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Getting to Know the Kwakiutl Indians

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders identify who the Kwakiutl Indians were and where they lived. They describe the way of life of the Kwakiutl and identify the natural resources used by the Kwakiutl, and describe the Kwakiutl's beliefs about nature.
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Countries of Africa

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students investigate the different countries of Africa. In this African geography lesson, students choose an African country to investigate and construct the country's flag. Students use a map of Africa to color in their country.
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Working on the Railroad

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students plan a trip on the railroad.  In this railroad creation and implementation lesson, students listen to the song "Working on the Railroad", make a map of where the track was laid and discuss the geographical challenges. ...
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Hoosier Soldiers at Vicksburg

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders examine the role of Indiana soldiers at the Battle of Vicksburg. In this American Civil War activity, 8th graders listen to a lecture about the involvement of Indiana soldiers in the battle and then analyze letters written...
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Bison Gone: Appreciating Natural Resources

For Teachers 3rd - 12th
Students examine the effects of the loss of the bison after the Europeans arrived in North America. They conduct a demonstration using beans to demonstrate the difference between the number of bison before and after the arrival of the...
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Schoolhouses

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders research life in a one- room schoolhouse. They plan and carry out a mock day in a one-room schoolhouse. They make slates on a prior day by painting small boards with chalkboard paint.
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What is Canadian?

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Students explore how artworks can become symbols of national identity. They examine and analyze Song of the Nations, a site specific sculpture by Quebecois artist Armand Vaillancourt that expresses his views of Quebec's position...
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Modern Marco Polos: Searching for China

For Teachers 1st - 3rd
Students conduct Internet research to determine information about China's laws, government, philosophy, architecture, inventions, calendar and language. Students create a web site about ancient China and how it has influenced world history.
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Treaty Trail: Historical Perspectives Point of View

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers research the point of view of key figures present at the Walla Walla Treaty council. Students analyze primary and secondary sources to determine how various groups of people involved in the treaty council viewed the...
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From Smithson to Smithsonian: The Birth of an Institution

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students identify and evaluate primary and secondary sources relating to James Smithson and his gift to the United States. In this Smithson to Smithsonian lesson plan, students also examine the debate surrounding how to use the gift from...
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Regions of the United States

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders collect data about regions of the United States using the Internet, library books, and encyclopedias. They write an essay persuading people to visit their state.
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The Treaty Trail: US Indian Treaty Councils in the Northwest

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers research and examine primary sources concerning the Washington Territory. In this Native American removal lesson, students view portrait images created by Gustav Sohon. High schoolers then read several biographies that...
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Impact of Indian Removal

For Teachers 7th
Seventh graders consider how the majority sometimes enforces unjust laws upon the minority. For this Indian Removal lesson, 7th graders research Internet and print sources regarding the Indian Removal Act of 1830 and discuss its...
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Early Industrialization

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders analyze primary source documents emphasizing young people in factory labor (mill workers during 1840-1860). They study hours of labor, ages of laborers, reasons for working, and working conditions. They write a poem or song.
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Kids in the Colonies

For Teachers 1st - 2nd
Students compare and contrast family life in colonial America with life today. They describe what communities were like in colonial times and how they varied from life today. A spokesperson from each group will present a verbal report...
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Rationalizing Race in US History

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Students consider the classification of people. In this race studies instructional activity, students examine the concept of race as it relates to U.S. history and trends. Students research racial discrimination and prejudice in order to...
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George Washington's Foreign Policy

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Young scholars compare George Washington's foreign policy to the policies of presidents who followed him. In this primary source analysis instructional activity, students compare Washington's Farewell Address to the Roosevelt Corollary,...
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My Country, My Country: To Vote or Not to Vote

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers view a film about elections in Iraq. They examine the story of a doctor and his decisions to vote. They work together to complete a worksheet about voter turnout.
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Is Monopoly the Microsoft Board's Game?

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students first participate in an in-depth discussion about capitalism, monopolies, trusts, mergers, and the Sherman Antitrust Act. They work in groups to investigate past examples of corporations tried for antitrust act violations.
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Sorrow in Sudan

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students explore the various groups and organizations involved in the Darfur conflict. Through investigative research, students gain insight into this complex issue.
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Above the Law: Athletes in Trouble

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students watch segments of "Unforgiveable Blackness" in class. They analyze Jack Johnson's problems with the law and the legal trouble of other athletes today. They create a set of standards they believe athletes should follow.
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Create the Ideal City

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students examine the significance of city planning. They analyze maps, develop a crossword puzzle using vocabulary terms, and create a diagram of an ideal city and describe the features that make it healthy for the economy, the...
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How Can We Do Research on the Internet?

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Students demonstrate how to use the Internet to research historical individuals. In this technology lesson, students use the "Internet Coach" CD-ROM to identify how to gather information on the Internet. Students choose an important...
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Paying With Their Health

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Learners consider the plight of immigrant workers. In this undocumented immigrant lesson, students compare the worker of the Industrialization era to the undocumented immigrant workers of today. Learners read and discuss literature about...