California Department of Education
Transitioning to High School
How do scholars prepare to take their next big step? The second in a series of six career and college readiness activities focuses on making a smooth transition from middle to high school. Groups research the resources available at their...
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Woody Guthrie: Ain't Got No Home
Students examine the music of Woody Guthrie and how the political and economic climate influenced his work. They read and discuss online articles, define key vocabulary words, take a Political Orientation Survey, and write a position...
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This is America
Students explore world geography by viewing a documentary film in class. In this national parks lesson, students view the Ken Burns documentary about the subject and identify the contributions of individuals in support of the parks...
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Symbols and Landmarks
Third graders study American national holidays, symbols, songs and landmarks. They appreciate the meaning and significance of our nation's ideals of liberty, justice and equality.
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Songs of the Times: American Concerns in 19th Century Campaigns
Young scholars examine campaign songs from the 1840, 1848, and 1860 elections to explore the campaign strategies of 19th century political parties.
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American Presidents and Race Relations
Students discuss the policies of race relations of five presidents. They analyze primary documents to comprehend the various views and actions of five Presidents in regards to race relations. Students evaluate the influence of...
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President Wilson and the League of Nations
Students examine Wilson's ideals of world peace and world order and the conflict between these ideals and the U.S. Senate's policy of isolationism. Wilson's visionary stance and its significance in forming the policies of our government...
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Due Process of Law and the Jim Crow Era
High schoolers analyze eight case studies of Supreme Court decisions regarding due process of law and their impact on American society in the early 20th century. They digest that although the 14th amendment was intended to give federal...
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Lowell and the Factory System
Students examine the efforts of early American manufacturers to implement the factory system on a large-scale in the town of Lowell, Massachusetts. They examine the idealistic goals of the industrialists who financed and built the...
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U.S. Constitution
Students examine the U.S. Constitution. In this American government lesson, students explore the purpose and significance of the Constitution as they read the provided handouts and complete the provided worksheet.
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Valley Forge
Students describe how location, weather, and physical environment affect the way people live, including the effects on their food, clothing, shelter, transportation, and recreation. They also describe the lives of American heroes who...
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Democracy…Not Yet!
Students analyze the concept of democracy. In this democratic values instructional activity, students analyze the lyrics of selected popular music that address issues that challenge the role of United States as a world leader. Students...
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Charolotte Perkins Gilman's "The Yellow Wall-paper" - the "New Woman"
Students analyze the life of American middle to upper-class women in the mid- to late-nineteenth century and early twentieth century. In this women's suffrage lesson, students visit the given links in the lesson to analyze the changing...
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REFINEMENT IN DEERFIELD AS EXEMPLIFIED IN THE VISUAL IMAGE OF THE TOWN
Students study how Deerfield became prosperous because of the river trade and improved agricultural practices. They make connections between the changing ideals of "decencies" of life, new modes of behavior, and consumption.
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Constitutional Issues: Civil Liberties During War
Students discuss democratic ideals and constitutional principles. They decide which side of the issue they are on dealing with the placement of Japanese-Americans in camps during World War II. They examine primary source documents for...
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The Pledge of Allegiance
Young scholars memorize the Pledge of Allegiance. For this American history lesson, students identify the meaning of words in the Pledge of Allegiance. Young scholars put together a Pledge of Allegiance puzzle.
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If These Walls Could Talk
Students explore Enlightenment and Neoclassical art. In this visual arts lesson, students compare and contrast images of architecture from both styles. Students create visual art designs that feature the ideals of the Enlightenment.
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Civil Rights and the Michigan Supreme Court II
Students view a PowerPoint presentation on the Michigan Supreme Court Historical Society's Civil Rights and/or the Native American Rights. They write a reaction paper and prepare for a class discussion. They work in groups and discuss...
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Woodrow Wilson: Prophet of Peace
Pupils read and discuss various speeches by Woodrow Wilson, and write and present a brief radio address that will persuade the nation to return to world peace. Students analyze current events and discuss whether the world has upheld...
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Number Tick Tack Toe
Students participate in activities that apply Howard Gardner's theory of Multiple Intelligences in order to improve literacy skills. The lesson is ideal for diverse learners because of the application of the theory.
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Geograophy of Mexico And Central America
Students create a chart comparing the terrain, climate, economy, environmental issues and natural disasters for Mexico and the Central American countries. They view and discuss a video on the region then compile research on the internet.
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Past and Present Turkey
Students compare and contrast modern-day Turkey with historical Ottoman culture. In this world civilization lesson, students create concept maps that allow them to compare the cultures, discuss leadership qualities, and create travel...
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The Constitution Lives! How it Protects Your Rights Today
Learners brainstorm their rights as Americans. In this The Constitution Lives! lesson, students discern the difference between rights and rules by completing a worksheet. Learners consider the differences between types of constitutional...
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Learning About the Civil Rights Movement Through Photographs
Pupils examine the racial inequality that existed in the United States before the Civil Rights Movement. After listening to song lyrics and viewing photographs, they discover the importance of the movement in helping society move toward...