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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Questions of War and Peace: Using Case Studies to Teach the History of American Foreign Policy

For Teachers 11th - 12th
Students read three case studies to focus on how the United States dealt with foreign policy issues. In groups, they read about the decision to drop the atomic bomb, the commitment of troops to Vietnam and wwhether to send troops to...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Diplomatic Misunderstandings: Indian Treaties and the Black Hawk War

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students examine and discuss the U.S./Native American treaty process of the early 19th century. They write essays describing the events behind the 1804 and 1816 treaties, and their assessment of U.S. diplomatic interactions with the...
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Interactive
DocsTeach

Nixon Visits China: The Week that Changed the World

For Teachers 8th - 12th Standards
Sometimes one trip shakes up the entire world. When President Richard Nixon traveled to China, he defied international and political boundaries. Nixon was the first American president to visit mainland China, which was a communist nation...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Manifest Destiny and Westward Expansion

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students explore the economic, political, racial, and religious roots of Manifest Destiny. They read articles and analyze how the concept influenced the nation's westward expansion. Students discover the motivations and expectations of...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Indian Removal

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Students investigate the historical events surrounding The Trail of Tears. They write a letter that identifies the people, destination, events, and descriptions surrounding the timeframe. Students provide a written summary of the history...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Alien and Sedition Acts: Defining American Freedom

For Teachers 11th
Eleventh graders explore the purpose of the Alien and Sedition Acts.  In this US History lesson, 11th graders analyze primary source documents.  Students write an essay using writing prompts. 
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

1862 MARYLAND CAMPAIGN, AMERICAN CIVIL WAR

For Teachers 11th - 12th
Students explain why General Robert E. Lee decided to invade Maryland in September 1862; review the major events of the Maryland Campaign of 1862; describe the major events of the three phases of the Battle of Antietam; and assess the...
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PPT
Chandler Unified School District

Frankly Speaking: Exploring Benjamin Franklin's Aphorisms

For Students 5th - 8th Standards
Benjamin Franklin famously had an aphorism for every situation—most of which we still use in modern vernacular. Introduce class members to Franklin's Poor Richard's Almanack with a presentation that details the characteristics of aphorisms.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Monroe Doctrine: Whose Doctrine Was It?

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Was James Monroe the sole contributor of the Monroe Doctrine? Young scholars study the doctrine and cite evidence to show contributions of John Quincy Adams and Thomas Jefferson in its formulation.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Louisiana Purchase

For Teachers 5th - 11th
Students explore U.S. territorial expansion. In this Louisiana Purchase lesson, students investigate how the purchase was funded and determine how diplomatic actions were part of the land transfer. Students analyze several primary...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Troop Surge vs. Redeployment

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Students explore American foreign policy regarding the war in Iraq. In this Iraq debate lesson, students examine videos and documents about the pros and cons of keeping American troops in Iraq.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Secretary of State Seeks Support

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students examine the state of diplomacy through an interactive program. They analyze programs by the United States government to protect Americans. They discover some of the world's diplomats and their responsibilities.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Legislating neutrality

For Teachers 11th
Eleventh graders explore the Merchants of death thesis.  In this American History instructional activity, 11th graders explain the Neutrality Laws.  Students assess the overall effectiveness of US neutrality policy. 
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Worksheet
Curated OER

Benjamin Franklin

For Students 8th - 12th
In this early American history learning exercise, students respond to 9 essay and short answer questions about the life and accomplishments of Benjamin Franklin.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The President's Role and Succession

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders examine the role the President of the United States plays in American government and the order of succession of cabinet members. They explain about presidential qualifications and the path to becoming President.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Forceful Persuasion

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Pupils investigate U.S. foreign policy in Middle Eastern countries, and rank their level of support for American military and diplomatic actions.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Will the Real Ben Franklin Please Stand Up?

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students explore the life of Benjamin Franklin. In this American history lesson, students research primary and secondary documents regarding Franklin's life. Students should examine the point of view each of the accounts is written from...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Presidents and the Constitution: Washington, Adams, Jefferson, Madison and the Barbary Pirates

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Learners explore the Barbary Pirates of the Mediterranean. In this American history lesson, students read a narrative regarding the conflict between the Barbary Pirates and the United States under the leadership of Washington, Adams,...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Lending a Helping Hand

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students research the work of North American NGOs and select one to support with a financial contribution as a class. In this philanthropic research lesson, students consider the work of Benjamin Franklin, defining good citizenship and...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Cherokee: The Principal People (Ani-Yunwiya), 1700 - 1838

For Teachers 3rd - 12th
Students read passages and research the Cherokee Tribe and write an account of a typical day as a Cherokee Native American. In this Cherokee lesson plan, students listen to Cherokee music, read Cherokee passages, fill out worksheets, and...
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Lesson Plan
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Benjamin Franklin Tercentenary

Benjamin Franklin and the Long Struggle for Independence

For Teachers K - 2nd
Young scholars explore U.S. history by reading biographical material in class. In this Benjamin Franklin lesson, students identify the life of Franklin and the events that led him to become one of America's first heroes. Young scholars...
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Lesson Plan
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Benjamin Franklin Tercentenary

Science Pen Pals

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students explore the scientific career of Benjamin Franklin. In this science lesson, students discuss Franklin's correspondence with other scientists and write letters describing Benjamin Franklin's experiments.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

I Spy

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Pupils examine the responsibilities of the CIA and work as a team of analysts to produce intelligence reports. Letters are written predicting how their assigned countries have changed by 2008.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Arts Directors

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students reflect on a personally meaningful live performance and the circumstances necessary to create art. They study about the current leadership crisis facing the Met, Carnegie Hall, and the Public theater. In groups, students...