American Rhetoric
American Rhetoric: Emma Goldman: Address to the Jury
This is the text of Emma Goldman's address to the jury at her trial and that of Alexander Berkman on July 9, 1917, in New York.
Library of Congress
Loc: American Beauties: Drawings From the Golden Age
Online Exhibit of stylized icons of feminine beauty from America's "Golden age of illustration" (1880?1920s).
EL Education
El Education: And Justice for All
Students in 11th grade at Tapestry Charter High School created this project during a trimester-long study of constitutional rights and social justice in American history. The learning expedition centered around the question of whether...
National Endowment for the Humanities
Neh: Picturing America
In this gallery you will encounter art of America in a completely new fashion. Taking a look at various paintings, sculpture, architecture, fine crafts, and photography provides an inside look at our nation's character and ideals. Learn...
US National Archives
Docsteach: The Constitution at Work
In this activity young scholars will analyze documents that span the course of American history to determine their connection to the U.S. Constitution. Students will then make connections between the documents they have examined and the...
Yale University
Beineicke Library: America and the Utopian Dream
This exhibition documents the quest for utopian society through the literary works and manuscripts in the collection of Yale University's Beinecke Library, beginning with Thomas More's Utopia. With additional information on utopian...
PBS
Pbs Learning Media: Point of View: Who, Me? Biased?: Understanding Implicit Bias
In this interactive lesson, learners explore the extent to which society (and they themselves) may discriminate based on factors they're not even aware of, implicit biases. Why haven't laws been enough to eliminate discrimination? After...
Louisiana Department of Education
Louisiana Doe: Louisiana Believes: English Language Arts, Grade 12: Undaunted Courage
Students explore ideas prominent throughout westward expansion and American literature: myth versus reality. The texts present various perspectives of the West. Students consider the idealism and romance of the American spirit versus the...
ReadWriteThink
Read Write Think: Storytelling in the Social Studies Classroom
People make the past come alive as students research and then share stories about famous Americans who promoted democratic ideals.
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: Revolutionary Changes and Limitations: Women
Often the ideal and reality do not conincide for quite some time. That's true of the ideal of true equality between the sexes after the War for Independence. See why the end of the war did not bring indepence for married women, and why...
PBS
Pbs: Free Black Revolutionary Patriots
Describes free African Americans who fought in the American Revolution. Also find related text: "Colin Powell on blacks fighting during the Revolutionary War," and a Teacher's Guide.
Digital History
Digital History: Declaring Indpendence
Read about the ideals enshrined in the Declaration of Independence espoused by those brave souls who signed their names to the revolutionary document in 1776.
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: The Emergence of "Women's Sphere"
The Cult of Domesticity and the Women's Sphere pertained to upper-middle class white women, but the ideals spread out into American culture. Read about how such women were supposed to behave, and see what privileges these women might...
Yale University
Yale New Haven Teachers Institute: Poetry for the Elementary Classroom
Site contains a narrative and three lesson plans. These plans are designed to assist students with various aspects of poetry. This site discusses strategies which enable students to effectively, memorize, recite, and correctly pronounce...
Library of Congress
Loc: The Constitution: Counter Revolution or National Salvation
Using primary texts and prior study of Colonial America and the Revolution, students examine "what type of government would best represent the ideals of the American Revolution." Worksheets, discussions, and role-playing within this...
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: George Washington: Farwell Address
Although he surely could have remained in office longer, George Washington served only two terms in office. Read about his Farewell Address, one of the important speeches in American history. He gave advice concerning both national and...
CommonLit
Common Lit: Book Pairings: "Death of a Salesman" by Arthur Miller
In this play, Willy Loman, an aging traveling salesman, struggles to come to terms with his "failures," reconnect with his sons, and let go of the ideal of the American Dream. Selected (9) reading passages (grades 8-12) to pair with...
US Government Publishing Office
Ben's Guide to u.s. Government: Declaration of Independence: 1776
Website with games and information on American government provides information on the Declaration of Independence and summarizes the history surrounding the document.
Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History
Gilder Lehrman Institute: History Now: Perspectives on the Fourth of July
[Free Registration/Login Required] A lesson plan from the online magazine, History Now, asks: How does the celebration of Fourth of July help us understand the ideals upon which the United States was founded?
iCivics
I Civics: A Dive Into Democracy
The Founding Fathers had many influences. Discover how aspects of Athenian democracy shaped the structure and ideals of the U.S. government.
The Dirksen Congressional Center
Congress for Kids: Independence: Quiz 1
Take this four-question quiz to see how much you know about the United States Constitution.
The Dirksen Congressional Center
Congress for Kids: Independence: Quiz 2
Take this four-question quiz to test your knowledge about the United States Constitution.
The Dirksen Congressional Center
Congress for Kids: Independence: Quiz 3
Take this four-question quiz to see how much you know about the United States Constitution.
Other
Patriotic Themes in Country Music
A fun way to explore the theme of patriotism in American country music is featured in this WebQuest. Middle schoolers explore the American ideal of freedom through country music. Click Teacher Resources for complete lesson plans.