Learners examine provisions of USA PATRIOT Act and controversies that led the ACLU to take legal action against the legislation. They create, conduct, and document results of a survey related to the PATRIOT Act and controversies...

First graders read the story Why Koala Has A Stumpy Tail and complete language arts activities with it. Students have discussions, read, write, spell, and act out the story.

Students investigate the impact of the passage of the Homestead Act. In this Westward Expansion lesson, students visit selected websites to examine the lives of Americans who settled the American frontier.

Students analyze historical events to develop a historical perspective. In this critical analysis lesson, students read excerpts, primary sources and other materials in order to understand the Native American Removal that occurred during...

Third graders explore important events leading up to the Revolutionary War. In this Revolutionary War lesson, 3rd graders work in pairs to research dates and important events prior to the Revolutionary War. Class discussion is followed...

Students examine political cartoons. In this colonial America instructional activity, students analyze political cartoons pertaining to the Stamp Act.

Fourth graders take an unannounced test (failure is expected) and the top scores are rewarded with candy bars. They compare this test to the literacy tests given before 1960 and votes to candybars. They journal their responses.

Students investigate the concept of different words and how they are used in specific texts. They develop scripts based upon readings and then design props and costumes to act out the new text. Students read to one another using the...

Students examine cause and effect. In this American Revolution lesson, students analyze primary source documents regarding the Stamp Act, the Boston Massacre, and George Washington. Students imagine if the events had unfolded differently...

Seventh graders examine the importance of being organized when making transitions. In this organization instructional activity, 7th graders watch a teacher demonstration of entering a room in a disorganized manner before discussing how...

In this vocabulary and word study worksheet, students explore the prefix trans- as they match 10 words to the correct definitions. Students may also complete the challenge question at the bottom of the sheet.

Students develop their social skills and learn what it means to be responsible. For this responsibility lesson, students read a book about the topic, discuss the book, and list reasons why to act responsibly. Students work in groups to...

Students participate in group activities to stimulate group discussions. They respond to statements by listening, reacting, reading, and modifying them. They discuss the statements of their group and listen to those created by the other...

Students become familiar with the polite forms of conversation that are used in this country. They role play making requests using polite forms. Students write an appropriate thank you not to a host or hostess. This lesson is intended...

Three scripted lessons comprise a unit designed to inform special needs students about their rights and responsibilities in high school. In the first lesson class members examine the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA), Child Find,...

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...

Introduce a study of the presidency of Andrew Jackson with a lesson that uses video clips, primary source documents, group activities, and debates to examine Jackson's early life and career. The lesson focuses on the 1828 election and...

A civil rights movement lesson designed specifically with the Common Core State Standards in mind, young learners are introduced to the story of Ruby Bridges as the first African American child to attend an all-white elementary...

Go West, young man! Scholars investigate the impact of African American settlers moving to the Nebraska territory, following the passage of the Kansas-Nebraska Act in the mid 1800s. Using primary sources, timelines, maps, and...

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...

Racial Profiling. Class members chart what they know and what they want to know about this hot-button topic. 

Can the president of the United States defy the rulings of the Supreme Court? Students investigate the case of Worcester v. Georgia and the impact it had on society and, most importantly, Native Americans. Using a short video clip as...

President John F. Kennedy bought 1,200 Cuban cigars the night before he enacted the Cuban trade embargo in 1962. Should the United States maintain the embargo? Using the website, pupils explore the topic to prepare for a class debate or...

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...