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Leaving Home for the West - Why?
Students examine primary sources regarding American movement to the west. In this westward expansion lesson, students create broadside posters based on the Homestead Act primary sources they research.
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America at the Centennial
Students explore centennial America. For this American history lesson, students search the Library of Congress digital collections for primary sources regarding the lifestyles and values of Americans in 1876. Students design exhibits to...
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The American West: Images of Its People
Students interpret historical evidence presented in primary resources. In this American West activity, students examine photographs that reveal the cultural components of the West and then write narratives regarding the photographs.
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Ideas have Consequences—The Reformation
Students examine information regarding the Protestant Reformation. In this primary source analysis lesson plan, students read teacher-selected primary sources that enable them to analyze the ideas and consequences of the Reformation.
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The Huexotzinco Codex
Students examine primary sources and perform historical analysis. In this Huexotzinco Codex lesson plan, students investigate the codex as they make inferences and draw conclusions
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Japanese American Internment
Eleventh graders examine Japanese-American internment. In this World War II lesson plan, 11th graders research primary sources that they locate to learn about the experiences of the interned Japanese-Americans. Students then complete a...
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Baseball, Race and Ethnicity: Rounding the Bases
Students consider Race and Ethnicity in baseball. In this American history lesson, students examine primary source images of American baseball. They then develop an original argument, pose historical questions and conduct Internet research.
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Mathew Brady: Civil War
Eighth graders interpret historical evidence presented in primary resources. In this Civil War lesson, students analyze photographs taken by Mathew Brady.
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Interpreting Political Cartoons – Vietnam Era
Eleventh graders explore opinions regarding U.S. involvement in Vietnam. In this primary source analysis lesson, 11th graders analyze political cartoons related to the Vietnam War and then respond to the provided discussion questions.
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The American Dream
Young scholars define the American dream. In this primary research lesson, students search the Library of Congress digital collections for primary sources regarding the ideal of the American dream. Young scholars create...
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The Most American Thing in America: The Chautauqua
Middle schoolers explore the Chautauqua movement. In this Pennsylvania history lesson, students use primary documents to explore what the Chautauqua was and how it made a difference in the American way of life.
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Worksheet for Analysis of a Broadside or Leaflet
In this primary source analysis worksheet, learners respond to 15 short answer questions that require them to analyze leaflets or brochures of their choice.
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The Garber Family Letters: Recreating 19th-Century Family
Students interpret primary sources and recreate the story of the Garber family.
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Worksheet for Analysis of a Map
For this primary source analysis worksheet, students respond to 6 short answer questions that require them to analyze the maps of their choice.
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Worksheet for Analysis of a Motion Picture
In this primary source analysis instructional activity, high schoolers respond to 14 short answer questions that require them to analyze the motion picture of their choice.
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Abolish the Office of Governor
Students explore the history of the Pennsylvania Constitution of 1776. In this historical analysis instructional activity, students analyze the constitution of the state and determine how citizens benefited (or didn't benefit) from the...
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A Letter Read 'Round the World
Learners examine primary document to examine the concept of free assembly, and analyze Dr. Martin Luther King Jr's letter to the clergy to explain the rationale for this tactic to advance civil rights.
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Education, Design & Empowerment: Part One
Students consider the connection between poverty and education. In this language arts and social studies lesson plan, students research primary and secondary sources in order to explore the relationship between education and poverty.
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Ancient Tablets, Ancient Graves: Accessing Women's Lives in Mesopotamia
Students explore the role of women in ancient Mesopotamia. Several excerpts from the Mesopotamian cuneiform tablets and artifacts are analyzed to determine the treatment, rights, and powers of women in this era.
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Women in the WWII Workplace: Propaganda vs. Reality
In this propaganda instructional activity, students analyze posters of Rosie the Riveter and respond to 4 short answer questions about the poster and World War II realities.
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Mali
Seventh graders begin the lesson by reading primary sources about the country of Mali. Using maps drawn in the past, they discuss what they can gather about the country from the map and how it has changed over time. They use a graphic...
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Child Labor Laws in the United States and the State of Nebraska
Young scholars examine child labor laws. For this social justice lesson, students compare and contrast child labor laws of the United States and the state of Nebraska. Young scholars research primary sources and complete the included...
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Olaudah Equiano
Eighth graders describe in detail a time in their life when they were the most afraid, causes of the fear and how they overcame it. This experience is compared/contrasted to the actual circumstances behind slave auction blocks. They read...
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Worksheet for Analysis of a Postcard
In this primary source analysis learning exercise, students respond to 11 short answer questions that require them to analyze the pictured postcard.