Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The State of Mormonism

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students investigate the history of Mormonism and how this religion has shaped Utah's identity. They explore various websites, answer discussion questions, take a virtual tour of the Mormon Trail, and read newspaper articles about...
Article
National Humanities Center

National Humanities Center: Teacher Serve: Mormonism and the American Mainstream

For Students 9th - 10th
Essay on the origins of Mormonism and the challenges associated with its eventual establishment into the American mainstream.
Article
PBS

Pbs: Interview With Jon Butler on the Mormon Religion and History

For Students 9th - 10th
A very good interview with a historian on the origins of the Mormon Church, its early history in America and comments about the issue of dissent with the Church.
Website
Other

Joseph Smith Biography

For Students 9th - 10th
An in-depth biography on the life of Joseph Smith beginning at his upbringing as a child up until his death at the hands of an angry mob.
Website
BBC

Bbc Religion and Ethics Homepage: Mormonism

For Students 9th - 10th
A full-featured site from the BBC about Mormonism, with information on the history, customs, beliefs, modes of worship, and holy days of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Handout
Utah Education Network

Uen: Utah History Encyclopedia: Immigration to Utah

For Students 9th - 10th
This resource looks at Mormon immigration into the state of Utah during the 19th century.
Handout
Utah Education Network

Uen: Utah History Encyclopedia: Manifesto

For Students 9th - 10th
This resource examines the history of polygamy--being married to more than one woman--in the Mormon Church.
Handout
Utah Education Network

Uen: Utah History Encyclopedia: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

For Students 9th - 10th
This resource provides information on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from the Utah History Encyclopedia. Includes discussion of the Church's organization, teachings, practices, and history.
Handout
Utah Education Network

Uen: Utah History Encyclopedia: Polygamy

For Students 9th - 10th
Discussion of the history of polygamy in the Mormon church from the Utah History Encyclopedia.
Primary
PBS

Pbs Learning Media: Primary Source Set: Mormon Migration

For Students 9th - 10th
This collection uses primary sources to explore Mormon migration.
Website
PBS

Pbs: Faq Sheet on the Mormon Faith

For Students 9th - 10th
A series of questions with answers on the Mormon religion such as what are the major beliefs, rituals associated with Mormonism and what it is like to be a Mormon.
Article
PBS

Pbs: The Path to Utah Statehood

For Students 9th - 10th
A series of four good articles on why Utah was not allowed to become a state until it outlawed the Mormon practice of polygamy in 1890. The articles also contain primary source documents.
Website
PBS

Pbs: Faq Sheet on the Mormon Church's Growth, Structure and Reach

For Students 9th - 10th
A series of questions and answers on the current size of the Mormon Church, how is is spreading around the world, the role it plays in Utah and its finances.
Website
Other

Writings of Joseph Smith

For Students 9th - 10th
A short overview of the book "Doctrine and Covenants" written by Joseph Smith. This resource also provides a short introduction to the "Pearl of Great Price" and "The Book of Mormon".
Handout
Utah Education Network

Uen: Utah History Encyclopedia: Joseph Smith, Jr.

For Students 9th - 10th
Biography of the Mormon leader Joseph Smith.
Website
Other

The Original Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

For Students 9th - 10th
This website is is the homepage for "The Original" Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Read a brief history of this church and learn about leaders and locations associated with it.
Handout
Encyclopedia Britannica

Encyclopedia Britannica: Joseph Smith

For Students 9th - 10th
Encyclopedia Britannica presents a biography on Joseph Smith, American prophet whose writings, along with the Bible, provide the theological foundation of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and other Mormon denominations.
Website
Other

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter:the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

For Students 9th - 10th
Thorough introduction to the Mormon Religion. A good place to start. It also gives links to more information.
Website
Other

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

For Students 9th - 10th
This site includes a great deal of information on the Mormon faith, its people, and history.
Primary
Digital Public Library of America

Dpla: Mormon Migration

For Students 9th - 10th
The sources in this set help place the Mormon migration in geographic, political, religious, and cultural contexts, including other westward movement motivated by Manifest Destiny.
Article
Other

Latter Day Saints: The Testimony of Joseph Smith

For Students 9th - 10th
This article is from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints homepage. It concerns the beliefs of their leader Joseph Smith.