Eleventh graders as a class create and write a constitution for an anti-slavery society. They investigate demographics of slavery, treatment of slaves, the colonization movement, and women in the abolition movement, and present their...

Fourth graders complete a variety of activities as they study the Spanish colonization of California, including the relationships among missionaries and Indians and their interactions with soldiers and people in the pueblos and ranchos.

Middle schoolers 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...

Eighth graders explore the key concepts within the Colonization of America, the significance of the Triangular Trade Route, the origin of slavery, and the Middle Passage. After a short discussion and review, 8th graders orally practice...

Students comprehend how the United States became involved in what one historian called the quagmire. Students identify and analyze the importance of the Tet Offensive in turning American public opinion against the Vietnam War. Students...

Students examine different perspectives about Thanksgiving that include those of the European Settlers and the Native Americans. They read and discuss an article about Plymouth being "America's Hometown." They develop a landmark for...

Students identify and share Primary Sources in Early American History by Janey Levy. Then they discuss the usefulness of using primary sources in uncovering the past. Students also research original documents from Jamestown to complete...

Students explore American Civil War, hypothesize that the Union Army was defeated at Gettysburg by Lee's army, and write an essay describing how different North America would be today if the South had won the Civil War.

Students discuss American Presidents. They each complete research on one particular President and then, using a template, create a short biography (including a picture) about him. When all biographies are complete, they compile them into...

Fifth graders examine a time line of early American explorers from England, Spain, and France. They trace exploration routes on maps and write reports about early explorers. Students view a laser disc presentation, Land of Opportunity...

High schoolers discover the history of American foreign policy. In this foreign policy lesson, students listen to their instructor present a lecture that presents a brief history of American foreign policy. High schoolers...

Learners read articles relating to Jackie Robinson's breaking of the racial barrier in professional baseball. This leads to a deeper exploration of racism in the United States. They use a variety of worksheets imbedded in this plan to...

Students complete a Web quest about Biddy Mason's journey Westward to California as a slave and her ultimate rise to one of the wealthiest and generous woman of the Westward Movement. They present an exhibit of their research.

Students tour "Living History Farms" in Iowa. In this field trip preparation instructional activity, students observe ways Native Americans began growing crops in the 1700's as well as how the farm changed in the 1800's. Upon their...

Students study the Revolutionary War. In this colonial America lesson, students read Johnny Tremain by Esther Forbes. Students discuss chapter 1 as they respond to the provided discussion questions.

Students examine importance of buffalo in culture of Blackfeet Indians, and explore types of technology used by Indians to kill large numbers of buffalo. Students research transition of Blackfeet from subsistence economy to capitalist...

Students interpret primary sources concerning Pontiac's Rebellion. They are able to explain the motives behind the attack on the British. Students predict possible outcomes of Pontiac's Rebllion.

Fourth graders discuss the major nations of California Indians, their geographic distribution, economic activities, legends and religious beliefs. They describe the function of Spanish missions and the influence of Catholicism. In...

Learners view scenes from movie Whale Rider, research roles of women in Maori society, examine roles of women in relation to Paikea's predicament in Whale Rider, compare roles to those of women in American society, interview two or three...

Fourth graders engage in activities that familiarize them with the causes of the French and Indian War. They discuss the problem that started the war, the countries involved, and the effects to come about as a result of the French and...

Students complete a technology integration project using Publisher. In this technology lesson, students use Publisher to create magazine activities for the American Revolution, indigenous cultures, California missions, colonization, and...

Students gain knowledge about how the United States invaded Puerto Rico. In this Colonization lesson, students acknowledge how the Puerto Rican people now have limited self-rule since the U.S. took over its government. Students engage in...

Fourth graders view School House Rock - I'm a Bill to observe the process of writing a law.  In this bill writing lesson plan, 4th graders work in groups to create two laws for the colonists recognizing the importance of the...

  Students examine why having a symbol such as a flag is important for countries.  In this flag lesson, students break into groups and create their own flag to represent their group dynamic.