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The Relationships and Cultural Exchanges Between Native Americans and the Hudson's Bay Company at Fort Vancouver

For Teachers 1st - 5th
Students are introduced to the geography of the Columbia River basin and its history. Using the internet, they research the relationships between the Native Americans and the Hudson Bay Company. They also discuss the effects on the...
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Lewis and Clark: Meeting the Indians of the Northwest

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders examine the relationships forged with Native Americans by Lewis and Clark. In this Westward Expansion lesson, 8th graders research digital and print sources to study details regarding the Native American tribes that Lewis...
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Manifest Destiny and the Power of Perspective

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students examine the concept of Manifest Destiny and the United States. They analyze the Mexican War from the perspective of the Mexicans and the Indians. They write an essay about these different perspectives.
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The World's Columbian Exposition

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Students interpret historical evidence presented in primary and secondary resources. In this technological advancements lesson, students research and share information regarding technologies and inventions featured at the World's...
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War and International Law:America’s Foreign Policy: A Brief History

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students discover the history of American foreign policy. In this foreign policy lesson, students listen to their instructor present a lecture that presents a brief history of American foreign policy. Students respond to...
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Are We There Yet?

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Students estimate the time needed by the Corps of Discovery to complete its expedition. They problem solve and estimate the distance covered by the Corps on its expedition. They compare their findings to the expedition's actual rates...
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History Detectives

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders investigate the significant events in America's history. Students listen to a variety of books based on significant historical events in America. Students divide into 6 groups, each of which is responsible for researching...
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History of Immigration From the 1850's to the Present

For Teachers 11th
Eleventh graders study the history of immigration from 1850 to the present.  In this American History lesson, 11th graders compare the 1924 and 1965 immigration acts and give a reasoned opinion on each.  Students research,...
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I Want To Take A Picture In 1866!

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders examine the role of technology. In the Civil War lesson, 8th graders look at the advent of photography and determine the impact of photography on the Civil War.
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American Growth and Expansion in the late 1800s

For Teachers 11th
Eleventh graders examine a picture of John Gast's, American Progress to determine what they know about American growth between 1877- 1900. By working through thirteen center or folder activities, they study the economics,...
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The Goldilocks Principle: A Model of Atmospheric Gases

For Teachers 6th - 9th
Students discuss the characteristics of the Goldilocks Principle. They discover the pressure and chemical composition of Venus and Mars. They discuss how the Earth's temperature is affected by the atmosphere.
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Gray Whales on the Move

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students study whale migration and their natural history.  In this migration lesson plan students plot whale migration on a map and describe their ecosystems. 
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Applied Science- Built environment Lab (Trains)

For Teachers 2nd - 5th
Students examine transportation. In this train design lesson, students study how trains work and how to efficiently design a track by working with an electric train set. As a class they compare various types of trains and work...
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Oregon Trail Diary

For Teachers 5th - 11th
Young scholars pretend they are on the Oregon Trail and keep a diary of their adventures. In this Oregon Trail lesson plan, students write about their decisions to move, crossing rivers, buying supplies, and more.
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The Tibet Question

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Students examine the history or relations between China and Tibet. For this research skills lesson, students investigate the relationship between Tibet and China as they explore provided Internet links. Students write position...
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Oregon Trail Diary

For Teachers 5th - 11th
Students write a diary. In this writing and creativity lesson, students pretend they are moving west and keep a diary about their adventures. Students study real-life scenarios about families who made the trip out west before writing...
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Geography: Why Is the Sacremento Valley a Good Place to Grow Rice?

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders locate the Sacramento Valley in California where rice is grown. In this rice growing location lesson, 3rd graders locate the Sacremento Valley, California on a map, and color the mountain ranges and terrain that is around...
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Chief Joseph and the Nez Perce

For Teachers 11th
Eleventh graders explore the life of Chief Joseph and Nez Perce.  In this US History lesson, 11th graders analyze paintings and photos detailing the flight of Nez Perce.  Students create a narrative newspaper article based on...
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Fables and Trickster Tales Around the World

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Students analyze fables and trickster tales from various cultural traditions. In this fable analysis lesson, students identify the elements of fables and trickster stories. Students read Aesop's fables and Ananse spider stories....
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Moving West with the Forts: Using an Interactive Map

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students discern a map of Texas and it's forts in the early to mid-1800's. From this map they analyze movement from the moment Texas became a state to its involvement in the Civil War.
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Mount Auburn Cemetery

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Learners use photos, maps and reading materials to examine the history and role of Mount Auburn Cemetery. They analyze the landscape of the cemetery, consider how it affects visitor's emotions and feelings and then design an original...
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Mapmaking: Colorado Quarter Reverse

For Teachers K - 1st
Students examine the Colorado quarter reverse and draw symbols of the state's land and water features on maps. Using copies of the Colorado reverse, they color the coin design. They list reasons for the state's motto of "Colorful Colorado"
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Lindenwald: Martin Van Buren

For Teachers 5th - 12th
Students examine maps, readings, photos, drawings and political cartoons in order to describe the personality and character of Martin Van Buren as reflected by his lifestyle. They identify Van Buren's political views and political issues...
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Oregon City: A Convergence of Endings

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Young scholars describe the activities that occurred in the Willamette Valley before the establishment of the Oregon Trail and agricultural settlement and explain the impact that American settlement had on the landscape and native groups...