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Nellie Bly's Newspaper Club: Introducing the Art of Writing

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Young scholars use video and the Internet to research the life of Nellie Bly, a famous female reporter from the 19th century. They research a writer and present their information to the class in the style of a news reporter.
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The Betsy Ross Story: Truth or Legend?

For Teachers 3rd - 12th
Students discover that some historians question the story of Betsy Ross's involvement in the creation of the first U.S. flag, study why historians question the story and list reasons the story of Betsy Ross might not be true.
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Salt of the Earth: A Caddo Industry in Arkansas

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Middle schoolers explore the history of the Caddo Salt Industry found in Arkansas. Along with learning about how salt deposits formed in Arkansas, learners study the process of salt production and how valuable salt is as a natural...
Writing
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March 2, 1877: Hayes Declared Winner in Disputed Presidential Election

For Students 8th - 12th
After reading an interesting article comparing the disputed presidential election of 1877 to a similar event in the year 2000, kids blog a response. They read the article, check out the embedded links, then respond to four related...
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Fort Morgan

For Teachers 5th - 12th
Students investigate how Mobile, Alabama was significant to the Confederacy during the Civil War. They analyze maps, read primary source documents, write a research paper on Civil War military technology, and explore the Fort Morgan...
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Memorials and Meaning

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Students explore the Civil War. In this Civil War lesson, students collaborate to research the war. They examine Matthew Brady photographs that inspire them to create a memorial to honor those who served in the Civil War.
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Orangeburg Massacre

For Teachers 6th - 9th
Learners study the Orangeburg Massacre. In this social studies lesson, students discuss the Civil Rights Movement and the protest movements that took place. Learners examine the events that led up to the Orangeburg Massacre at South...
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Elders as Resources

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students participate in an oral history project where they interview a person's valuable insights to their life stories. They gain personal experience in an interactive process that brings history alive all over again. Students conduct...
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Religious Tolerance in Pennsylvania

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students analyze Quakers including their beliefs.  In this religious tolerance lesson students predict the future effects of the colonies. 
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The 1860 Election in Pennsylvania

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Young scholars examine the political parties of the 1860 election and compare their platforms.  In this election lesson high schoolers determine the meaning of a political cartoon and predict the outcome of the 1860 election.
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Different Viewpoints - Loyalist or Patriot

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders use primary sources to study U.S. history and government. In this primary sources lesson, 3rd graders practice gathering information from "eye witness" accounts of history.
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Black Hawk Island Hike

For Teachers K - Higher Ed
Students explore Wisconsin's natural and cultural history through hands-on exploration of Upham Woods. They are shown the basic paddling skills and they work in teams to paddle across the river on barge. Students describe cultural...
Worksheet
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Indiana

For Students 4th - 5th
In this Indiana worksheet, students read a two page text about the history of the state of Indiana. Students answer 10 true and false questions.
Worksheet
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Reading Comprehension: Ohio

For Students 4th - 6th
In this reading comprehension worksheet, students read a 2-page article regarding Ohio and respond to 10 true or false questions regarding the selection about the state.
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Using Primary Sources: Letters from the Presidents

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Young scholars find out about the minds and thoughts of presidents through reading their actual letters. They explore the personal lives of presidents. They answer questions about a primary source. They write essays.
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Spiro Mounds; Oklahoma's Past Indian History

For Teachers 3rd - 4th
Young scholars create an understanding of Oklahoma's past.
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Mapping My Spot in History

For Teachers 7th - 10th
Students create their own town's history. They place themselves on the map in a literal as well as figurative sense. Students produce portions of an updated version of an early twentieth century panoramic map. Students gather information...
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Eric Clapton Crossroads Guitar Festival Chicago - Chicago Blues

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Watching Great Performances’ Eric Clapton Crossroads Guitar Festival Chicago launches an investigation into and discussion of how the electric guitar and guitarists have changed the sound of the blues over time. An engaging way to...
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The Canadian Expedition

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders research and write a pen pal letter about the geography of a Canadian town. Students create a script for a phone call with their pen pal and perform it with a friend for the class.
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FBI Counts Mosques

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students gather as much background as possible about this controversial FBI directive and what Muslim and civil liberties groups believe about it. They perform interviews with Muslim students to gather opinions and then form a conclusion...
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Philadelphia and the Constitutional Convention "Heat Up"

For Teachers 8th - 11th
Students explore the Constitutional Convention of 1787. In this U.S. Constitution lesson, students role play the parts of delegates in a simulation of the convention.
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Whose "Truth" Is Out There?

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Young scholars read article It's a Fact: Faith and Theory Collide Over Evolution, and examine different ways people arrive at what 'the truth' is, focusing on the evolution vs creationism debate that has been a hot topic throughout the...
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Executing Justice

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students explore the reasons for postponing the execution of Timothy McVeigh, assess key legal definitions in relation to the case, and formulate personal responses.
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Texas Treasures

For Teachers 4th - 5th
Students explore the meanings of the word "treasure," and examine the use of clay in the construction of buildings in San Antonio, Texas. They examine clay artifacts, and watch a video about pottery artist, Harding Black. Students then...