Curated OER
The 1950s:
Teens will get a kick out of this presentation, which provides a glimpse of the consumerism and rising pop culture of 1950's America. They will especially appreciate the discussion of "Teen culture" including the music of Elvis, the...
Curated OER
Baby Boomer TV Worksheets
In this crossword puzzle worksheet, students complete a 22 clue crossword puzzle about television shows that were popular in the 1950's and 1960's.
Curated OER
Television
Students investigate the invention of television and examine its role in their lives. They read and discuss an informational handout, list the pros and cons of television on a worksheet, and create a class pie graph illustrating the...
Annenberg Foundation
Becoming Visible
The television and interstate highways both came of age in 1950s America. Scholars use film, text, and discussion to explore how these and other cultural icons shaped the literature of the time. Pupils also create a family history...
Curated OER
America in the 1950's
In this America in the 1950's worksheet, students read about housing, education, entertainment, and the Cold War in the 1950s. Students then answer 5 questions about this time.
Curated OER
1950’s American Culture: Television, Fashion, and Music
Sixth graders investigate the impact of popular culture on Americans. In this 1950's America lesson, 6th graders view television clips, listen to audio clips, and look over fashion photographs from the decade. Students then discuss...
Curated OER
Rock n' Rollin in the '50s
High schoolers explore the culture of the United States in the 1950's. In this history lesson, students research culture in the 1950's, with a focus on fashion, music, television, automobiles, etc., then work in groups to create a...
Curated OER
A New Twist on Race Relations
Learners analyze the impact of American Bandstand on race relations. In this race relations instructional activity, learners use the music and dance show American Bandstand to learn about race relations. Learners categorize pivotal...
Curated OER
On the Air
Students explore the issue of race in television since the 1950's, focusing specifically on African-American entertainers. After researching important issues, events, and television personalities of specific decades, students create TV...
Curated OER
The History of Rock and Roll: Part 10 - Up From the Underground - Lesson 1
Students discuss the effect music videos have had on the role of the music. They examine how developments in technology have effected the music industry.
Curated OER
"West Side Story"
In this music history worksheet, students discover the musical "West Side Story" by first reading a summary of the plot. Students answer 5 questions about the story line. Students then read and analyze the lyrics to "America" and discuss...
Other
Museum of Broadcast Communications: Golden Age of Television Drama
Provides an article on the Golden Age of television drama (1949-1960). Discusses the different shows that were on in that era and why it is called "the golden age of television."
Other
Bouwmans of the Northwest: Television at the Sheckler's
Provides short descriptions of various television shows in the 1940's and 1950's.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Mit: Open Course Ware: Understanding Television
A course from MIT on the cultural history of television. Includes readings, assignments, exams, and videos of lectures.
Wessels Living History Farm
Living History Farm: Television During the 1950s and 60s
Read a history of television in the 1950s and 1960s to see how it became such a cultural icon. Find out about the many genres of television that were broadcast during that time.
PBS
Pbs: Picture Power
An overview of early television and its impact on American society. Also, two interviews with people who remember watching their first TV!
Other
Fifties Web: Tv News Shows in the 50's
Pictures and text. Information about Edward R. Murrow, John Cameron Swayze and others.
Other
Fifties Web
Explore popular culture of the 1950s and 1960s. Learn about the cars, tv shows, music, fashion, pop history, slang, and celebrities of those eras.
Other
Would You believe.com: Catchphrases
A fun website devoted to the popular 1960's TV series, Get Smart starring Don Adams. This show was known for its many catchphrases, some of which are still around.