Learners use photographs to analyze the culture clash of Native Americans and arriving Colonists. In this loosing culture lesson, students will use primary sources to examine the cause and effect of the initial interaction that occurred...

Third graders compare different lifestyles.  In this settings lesson, 3rd graders read Colonial Life, determine similarities and differences between today and life in Colonial times and write a passage about these similarities and...

Examine popular language and slang and how they have changed over the course of American history. Conduct Internet research, use an online interactive Colonial House website to translate 17th century language into 21st century language,...

Students access the Library of Congress's collection of Broadsides (printed material with news, entertainment, advertisements, etc.) and explore their impact on events leading up to the Revolutionary War. They create a timeline with...

Delve into the world of political cartoons in a lesson on the American Revolution. Scholars practice analyzing an original political cartoon, answer questions, and participate in group discussion. Young academics gain an understanding of...

Students use primary documents to examine the attitudes and positions of several factions leading up to the American Revolutionary War. They read documents, debate differing perspectives and write an essay exploring the reasons for revolt.

Students take a virtual "Freedom Trail" tour to gather information and materials for a "newspaper" on the political situation in Boston in 1775. They describe historical places, people, and events connected to the beginning of the...

Middle schoolers examine Benjamin Franklin's contributions to the United States. In this Benjamin Franklin lesson, students analyze the sculpted depiction of Franklin by Hiram Powers. Middle schoolers also study Franklin's life,...

Eighth graders examine the battle waged in South Carolina over the American Revolution. In this American Revolution lesson, 8th graders analyze primary sources as they determine how the Loyalists and Patriots chose sides in the war.

Students define what it meant to be an American early on in the nation's history. In this American identity lesson, students examine the noted quotations and determine what was meant by each of the authors with regards to an American...

In this online interactive history quiz worksheet, students respond to 50 multiple choice questions about Samuel Adams. Students may submit their answers to be scored.

In this online interactive history quiz worksheet, students respond to 50 multiple choice questions about the French and Indian War. Students may submit their answers to be scored.

In this online interactive history quiz worksheet, students respond to 50 multiple choice questions about the American Revolution. Students may submit their answers to be scored.

Just what did Ben Franklin read? By juxtaposing Ben Franklin’s reading material as a young man with an analysis of his developed ideas, learners gain the opportunity to see how the influences of his youthful reading played out. Roman,...

While Benjamin Franklin enjoyed fame and success in colonial Philadelphia, that was not the experience of all coming to the British colonies. Young scholars trace the life of an indentured servant using a scholarly biography and reading...

Role-play and simulation exercises are fantastic ways to help learners understand the reality behind many social and historical events. Pretending they are colonists, upper graders choose a location, create a history, establish laws, and...

Analyze a primary source document "Our America" which depicts a Spanish-American point of view. The class answers 3 critical-thinking questions based on the reading and create a time line of Cuba's struggle for independence. 

Where did the cherished ideals enshrined in the Bill of Rights originate? While history gives the Founding Fathers much of the credit, laws in colonial America influenced the Bill of Rights. An interactive web-based activity allows...

A great presentation awaits young historians as they delve into the causes, types, and motives for British Imperialism. Each slide provides clear information regarding new imperialism occurring from 1875-1948. Justifications for...

Students research one of the original 13 colonies using the included worksheet. They also record their findings on a poster board to use during a class presentation. Students then take notes on the presentations using the provided...

Students embark on a journey through colonial times.  In this early settlement lesson, students come to understand what life was like for the settlers in the early colonies. Students research and create projects illustrating their...

Fifth graders compare and contrast two early colonies and make a T chart. They list examples of worked well and what did not, and significant historical events. They use higher order thinking skills by deducing how different scenarios...

Students explore issues that might be discussed at the G8 summit meeting hosted by the U.S. after reading and discussing the article "World Leaders Get a Glimpse of America's High Life" from The New York Times. Students work in groups...

High schoolers examine slavery in the revolutionary and colonial eras of the United States. In this slavery lesson, students investigate the presence of slavery in early America, the language of the Constitution, and the intent of the...