze Abraham Lincoln's view of the Civil War. In this American Civil War lesson, students read excerpts of Lincoln's speeches to determine whether he had a dual view of the war. High schoolers respond to discussion...
Curated OER
You've Got Email!
Students email students their own age in another country to share information about their cultures and countries.
Curated OER
World War II
Fifth graders examine primary sources to explore the events leading to World War II. In this World War II lesson, 5th graders develop questions and research answers from information found in primary documents. Students view a video clip...
National Endowment for the Humanities
Lesson 2: The Debate in Congress on the Sedition Act
Pupils research and discuss the provisions in the Constitution that supported the arguments for and against the Sedition Act. They articulate objections to and arguments in favor of the Sedition Act.
Curated OER
Voting
Students investigate voter participation in the U.S. They watch and discuss a Bill Moyers video, complete a handout, and develop a plan to help a community overcome obstacles to voter participation.
Curated OER
Let the Campaign Begin
Learners differentiate between positive and negative personal attributes and select a fictional character for nomination who personifies the qualities of a good leader. They use the Internet to learn about the election process and write...
Curated OER
The Campaign of 1840: William Henry Harrison and Tyler, Too
High schoolers list some issues important during the campaign of 1840. They compare and contrast the careers of Martin Van Buren and William Henry Harrison before they became president and explain why the Whigs wanted to find a candidate...
Curated OER
The Rise and Fall of Joseph McCarthy
Students analyze documents, cartoons, speeches and articles about Joseph McCarthy and his crusade against "Un-American" activities. They guide their research with a worksheet and participate in class discussions about their findings.
Curated OER
A Lesson To Accompany "The First Bank of the United States: A Chapter in the History of Central Banking"
Here is an interesting topic. Learners examine the economics that led to the founding of the First Bank of America. They participate in a reader's theater experience depicting the debate between Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson...
National Endowment for the Humanities
The Rise and Fall of Joseph McCarthy
"I have here in my hand . . ." The war against Communism and Joseph McCarthy’s place in it are the focus of a series of lessons examining postwar America from 1945-1954. Joseph McCarthy takes center stage in this, the final lesson of the...
Curated OER
The Alien and Sedition Acts: Defining American Freedom
High schoolers analyze the Alien and Sedition Acts. In this Bill of Rights instructional activity, students listen to their instructor present a lecture regarding the details of the Alien Act and the Sedition Acts. High schoolers examine...
Curated OER
THE FEDERAL CONFIRMATION PROCESS: CHOOSING THE RIGHT PERSON FOR THE JOB
Students analyze the process whereby presidential appointees are confirmed.
Curated OER
George Washington on the Sedition Act
Students investigate the Sedition Act and George Washington's position on the act. For this United States Colonial history lesson, students read about George Washington's position on the Sedition Act. Students then participate in a...
Curated OER
District Decisions
Students review census data and examine the manner in which reapportionment and redistricting occurs. They, in groups, debate a proposed change in the way congressional districts are drawn and present their debates to the class.
Curated OER
Understanding Propaganda
Students define propaganda and give examples from the mass media. In this propaganda lesson, students review examples of propaganda and then research versions of it in the mass media.
Curated OER
The Campaign of 1840: The Whigs, the Democrats, and the Issues
High schoolers reflect on the nature of the campaign of 1840. They identify the positions of the Democrats and the Whigs and their basic differences.
Penguin Books
Gulliver's Travels Teacher's Notes
Who are "the most pernicious race of little odious vermin that nature ever suffered to crawl upon the surface of the earth”? Readers of Gulliver’s Travels will learn the answer, as the journey with Lemuel Gulliver to Lilliput,...
Curated OER
Founding Myths, Stories that Hide Our Patriotic Past
Students participate in a scavenger hunt using their textbooks to find information about historical events, people and places in US history during the Revolutionary Era. After creating their list of important people, students create...
Curated OER
The Rise of Hitler
Eleventh graders investigate how Hitler was able to harness Germany. In this World War II lesson plan, 11th graders conduct primary and secondary source research to determine how Hitler used the Great Depression, charisma, scapegoats,...
Curated OER
Follow the Marx
Students explore communism from historical and theoretical perspectives to present to fellow classmates at a teach-in. Each team of students be responsible for researching and presenting on one of the suggested topics in the lesson.
Curated OER
Life in THE JUNGLE
Students discuss problems immigrants may have when coming to a new country. They take on the role of a law maker from the era and create an action plan and policy based on samples they read (links provided). Students discuss ways their...
Curated OER
Understanding Reconstruction in South Carolina
Eighth graders interpret historical evidence presented in primary and secondary resources. In this Reconstruction instructional activity, 8th graders research the role of Reconstruction in South Carolina by simulating the environment of...
Curated OER
The Federal Legislative Process: A Mock Session in the House of Commons
Students examine the legislative process in Canada's House of Commons. They simulate the role of being a sitting member of the House of Commons, developing bills, conducting meetings, and voting on the written bills.