How the Kansas-Nebraska Act created Bleeding Kansas is complicated—until scholars research and examine documents from the time. After completing activities that include mapping, photo, document analysis, and discussion, learners...

Why did Stephen Douglas support the Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854? Why did Abraham Lincoln oppose it? Young historians examine how the Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854 affected the political balance between free and slave states and explore how...

Seventh graders examine the implications of the Kansas-Nebraska Act. In this slavery lesson, 7th graders examine a map of 1820 America and discuss the balance of power implied by the map. Students then read Stephen Douglas's speech on...

How did the Missouri Compromise, the Compromise of 1850, and the Kansas-Nebraska Act contribute to the growing tensions that led to the Civil war? To better understand the events that led to the Civil War, young historians engage in a...

Through learning about the Oregon Trail and Nebraska, learners evaluate the elements of historical fiction. Coming with a comprehensive bibliography, this lesson plan has your class learn about settlers traveling along the Oregon Trail,...

The life of the pioneers was much different than the life a family today. Pupils use a "Now and Then" worksheet to compare and contrast how travel has changed over the last 100 years. Worksheets are included.

Just how long was the Long Drive? Learners investigate the movement of cattle in the Great Plains during the mid-1800s. They incorporate photographic, newspaper, video, and primary source evidence into their posters, artwork, and written...

Students determine how states were identified as slave states or free states. In this Kansas-Nebraska Act lesson, students explore the work of Eli Thayer as well as the work of Thayer's supporters in Massachusetts.

Young scholars explore entrepreneurs of Nebraska. In this business and social studies lesson, students research Nebraska entrepreneurs to discover the history of their successful company.

Young scholars will examine data and research the historical backgrounds of various ethnic immigrants. In this Immigration lesson, students will examine the impact of immigration on the state of Nebraska. Young scholars will research a...

Tenth graders investigate the historical and cultural ties that influence the ethnic character of communities and the local economics throughout the state of Nebraska. They collect data on cities and towns that hold ethnic festivals and...

Students research child labor laws in Nebraska and America. In this child labor lesson, students examine primary and secondary sources regarding legislation on child labor and create posters that highlight the laws of 1907 and 1910.

Students examine the weather in Nebraska. Using this information, they describe the cause and effect relationships in the environment based on these changes in weather. They write various types of poems with weather themes and share them...

Students investigate the relationship between state and national governments. They define the principles of American federalism how the constitution outlines the powers of state and federal government. Lesson focuses on Nebraska...

Students examine the general concept of representative democracy, and compare/contrast the American representative democracy to the monarchical system. They research the role of legislative bodies in serving the government, particularly...

Students explore the counties of Nebraska. In this Nebraska history lesson, students examine maps of the state and determine the location of specific counties and conduct research on them. Students also use the county names to fill in...

Utilizing the Nebraska State Quarter, pupils learn about the pioneers who had wagons that were pulled across Nebraska by oxen during the westward movement. Excellent worksheets are embedded in the plan that guide them through this fine...

Learners study about animals that have lived in Nebraska in the past, and animals that currently live in Nebraska. They examine how animal life changed since the early beginnings and what has caused these changes?

Students examine child labor laws. In this social justice activity, students compare and contrast child labor laws of the United States and the state of Nebraska. Students research primary sources and complete the included analysis...

Fourth graders explore notable Nebraska. In this lesson on the history of Nebraska, 4th graders will use primary sources to research people of events from Nebraska's history. Students will create a presentation to share their findings....

High schoolers review photos of billboards from Nebraska highways. Using these billboards as examples, students design a billboard promoting a city in Nebraska.

Did Western settlers receiving free land from the Homestead Act realize it wasn't really free at all? Scholars investigate the impact Western expansion had on Native American culture in the mid-1800s. They use documents, timelines, and...

What are the characteristics of an outstanding citizen? Nebraskan J. Sterling Morton contributed to the formation of societal and family values in his state. Learners gather information on Morton's life accomplishments from primary...

Have you ever wondered how your town was placed where it is? Scholars research the impact the advancement of the railroad due to the passage of the Kansas-Nebraska Act had on the formation of civilization in the Great Plains. Map...