Young scholars explore terrorist interrogation issues. In this human rights instructional activity, students read articles and documents related to torture in terrorist investigations. Young scholars respond to discussion questions...

Students explore how immigration, citizenship, due process of law, and the freedoms of speech and assembly have shaped American values throughout American history

Fourth graders investigate the assassination of Abraham Lincoln.  In this American history lesson plan, 4th graders conduct research, share their findings, and write a report about the events leading up to the death of President...

Students study patriotic symbols of America. In this American history lesson, students construct a KWL chart on United States symbols and examine visuals of the Great Seal and bald eagle. Students create another symbol for America.

Students discover the responsibilities of the Civilian Conservation Corps. In this New Deal instructional activity, students analyze the impact that the inclusion of African Americans in the Civilian Conservation Corps made on race...

Middle schoolers take a closer look at historical maps. In this American Revolution lesson, students examine the provided historical maps and documents to determine the assignments that George Washington assigned to subordinates during...

Young scholars examine the image of George Washington. In this Washington presidency lesson plan, students use the provided analysis handout to analyze the character of Washington conveyed in several pieces of art and speeches. Young...

Students examine the lives of the Nisqually people and the resource consumption philosophy. In this Native American philosophy lesson, students use primary sources to understand the resource consumption philosophy and then evaluate their...

Information, inferences, and innuendos. Text and subtext. Class members examine telegrams exchanged between President John F. Kennedy and Alabama Governor George Wallace, studying both what is stated and what is implied by the...

Here is an interesting topic. Learners examine the economics that led to the founding of the First Bank of America. They participate in a reader's theater experience depicting the debate between Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson...

How does the president of the United States get the authority to exercise his/her duties? What responsibilities and tasks go into a hard day's work for the president? Here is a lesson plan that includes several instructional materials...

Engage your class while learning about the US Constitution with this fun primary grade social studies lesson. After viewing a picture of the US Constitution, young learners piece together a US flag using stars and...

Students examine the contributions of African American soldiers during the Civil War. In pairs, they complete Civil War timeline worksheets. They use character cards to assume the identities of African Americans and determine whether or...

A New Order in Europe calls for a new lesson plan! This third plan in a series of four sequential lessons encourages high schoolers to read primary sources about the development of the New Order and follow up their knowledge with a...

Young historians study the Supreme Court case "Worcester v. Georgia"  and note instances where the Justices defended the sovereign rights of the Cherokee. They also examine the actions of President Andrew Jackson and the...

Learn more about the Grand Alliance with a scaffolded lesson plan that includes four activities. Class members use primary sources to complete a map exercise, understand the goals and objectives of each individual nation, and participate...

Fifth graders determine how freedom comes with rights and responsibilities through literature and poetry about World War II. In this World War II lesson, 5th graders use the letters in the word "infamy" to write an acrostic poem. They...

Young historians explore the meaning of the Preamble to the US Constitution in this upper-elementary social studies lesson. Working with partners or in small groups, children discuss the purpose of government before reading and analyzing...

Introduce young historians to the US Constitution with this upper-elementary social studies lesson plan. Beginning with a general discussion about the role of government in society, students go on to work in small...

Simplify the teaching of the US Constitution with this primary grade social studies instructional activity. While reading a fun story about an imaginary place called Bubble Land, children learn about the concept of authority and the...

Young historians conduct a close reading of the text of an interview with Mary McLeod Bethune, the daughter of former slaves who taught herself to read, grew up to establish schools for other Black women, and went on to become an advisor...

Using primary source materials including radio broadcasts, films, and interview transcripts, history students gain a better understanding of the Dust Bowl, relief efforts for farmers, and the nation's agricultural past. It includes...

What fate befell the city of Berlin after World War II? The lesson shares two speeches from US presidents regarding the Berlin Wall and the Cold War. Pupils read primary sources, work in groups, and complete written activities to better...

Students complete a variety of activities as they study Washington, D.C., the Presidency, and George Washington. They take a virtual trip to Washington, D.C., and visit the National Portrait Gallery, the White House, and the Library of...