Center for History Education
Democratic Ideas of the 1776 Maryland Constitution
1776 was a year of political upheaval in the American colonies. Academics examine the Maryland Constitution to understand the desire to break with Great Britain. Young historians learn about Maryland's efforts to extend rights to its...
San Antonio Independent School District
Colonies in the Americas
Compare and contrast the goals, types of government, interactions with Native Americans, and other important features of the Spanish, British, and French colonies in the Americas with this graphic organizer.
Curated OER
Revolutionary Money
Examine paper money from the American revolution! Historians study the paper bills and discuss the history of money. How has money changed over the times? Activities are included.
Curated OER
It's in Your Pocket
Students examine American coins. In this American currency lesson, students study how American money came to be as well as the responsibilities of the U.S. Mint. Students discover details regarding American coins and design their own coins.
San Antonio Independent School District
Breaking Down the Declaration of Independence
Are learners heavy sighing at the idea of reading a primary source, written in a language that is difficult to understand and in cursive? Look no further, because the resource breaks down the Declaration of Independence in an...
Curated OER
Government & Politics
In this United States history worksheet, students reference their textbook to answer 16 fill in the blank questions and 8 short answer questions regarding the early government of the nation.
Curated OER
The Boston Tea Party
Students analyze the impact of Tea Act in the colonies. In this colonial America lesson, students listen to their instructor present a lecture regarding the Tea Act, Samuel Adams's execution of the Boston Tea Party, and British reaction...
Curated OER
The Stamp Act of 1765
Eleventh graders explore the origins of colonial objections to "taxation without representation". In this American History lesson, 11th graders create a presentation on specific topics in relation to the Stamp Act.
Curated OER
We Are Colony! Settlement Design
Students explore government systems. In this colonial America lesson, students consider colonial settlement needs as they design settlements that can sustain themselves and meet the needs of colonists.
Curated OER
Taxation Without Representation
Eighth graders empathize with how colonists felt when they were taxed without representation. They use a metaphor of students and a school principal to describe the strained relationship that developed between the colonies and Britain.
Curated OER
Will the Real Ben Franklin Please Stand Up?
Students explore the life and accomplishments of Benjamin Franklin. In this colonial history lesson, students research Benjamin Franklin's work as a printer, a writer, a statesman, and an inventor. Students determine what his most...
Curated OER
Our System of Checks and Balances
Students study the governmental system of checks and balances between the individual branches. The balances are reviewed and the goal of the lesson is to develop and answer the question, "What are some ways the three branches of our...
Curated OER
Understanding Freedom: Catching "The Spirit of '76"
Sixth graders complete activities about colonial history through an examination of art from the American Revolution period. In this history and art lesson, 6th graders define an iconic image, sing the song 'Yankee Doodle,' and analyze...
Curated OER
The Jamestown Colonies
In this colonial American worksheet, students read a 1-page selection about the Jamestown Colony and then respond to 5 short answer questions about the selection.
Curated OER
Coming to America: A Look at Colonization in the 1600s
Students analyze the European colonization of America. In this colonial America instructional activity, students use provided Internet resources to research colonization and representative government. Students use their finding to create...
Curated OER
George Washington on the Sedition Act
Students investigate the Sedition Act and George Washington's position on the act. In this United States Colonial history lesson plan, students read about George Washington's position on the Sedition Act. Students then participate in a...
Curated OER
The Road to Democracy
Eleventh graders examine the road to the American Revolution. In this American Revolution lesson plan, 11th graders read Thomas Paine's works and identify the issues that the colonists had with the British government.
Curated OER
Council Grove: Site of the Hellgate Treaty
Students explore Native Americans and the migration of non native people to Montana. They investigate and interpret maps for information such as location of Indian reservations, transportation routes and important communities.
Curated OER
The Road to Revolution: 1754-1775 (5)
In this online interactive history instructional activity, learners respond to 19 matching questions regarding the events that led to the American Revolution. Students may check their answers immediately.
Curated OER
Uncle Sam is Rich Enough to Give Us All a Farm:
Students examine websites and video clips to become familiar with tenets of the Homestead Act, challenges faced by settlers and misconceptions about settlers. They role-play colonists on the Planet XR-38 and make choices similar to...
National Endowment for the Humanities
Common Sense: The Rhetoric of Popular Democracy
Students identify important arguments for independence made in Thomas Paine's Common Sense. They explain why these arguments helped persuade American colonists that independence was necessary. Students describe the importance of Common...
Roy Rosenzweig Center for History and New Media
Declaration of Independence
Give budding historians a guided exploration of the Declaration of Independence, historic photos, videos, and more as they deepen their understanding of the American Revolution and the attitude of the colonists leading up to the war.
Curated OER
Comparison of Colonial Regions in British North America
Students compare and contrast the colonies in British North America. As a class, they brainstorm a list of people, places and ideas associated with the Colonial Era. They discover the relationships and interactions between the...
Curated OER
social studies: Life in Colonial America
Students explore the trials and tribulations early colonial life and note its successes. Through literature, Internet research, and interactive software, they engage in various activities to evaluate early social and cultural development.