How did early American pioneers decide what to take with them on their journeys, and what was their traveling experience like? Here you'll find a collection of activities to help you explore Westward Expansion with your young learners.

Students examine the implications of the passage of the Whiskey Tax of 1791. In this Whiskey Rebellion lesson, students listen to their instructor present a lecture regarding the details of the rebellion. Students respond to discussion...

Students discuss the Indian Allotment Act. In this social studies lesson, students research a selected tribe and write a report on their selected tribe.

From his inaugural speech to the Bay of Pigs, major events concerning the Kennedy presidency are discussed. Slides provide an array of images and web links to highlight some of the bigger issues surrounding President Kennedy. The...

Incorporating the cultures, architecture, and ethnic populations of several American cities (namely Chicago and New York), this presentation displays vivid photographs of buildings and people in 19th - 20th century urban America. The...

Students examine primary sources regarding Western migration. In this Manifest Destiny lesson, students determine why the pioneers moved west and what the trip was like as they examine sources and write journals based on their findings.

Students view a picture from the Vancouver National Historic Reserve and discuss the people in the picture. They locate Cromwell's Map and discuss the villages located close to Fort Vancouver. Students read information regarding the role...

Learners examine waves of Jewish immigration during three time periods and analyze a variety of primary sources, including letters, memoirs, and laws, to gain insight into both the American immigrant experience and American society...

This is a creative, multidisciplinary, well-designed lesson provided by Scientific American related to special effects. Students make their own animated short films and use math and computer skills.

In this creative music activity from Scientific American, students learn about musical notation and then design their own notations. Great web resource links are alsp provided

In this creative science activity from Scientific American, students learn more about hearing with two ears and make a hands-on exploration of how sound is located. Excellent web link resources are also provided.

Eleventh graders explore the Bay of Pigs invasion and defend both sides of the issue.

Students, given certain background information, list hardships that Laura Ingalls Wilder and other people that lived during the same time period went through. They interview someone who grew up in a different era than them.

During the 1800s the United States was expanding westward; land was there for the taking.  Kids explore how some early photographers used their photography to influenced the US Congress to save areas like Mirror Lake. They...

Students examine the presidencies and John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson. In this American history lesson plan, students specifically analyze the civil rights support of the 2 presidents and their support of civil rights legislation....

Students examine the history of the Populist Party as it relates to its reforms and economic plight. In this Populism and the People's Party lesson, students explore why farmers experienced financial difficulty at the end of the century....

Students study water resources that are important to the people of North American and Africa. They use satellite images and data to explore how human actions can degrade, improve, or maintain water resources. They analyze and interpret...

Students visit Internet sites to compare ways of life of Indians on western Texas frontier and U.S. military men at Texas forts, and draw pictures to illustrate clothing, transportation, weapons, and shelter of both Indians and U.S....

Eighth graders explore the settling of South Carolina.  In this U.S. History lesson plan, student research the events leading to the settlement of South Carolina by the Native Americans, then discuss and answer questions that relate...

The battle at the Alamo may be one of the most famous military campaigns in Texas history, but it is by no means the only one. As part of their study of the military history of Texas, class members research less-well-known sites, locate...

Students examine the types of foods eaten after the Civil War. They create their own cowboy style menu.

Students complete a variety of activities that go along with the study of and possible fieldtrip to Saratoga National Historical Park in Stillwater, NY. They determine if any descendents of participants in the war live in their own...

Eighth graders read standard road maps and topographical maps, and examine the lives of pathfinders who opened the trails to the West. They develop Living History presentations, role-playing a character from the past.

Fifth graders develop a common currency. In this colonial currency instructional activity, 5th graders exchange beads, rice, coins, and paper bills for goods and services. Students explore web tools to research ways colonists used money,...