Curated OER
National expansion of the United States (1815 to 1850), and its connection to local Illinois history.
Students discuss the importance of establishing the I & M Canal water route. They watch a video about the canal's history. They collect and write a personal migration story by interviewing a family member. They analyze trends and...
Curated OER
Who Was Here?
Students explore how their community has also had various waves of immigration over the years. It asks students to visit a local cemetery and examine the names and dates on the headstones to find evidence of who lived in the community...
Curated OER
African Masks (Pre-Visit)
Second graders observe and describe several masks from different parts of Africa housed in the Smithsonian Institute (National Museum of African Art) Washington, D.C. They use the internet to view the Smithsonian's virtual exhibits.
Curated OER
Freedom to Worship
Students investigate reasons why people sought freedom to worship in the United States and some of the difficulties and issues facing them in their immigration. As immigrants, they write letters to family members in the old country.
Curated OER
Penny for your thoughts
Students look at a variety of pieces of art and discuss them according to moods or feelings expressed. They pick a piece of art that they like and then write a poem or story to go with it.
Curated OER
There Were Many Paths to Freedom
Middle schoolers explore the Underground Railroad in the history of Pennsylvania.
Curated OER
Ybor City Historic District
Students analyze the role cigar making played in Ybor City. They examine how cigars are made and the different societies who helped immigrants keep their identify. They compare and contrast their own community to Ybor City.
Curated OER
Chesapeake and Ohio Canal
Students use maps, readings, drawings, plans and photos to research and the importance of canals in the early industrial economy of America. They consider the development of the Potomac River Canal and research early transportation methods.
Smithsonian Institution
Smithsonian American Art Museum: Letters From Frontier: Primary Documents
George Catlin made extensive observations on the various native peoples that he encountered on his travels in the West. He recorded his experiences in letters and notes. These documents provide us with critical information on the culture...