Learners examine the early years of Harry Truman to determine how his upbringing influenced his character. His political career from county judge to president is explored and some of the decisions made as a politician, evaluated.

Students explore an African American's presidential campaign. In teams, students create a campaign for their presidential candidate. They create political ads and plan campaign strategies. Students are simulate jobs such as a campaign...

Students examine the role William Howard Taft played in American History. They analyze his background and how he got to be president. They compare qualities of leaders today to Taft.

Students study the life of Quincy Jones and research black music for selected decades of the 20th Century. They discuss the qualities that help one create and sustain a successful career. They design a timeline of what their future...

Fourth graders are read the book "Ghost Canoe" by their teacher. Using a map, they locate the physical characteristics of Washington State and describe how people adapted to their environment before statehood. They discover how people...

Students read "Slavery's Past, Paved Over or Forgotten" from The New York Times and discuss as a class. This activity is the introduction for researching a topic on the history of slavery in the U.S. Student groups present their...

High schoolers analyze changes in voter participation and regional power, and review archival campaign documents reflecting the dawn of politics as we know it during the critical years from 1824 to 1832. Students utilize worksheets and...

How did the United States Congress determine how the new president and vice president would be named when the nation was first established? Who would provide money for the government, and how would the executive branch be organized? 

High school learners compare economic outcomes for 3 racial groups under the presidencies of Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan by analyzing a series of graphs, answering questions from a worksheet, and participating in a discussion.

Students investigate the historic journey of Lewis and Clark and the Corps of Discovery. They identify six discoveries made on the journey, participate in an online activity that traces their trail, write a journal in the first person...

Twelfth graders examine the causes of freedom by revolutionary patriots. In this Civics and Economics lesson, 12th graders analyze primary sources. Students work cooperatively to write a freedom declaration for their group.

How did early American pioneers decide what to take with them on their journeys, and what was their traveling experience like? Here you'll find a collection of activities to help you explore Westward Expansion with your young learners.

Learners describe the purposes of the Treaty of Versailles. In groups, they analyze the causes and effects of the treaty and discuss why the Americans were so against it. They note ideas for and against its ratification and they make...

Students review the highlights of Kennedy's campaign and presidency. They least three of the issues related to JFK to research through both print resources and interviews. In addition, they create written summaries from collected...

Eleventh graders examine the denial of rights to individuals in the United States.  In this American Government instructional activity, 11th graders study President Roosevelt's Day of Infamy speech.  Students create a...

Students investigate the Sedition Act and George Washington's position on the act. In this United States Colonial history lesson, students read about George Washington's position on the Sedition Act. Students then participate in a...

Students study our third president, Thomas Jefferson through stories and poems. They investigate the attributes of a nickel.

Eleventh graders examine the duties and powers of the president.  In this American Government lesson, 11th graders research to find information on the role of the president.  Students practice reading and listening skills.  

Young scholars take a closer look at the presidential election of 2004. In this American politics lesson, students visit selected websites to learn about the 2004 campaign and active citizenship. Young scholars then create...

Students determine if Lincoln and Whitman ever met and write a dialogue between the two men. In this Whitman and Lincoln lesson, students read Whitman's poem "Beat! Beat! Drums!" and connect it to the events of Lincoln's presidency....

Learners analyze primary source documents and photographs to analyze the implications of the Lend-Lease Program. In this research lesson plan, students read and discuss letters and speeches related to the Lend-Lease Act, evaluate FDR's...

Eleventh graders examine the powers of Congress.  In this American Government lesson, 11th graders read about Congress.  Students complete a worksheet on their findings.  

Young scholars explore the Civil War. In this American History lesson plan, students use guiding questions and primary resources to better comprehend the events of the Civil War. This lesson plan actually includes 3 complete lessons that...

Eleventh graders explore the United States’ displeasure with the Vietnam War.  In this American History instructional activity, 11th graders research the concept of Vietnamization. Students discuss the impact of the United...