Curated OER
The Legend of the Indian Paintbrush: Native American Life
Students read," The Legend of the Indian Paintbrush" by Tomie dePaola and discuss the way legends are passed down orally. They then create their own legend and illustrate it on a simulated "Buffalo Skin" made from brown paper.
Montana State University
Meet Mount Everest
Learning about one landform might seem boring to some, but using the resource provided practically guarantees scholar interest. The second in a sequential series of eight covering the topic of Mount Everest includes activities such as a...
Curated OER
How Perceptions of Cultures Influences Perceptions and Historical Outcomes
Pupils research different ethnic groups that lived in the United States. They compare and contrast Spanish, African American and Native American cultures and how American culture interacted with them. They present their findings using...
Curated OER
Patriots v. Loyalists
Students consider how colonial citizens chose sides in the American Revolution. In this Revolutionary War lesson, students role play Loyalists, Patriots, and undecideds in a classroom simulation. Students research their positions so that...
Curated OER
Anticipatory Set for Japanese Internment
Students simulate Japanese relocation to internment camps after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. They select items to pack that are personally, sentimentally, and financially important to them. They create a Venn diagram comparing and...
Curated OER
Westward Expansion
Students locate California and New York on a map and explore available means of travel in the 19th century. Students explore the role of trade in pioneer America and simulate various barter transactions.
Channel Islands Film
Human Impact on the Food Web of Santa Cruz Island
What happens when a non-native species is introduced onto an island? Santa Cruz Island, part of the Channel Island chain located off the coast of southern California, provides the perfect laboratory for young environmental scientists to...
Curated OER
Metis- Grade 11
Eleventh graders consider the impact of immigration on native peoples. In this Canadian history lesson, 11th graders watch "Places Not Our Own," and then participate in a classroom simulation that requires them to consider land...
Curated OER
Treaties
Fifth graders investigate Canadian history by examining the alliances made in the past. In this Canadian treaties lesson plan, 5th graders identify the Native Americans of Canada, known as the First Nations people or Aboriginals....
Curated OER
I'm Number One!
Fourth graders complete a unit of lessons on the first seven presidents of the U.S. They conduct research, write a four-paragraph essay, and create posters and speeches for a simulated campaign convention.
Curated OER
Chicago Tribune vs. US (1942): When Does Freedom of the Press Go Too Far?
Students define freedom of the press in peace and war time. As a class, they identify the need for the public to be informed, but discuss where the line should be drawn to protect national security. They develop their arguments and...
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U.S. Constitution Roll Call
First graders simulate the signing of the constitution. In this American history lesson plan, 1st graders take on the roll of newspaper reporters during 1787. Students must pretend to interview signers of the constitution and create a...
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Axis and Allies World War II Simulation
Students investigate World War II through the computer game Axis and Allies. They discuss the basics of World War II before playing the game, spend eight weeks playing the game that is a simulation of World War II, and write a report...
Curated OER
History Lesson 10: Plyler v. Doe: Can States Deny Public Benefits to Illegal Immigrants?
Young scholars consider the rights of illegal immigrants. In this illegal immigration lesson, students analyze the Supreme Court case Plyler v. Doe and determine whether illegal immigrants should have access to public benefits. Young...
Channel Islands Film
Cache: Lesson Plan 2 - Grades 4-6
Class members will dig this activity that has them trying their hand at recovering artifacts. Groups are assigned a section of a sandbox, carefully uncover the artifacts in their section, and then develop theories about who might...
Curated OER
Meet the Reformers
Seventh graders interpret historical evidence presented in primary and secondary resources. In this American reformers lesson, 7th graders research the accomplishments of selected reformers. Students then use the information they uncover...
Curated OER
Barbara Jordan
Students examine the contributions made to our country by Barbara Jordan. They read and discuss the books "The Sneetches" and "Building a Bridge," write journal entries, participate in a discrimination simulation, create a class...
Curated OER
Keep Your Eye On the Prize
High schoolers learn about citizens who were actively involved in the civil rights movement, and the strategies they used to overcome the Jim Crow laws that were so prevalent in the 1960s. They investigate the voting amendments of the US...
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Newscapade
Students work in teams to research specific eras of American history focusing on important events, sports, entertainment, music, games, books, famous firsts or quotes, science and technology or trivia. They prepare presentations for the...
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Runaway Slaves, An American Experience
Sixth graders explore, analyze and study how one's personal experiences impact one's perspective and actions. They interpret ideas and events of slavery from the different perspectives of an abolitionist, slave owner, United States...
PricewaterhouseCoopers
The Stock Market
Keep or sell? Young learners simulate as buyers in the stock market while learning about the benefits and important factors to know when purchasing. The thorough resource allows for observation of case studies and provides...
Curated OER
Questions of War and Peace: Using Case Studies to Teach the History of American Foreign Policy
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...
Curated OER
Philadelphia and the Constitutional Convention "Heat Up"
Learners 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.
Curated OER
Revolt in Boston
Eleventh graders study the American Revolution. In this American History lesson, 11th graders analyze primary sources. Students participate in a simulation on taxes.