Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Abraham Lincoln and the Arts

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Young scholars engage in a study of history and how the figure of Abraham Lincoln has evolved into a national cultural icon. They discuss the importance of his life and how he influenced the political landscape of America in the past and...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Dramatizing Your Story

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students write a script, planning and recording improvisations based on personal experience and heritage, imagination, literature and history.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

I Dream of Genome

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High school learners identify chemical and structural properties of DNA and explain the differences between genotype and phenotype. They develop a scientific investigation to determine the ethnic heritage of a large group of people. 
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Where I Come From

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students discuss the countries and cultures that are part of their family history. They research the country their family "came from" and write a report.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

One World

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students explore the urban socioeconomic and political problems in the US that caused hip hop to emerge in the 70's and 80's. Hip Hop culture is explored and related to the genre of art form.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Gold Rush in Photos

For Teachers 10th - 11th
Students examine historical images of the Alaskan Gold Rush and complete a worksheet to better explain this era. They create a PowerPoint related to the images.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Appreciating Our American Heritage

For Teachers 9th - 11th
Students learn about the Chinese culture via literature. They read the poetry of Cathy Song, considering national pride as Americans and Chinese.
Lesson Plan
Academy of American Poets

Thanksgiving with Richard Blanco's "América"

For Teachers 6th - 8th Standards
Traditions, like the times, are a-changin'. Middle schoolers conduct a close reading of Richard Blanco's poem "América" and consider how Blanco's family approached his suggestions for adopting a new approach to their Thanksgiving meal.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Sing a Song of Coinage

For Teachers K - 1st
Students examine the Tennessee state quarter. They discuss Tennessee's musical heritage, examine all of the coins and as a group, create a song about coins or money. They also complete worksheets pertaining to the lesson.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

A Nation of Many Cultures

For Teachers K - 5th
Students create a presentation about themselves to share with the class. They include information from their family and their heritage. They compare and contrast their culture to their classmates.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

American Immigration Past and Present

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Students simulate a Commission hearing in which the class attempt to arrive at an immigration policy; individual essays by each student; and, if time permits, individual or group projects based on some aspect of America's immigration...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Great Seal

For Teachers 2nd - 3rd
Students study patriotic symbols of America. In this American history instructional activity, students construct a KWL chart on United States symbols and examine visuals of the Great Seal and bald eagle. Students create another symbol...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Beisbol! Latino Baseball Pioneers and Legends

For Teachers 1st - 6th
Students explore Latin America by researching the favorite past time, baseball. In this Latin culture lesson, students identify the leaders in the Latin American baseball movement such as Felipe Alou, Jose Mendze, and the great Roberto...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Cultural Discovery and Identity Project Generation Journey

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students create a genealogy book tracing their heritage many generations back. They examine their own ethnicity, attitudes, and self-awareness. They examine new American trends regarding family structure and ethnicity.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

My Country 'Tis of Thee with American Symbols

For Teachers 2nd - 3rd
Students study the various patriotic symbols which represent America. They choose one, research its history, and write a report about it. They make a drawing of the symbol and use the drawing in a PowerPoint presentation for the rest of...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Immigration and Identity

For Teachers 2nd - 5th
Students will analyze four historical events: The Annexation of U.S. Southwest, The Mexican Revolution, The Great Depression, and World War II. They determine how each event affected immigration to the U.S. from Mexico and Central...
Unit Plan
Curated OER

Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson Literature Study Guide

For Teachers 7th - 12th Standards
Yo-ho-ho, Treasure Island can be lots of fun with the aid of a resource that guides readers' exploration of Robert Louis Stevenson's classic tale of buccaneers and buried gold. It's the glory of the read that will turn your...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

A Cultural Palette

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers examine pieces of music and art that represent who they are. They study Haitian culture and traditions by performing the musical production "Once on the Island." They watch and discuss the film "The Nature of Music."
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Anne Frank: Heritage

For Teachers 9th - 11th
Pupils research questions about their ancestors and their family history. They discuss their findings and include problems of immigrants today.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Visual Arts, Literary Arts, and Performing Arts: Their Connection and Place in America's Minority Culture

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students explore the rich, varied, and full artistic culture of each of these three minority groups, Native Americans, Chicanos, and African Americans. They explore art through dance, music, literature, and many other different mediums....
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Social Changes in America Caused by World War II

For Teachers 10th - 11th
Students research and examine the social changes that occured in the United States during World War II. In pairs they conduct research using a variety of resources, and organize and compose a "Guide to Life" for veterans returning home...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Thanksgiving

For Teachers K
Students discuss Thanksgiving and create a chart for things that we and the Pilgrims are thankful for. In this Thanksgiving lesson plan, students realize Thanksgiving is a way of remembering and honoring people and events in America.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

State of Mind: Inventing the American Identity

For Teachers 7th - 10th
Students define national identity, explain importance of having national identity, describe America's national identity, work together and formulate class vision of what America's national identity is, identify United States symbols and...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Becoming a "Gringo" Immigrants, Language Learning and Acculturation

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Young scholars examine the experience by immigrants coming to America who are Spanish-speaking. As a class, they define "Gringo" and read poems whose authors first language is Spanish. In groups, they participate in different sections...