Smithsonian Institution
The Soldier’s Experience—Vietnam versus World War I
The Vietnam War and World War I were two very important—and different—wars. To understand the differences, and similarities, class members watch videos, examine primary source documents, and then create a newscast that examines the...
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Art Critic for a Day!
Middle schoolers practice evaluating art by creating a research project and presentation. They use the Internet and library to discover a piece of art or artist whom they feel has an impact on the world of art. Next, they create a...
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Oral History: Park City Museum
Bring U.S. history to your language arts class with this lesson. Middle schoolers complete an interview for an oral history project, and discuss the importance of oral histories - and how they embellish written accounts. They write...
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Haring Animations
Students inquire about visual arts by examining an animation clip. In this art technology lesson, students discuss the history of art after researching information on the Internet. Students view animated video clips which feature...
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Christopher Columbus Who?
Students recreate a "60-minutes" interview using cue cards and historical information on the Chinese explorer Zheng He. This lesson is an excellent introduction to World History during the 1400's.
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Museum Practice for Students
Before any of us can learn to enjoy a trip to an art museum, we need to learn how to behave. This list of activities describe the behavior expected on a trip to an art museum. Each behavior comes with an activity intended to demonstrate...
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Putting Back the Pieces
Seventh graders become museum conservators and undertake the hypothetical restoration of an ancient American work of art. Groups design a plan for reconstructing the work of art, outlining the steps they need to take and the materials...
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Analyzing Poetry and Characters
Students investigate historical context by reading poetry. In this language arts lesson plan, students discover the work of Michael Longley and examine his poem "Ceasefire." Students identify the sonnets used in the piece and...
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The Treaty Trail: U.S. - Clothing That Talks: Meaning and Material Culture
Students investigate the cultures of Native Americans and Euro-Americans through their clothing. In this photograph analysis lesson, students observe historic photographs and analyze the style of clothes people wore and how it...
American Battlefield Trust
Antietam 360
It was the single bloodiest day in Civil War history. Now, class members have the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of soldiers who fought in the Battle of Antietam using an interactive website. Supplemental resources include...
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My Secret War - The WWII Diary of Madeline Beck: Lesson 2
Fifth graders explore world history by reading historical fiction. In this World War II lesson plan, 5th graders read the story My Secret War and identify the importance of fiction when analyzing history. Students answer study questions...
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Colonial History: Fearless and faaithful
Students discuss reasons why early europeans immigrated to North America. Working in groups, they complete Internet activities on the PBS Website. They take a simulated voyage to the new world and rercord their actions on worksheets. ...
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Colonial America
Students discover the history of Colonial America by creating a class presentation. In this U.S. History lesson, students utilize the Internet to research one of 20 topics in which they will create a PowerPoint or other type of...
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Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Fourth graders research and write an author report on Roald Dahl, including books written by him, birthplace, family life, and other information on his writing. Students read aloud chapters in the book. Students create a newspaper...
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The Aerial Age
Students infer America's attitude towards aviation in the early 1900s. In this The Aerial Age lesson, students analyze early 1900s literature, music, advertisements, and popular culture in reference to aviation. Students represent their...
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The Decision to Americanize the War in Vietnam
Students research the major events of the Vietnam War and construct a timeline. They do the same with the presidency of Lyndon B. Johnson or the 1960's. They act as an advisor to President Johnson to recommend a course of action...
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FINANCE AND RESPONSIBLE LENDING.
Students study the role of banks, lending and their services. In this analysis lesson, students learn about savings, checking accounts and lending and the importance of banks as financial intermediaries.
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The Bill of Rights in Times of National Crisis
Students examine the ability of the government to suspend individual rights in times of national crisis. They formulate a constitutional amendment that clearly states if, when, how and by whom the rights of individuals can be suspended.
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Egyptian Expedition
Students identify and analyze ancient Egypt and interpret how to develop bibliographical references. They research topics using multiple resources and various forms of media of media. Finally, students practice and deliver an oral...
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Social Studies: Native american Tribal Sovereignty
Students examine the issue of tribal sovereignty for Native Americans. Following a mock trial simulation based on the case of Johnson v. McIntosh, they write opinion papers based on the results of the Supreme Court decision in 1823.
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Introduction to Keith Haring
Students experience a dance club-like environment one would find in Haring's 1980's. They dress in 80's clothes and learn break dancing moves. They relate the experience to Haring's artwork and explain his influences.
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Microbes and Health
Sixth graders become acquainted with the concept of how microorganisms cause disease. They role play that some class members have exhibited some alarming symptoms. Groups must determine which disease the symptoms are pointing to.
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Urban Renewal
Eleventh graders write down their best guess at the meaning of "urban renewal." students stage a Mayor's press conference announcing a new urban development plan for the Fillmore.