Smithsonian Institution
Picturing George: A Pictorial Survey of the Life of George Washington
Students create pictorial biographies of George Washington. Working in groups, they research various portions of Washington's life, highlighting significant events. After presenting their projects to the class, they are displayed for...
Curated OER
Abolish the Office of Governor
Students explore the history of the Pennsylvania Constitution of 1776. In this historical analysis lesson, students analyze the constitution of the state and determine how citizens benefited (or didn't benefit) from the document....
Curated OER
Industrial Revolution - History before the Industrial Revolution
Sixth graders consider how inventions fueled change. For this Industrial Revolution lesson, 6th graders view a PowerPoint presentation that feature technological innovations that made it possible to create goods in factories. Students...
Curated OER
Initiation – Industrial Revolution
Sixth graders examine historical artifacts. For this Industrial Revolution lesson, 6th graders discover how modern conveniences are connected to innovations of the Industrial Revolution era. Students interview adults about technological...
Curated OER
You Don’t Know What You’ve Got Until It’s Gone: The Changing American Landscape
Students examine the changing American landscape. In this cause and effect instructional activity, students listen to rock music that exemplifies urban growth in America and the interconnectedness of America today. Students write cause...
Curated OER
Revolutions in Retrospect
Students analyze the social conditions of Victorian England and focus on the woman's place in Victorian society. In this Victorian England instructional activity, students read excerpts of Victorian writers and their take on the...
Curated OER
African-American Inventors
Students conduct research on a variety of African-American inventors. They choose an invention that they feel has had the greatest impact on the world today and write a short summary of the invention, its impact and the inventor's...
Curated OER
Industrialization of the American Landscape
Students summarize the three sectors of industry and how these sectors applied to the Industrial Revolution. Students apply their skills in research and note-taking, as well as vocabulary building through web organizers. Students...
Curated OER
The Figure of Paul Revere. Romanticizing Colonial American History
Learners compare paintings to make conclusions about American History in the Revolutionary War time period. Students share opinions concerning visual art. Other artwork can be used to entice inquiry as needed.
Curated OER
Paul Revere's Ride
Fifth graders investigate the life of Paul Revere. They compose a timeline of some of the major historical events leading to the American Revolution. The purpose of the ride is the focus of the lesson and the information is later...
Elizabeth Murray Project
The Education of Women in Colonial America
What educational opportunities were available to women during the colonial era in American history? How did the opportunities available to women differ from those for men? To answer this question, class members examine a series of...
The Alamo
The Alamo Crossword Puzzle
Sort out who's who from the Battle of the Alamo with a helpful crossword puzzle. Complete with 20 clues and names, the resource helps history learners identify the major players in a pivotal moment in American history.
Curated OER
Freedom and Dignity Project
Young scholars research the economic impact of the Revolutionary War on a variety of occupations. They examine and discuss the topic of whether political leanings influenced the economic outlook.
Daughters of the American Revolution
Lesson 1: How Do Society’s Expectations Influence Education?
The history of women's education can be traced back to the delicate stitching of student samplers from the 19th century. Modern-day pupils examine and analyze four primary sources, three of which are images of embroidered samplers, which...
Curated OER
The Geography of the United States
Full of bright maps and interesting information, this presentation details U.S. Geography. Slides include basic facts about size, regions, topography, and demographics, as well as fascinating trivia about the United States, including...
National History Day
“Saving the Bear”: The Russian Expeditionary Force of World War One
How have Russian politics affected countries on a global stage? The discussion of the Russian Revolution and World War I begins with an analysis of primary resource letters. Learners finish with a project where they create a timeline of...
Pulitzer Center
China's Rising Labor Movement
Young historians will explore the complex causes and effects of industrialization in China by perusing the numerous articles included in this webpage. Throughout the resource, there are many writing and discussion prompts to help direct...
Curated OER
American Immigration Past and Present
Students simulate a Commission hearing in which the class attempt to arrive at an immigration policy; individual essays by each student; and, if time permits, individual or group projects based on some aspect of America's immigration...
Curated OER
Sparking a Revolution!
Students investigate the causes and events that lead to the US Revolutionary War. They use a number of study techniques in this unit to discuss why the colonies wanted freedom from Britain.
Curated OER
Causes of the American Revolution
Students access websites for background information and learn how to interpret political cartoons. They incorporate higher-order thinking skills to determine if the information presented in the cartoons is accurate, what the colonists...
Curated OER
Lessons in Looking: Imperialism Cartoons
Using a Smartboard, learners break apart symbolism found in a political cartoon published in 1902. They work to analyze the cartoon in terms of US Imperialism occurring in the late 1890s. All necessary materials are included in this well...
US National Archives
We the People Focusing on Details: Compare and Contrast
Even the most inspiring documents in American history had to go through a few drafts before they were ready for publication. Reinforce the importance of the writing process, as well as the collaborative nature of democracy, with an...
Curated OER
Freedom and Dignity Project
Students use maps to "recreate" important battles of the Revolutionary war. Students research these battles, focusing on how topography played a role in the victory or defeat of the American army. A field trip may also be used as an...
Curated OER
Victorian Architecture from Heather Fitzgerald
Sixth graders compare housing in the United States during the Industrial Revolution. In this Industrialization lesson, 6th graders compare and contrast Victorian and Tenement style housing as they research primary sources gathered by...