Curated OER
Let Me Tell You About My State
Fifth graders research one of the 50 U.S. States that they were unfamiliar with. In this U.S. Geography lesson plan, 5th graders utilize encyclopedias as well as the Internet to research a chosen U.S. State in order to write a report....
National Wildlife Federation
Stifling, Oppressive, Sweltering, Oh My!
Looking for a hot date? Pick any day in August, statistically the hottest month in the United States. The 15th lesson in the series of 21 instructs pupils to investigate the August 2007 heat wave through NASA data, daily temperature...
Curated OER
Bombs Away!
Examine the different perspectives on the future of United States Navy bombing exercises taking place on Vieques, Puerto Rico with this lesson from The New York Times. Here, young learners read "Islanders to Vote on Vieques Bomb Drills,"...
Curated OER
Midwest Region Commercials
Third graders research their assigned state using a variety of resources including a website, books, and travel brochures. They complete questions on a worksheet to use when writing a commercial for the state. They film the commercial...
University of New Mexico
New Mexico Land of Enchantment
Third graders research Native American Cultures surrounding New Mexico. They analyze the history and geography of the state. They play a guessing game that incorporates the indigenous plants and animals of New Mexico. In groups, learners...
Curated OER
What are the Qualifications to be President of the United States?
Students research the qualifications necessary to be the president of the United States. They create a want-ad for this position using what they have learned about the qualifications.
Curated OER
Your State's Architectural Scrapbook
Students examine architectural designs and styles found in their state and/or community and create scrapbooks that identify those specific traits. This middle-level art lesson can be adapted to work in a social studies classroom.
Curated OER
Distinguished Discoveries: Florida quarter reverse
Florida's state quarter has an image of a space shuttle and a Spanish Galleon on its reverse side. Pupils will examine the state quarter and think about how the Spanish explorers and Space explorers are the same and different. The class...
Curated OER
Come Visit My State!
Fourth graders conduct research on a selected state in the United States. They complete a WebQuest and conduct research on a variety of websites. Students then organize and present a visual display about their state that includes a...
Curated OER
Unite These States
Young scholars explore the historical events and people associated with the 13 colonies. The geographic locations of the 13 colonies and ultimately, of all 50 states are investigated.
Curated OER
A Stately Comparison
Fifth graders research two United States. They draw each state and contact state tourism departments for travel brochures and guides. They create a graph of where people live and why and a letter explaining why they would move to one...
Curated OER
United States Geography and Topography
Fifth graders recognize the major regions of the US while reading a map. Students study the physical features of the US. Student research and report on states and their capitols.
Curated OER
Research a State in the United States
Students research one state of the United States of their choice. Using the internet, they gather as much information about the state as possible along with appropriate images. They present their findings to the class in the form of a...
Curated OER
U.S. State Web Search
Second graders engage in an integrated lesson which combines classroom curriculum with Internet use of online reference resources. They, in pairs, are assigned a state to research on the internet. They utilize a worksheet imbedded in...
University of New Mexico
Let's Travel
Fourth graders work in groups to research various locations across the United States. They present their findings to the class, participate in a travel fair, make phone calls to tourist agencies and write letters to state tourism...
Curated OER
The State Seal Online Lesson
Fourth graders investigate the Seal of the State of California and the meaning of its parts.
Curated OER
The Haitian Political Crisis: What Role Should the U.S. Play in Foreign Governments?
Students examine the political situation in Haiti. They share their opinions on the role the United States should play in foreign governments. They identify the causes of the turmoil in the country as well.
Curated OER
Churches and Taxes
Churches have been tax-exempt since the founding of America, but should they be? Pupils ponder the question as they browse the website in preparation for a class debate or discussion. They research the history of tax-exemption for...
Curated OER
Concealed Handguns
Should adults be allowed to carry concealed handguns? Pupils use the website to research the topic thoroughly and weigh the pros and cons. They read background information on gun control and learn about the main arguments surrounding the...
ProCon
President Ronald Reagan
At 69 years old, Ronald Reagan was the oldest man ever to be elected president in the United States. After reviewing a thorough history of Reagan's presidency, pupils read the main pro and con arguments to determine if he was a good...
Curated OER
Fifty States Field Day
Students complete a research project regarding a specific state in the United States. They use this information to create a presentation they share with other students. They choose an activity to go with their presentation.
Curated OER
A Bird's Eye View of our 50 States
Third graders focus on state birds as they learned absolute location (latitude/longitude) of each state, as well as their relative location (bordering states).
Annenberg Foundation
Native Voices
The Navajo people build their dwellings with the doors facing the rising sun in the east to welcome wealth and fortune. Pupils learn about the traditions of the Navajo people in the first part of a 16-part unit. They explore American...
Curated OER
Country's Music
Jazz, Blue Grass, Hip Hop, Swing. Gospel, R&B, Ragtime, Disco. So many music genres born in the USA. After reading an article about the fate of New Orlean's Jazz after Hurricane Katrina, class members investigate the life cycles of...