Fourth graders complete a unit of lessons on the development of the U.S. government. They examine the main ideas of the Declaration of Independence, develop a class translation of the preamble to the Constitution, create a flow chart,...

Learners examine Aboriginal people of the Americas. In this history lesson plan, students make connections between their own lives and those of Aboriginal people. Learners engage in a 'talking circle' and use storytelling as a mode of...

Students focus on the problem of African American leadership throughout American history. In groups, they research the life and works of Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. DuBois and how they worked to promote the need for African American...

Students study important historical figures.  In this United States history lesson plan, students trace the signature of John Hancock using cotton swabs, glitter, and various art supplies after discussing the historical significance...

Learners investigate the impact of the passage of the Homestead Act. In this Westward Expansion lesson, students visit selected websites to examine the lives of Americans who settled the American frontier.

Students explore the duties of commander-in-chief. In this George Washington lesson, students research Revolutionary War military leaders and examine the relationships they had with George Washington. 

Students examine the leadership role of George Washington in the American Revolution. In this George Washington lesson, students read selections titled "Generalship," and "Candidate for Commander-in-Chief." After students read the...

Students write and illustrate their own graphic novels. For this George Washington lesson, students collaborate to research Washington's life as surveyor, his involvement in the French and Indian War as well as the American Revolution,...

Students participate in a game show to share the information they have uncovered about the US expansion policy and how it affected Native Americans.

Fifth graders explore U.S. history by reading an award winning book about World War II. In this Japanese internment camp lesson plan, 5th graders read the book Under the Blood-Red Sun and discuss the entrapment of Japanese-Americans on...

Eighth graders discover details about delegates to the American Constitutional Convention. In this U.S. Constitution instructional activity, 8th graders research information about 9 delegates to the convention and then write paragraphs...

Students create a list of famous African Americans, then read a news article about Jackie Robinson. In this current events lesson plan, the teacher introduces the article with a discussion and vocabulary activity, then students read the...

Students explore the idea that progress for some might not mean progress for all. In this Native American instructional activity, students recognize different viewpoints about historical events through the study of primary documents....

Students take a closer look at presidential elections. In this election process lesson, students discuss the roles of the primary, caucus, polls, Electoral College, delegates, and lobbyists in the process. Students then access the listed...

Students investigate the Native Americans of the Muscogee Creek and their use of the land. In this U.S. history lesson, students investigate the importance of the deer for the Muscogee Creek peoples' way of life and the many uses they...

Pupils discover how Aboriginal forms of Government can be adapted and how the Navajo's have utilized government.

For this American West worksheet, learners complete a 24 questions test about the American West. Answers are included beneath questions on worksheet.

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...

Eleventh graders examine four different kinds of human rights.  In this American Government lesson, 11th graders research the assigned human right in their groups.  Students create a presentation about this human right to their...

Students examine the settlement of the Louisiana Territory. In this Westward Expansion lesson, students watch segments of the Discovery video "East Meets West: Americans on the Move". Students conduct further research...

Fifth graders name the American Indian people by tribe who lived in the lands which the Old Spanish Trail traversed. They investigate and describe some impacts of western expansion upon the American Indians.

Fifth graders name the American Indian people by tribe who lived in the lands which the Oregon Trail traversed. They investigate and describe some impacts of western expansion upon the American Indians.

Fifth graders research the Oregon, Old Spanish, California, and Mormon trails, and the impact western expansion had on the Native Americans living on those lands.

Here is an interesting topic. Learners examine the economics that led to the founding of the First Bank of America. They participate in a reader's theater experience depicting the debate between Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson...