As part of a study of immigration and the U.S. economy, class members assume the role of newspaper editors to determine which submitted letters to print on their paper's editorial page to present a balanced view of the debate.

High schoolers interpret historical evidence presented in primary and secondary resources. For this Chinese immigration lesson, students research the Chinese immigration between 1850 and 1882.

Upper elementary learners engage in a study about the Potlatch as a Northwest Coast Indians social custom. Groups of pupils plan their own Potlatch ceremony; incorporating activities and creating gifts much like the ones that the Indians...

Satires may be designed to expose a bias to ridicule but if misunderstood can they reinforce that bias? Langston Hughes poem, “Minstrel Man” opens a discussion of racist stereotypes, the minstrel tradition, and the musical, “The...

Students examine the impact of Franklin Roosevelt's executive order on Japanese-Americans. They discuss Presidential executive orders, read a handout, answer discussion questions, and write a letter to President Roosevelt.

Students create a scrapbook based on their research of the lives of migrants in California during the Great Depression.

Young scholars engage in a study of the states as part of the United States while conducting research using a variety of resources. The focus of the study is the states that were part of the Union by 1890. Students create an almanac...

Students are be able to analyze primary sources (photographs) for evidence of Native American culture and construct a cultural symbol. They are explained what the stars and stripes stand for on the American flag. Students work as...

Eighth graders identify the major advancements that have been made in transportation throughout U.S. history (waterways, horses, steam power, railroads, automobiles, etc.) They access websites imbedded in this plan and answer questions...

Students examine the elements of various court cases and how state and federal laws affect them. They participate in mock trials.

Students examine reasons why people migrated west. They describe how the geography of the U.S. changed in the 19 th century and design a PowerPoint presentation to convey factors for westward expansion.

Eleventh graders study the Gold Rush in relation to "To Build a Fire." They research a website and view a Power Point presentation on the Alaskan Gold Rush. They write notes on a graphic organizer and write a sentence supporting their...

Young scholars locate California and New York on a map and explore available means of travel in the 19th century. Students explore the role of trade in pioneer America and simulate various barter transactions.

Ninth graders examine the importance of trade in the Mediterranean Sea. In groups, they create a chart of the items that were most popular in the late Bronze Age and where they originated. To end the lesson, they read an article out of...

Sixth graders plan a trip to China and prepare yourself for the Banpo excavation site competition by studying prehistoric and ancient Chinese history.

Fourth graders study the history of the city of Los Angeles, investigating its variety of cultural traditions. They develop expertise on one specific decade in LA history.

Fourth graders discover the significance of the Oregon Trail in Idaho history. In addition, 4th graders conceptualize the Oregon Trail in relation to their own lives. They engage in a wide variety of curricular activities, culminating in...

Students plan for their future by exploring occupational experience programs.In this career instructional activity students list activities that they will participate in in the future and complete a career exploration project.

Students study the Temperate Grasslands biome of North America. They explain that it is an endangered ecosystem because the rich soils have been converted to farming in most areas. They view videos imbedded in this plan, then complete...

An activity focused on tolerance encourages class members to consider how they might respond when they or someone else is the target of oppression and discrimination. After researching how some key figures responded to the...

Fourth graders research the culture of Los Californios through primary sources. They examine maps and draw timelines of California historical dates. They investigate deeds and s of ranches and simulate property transactions.

Eighth graders explore the components of the Westward Movement in the United States. Understanding the past and the linkages it has to the present is the intended goal of this seventeen day unit.

Eleventh graders listen to a song and read the lyrics and discuss what patriotism means to them. After viewing pictures of important patriots throughout history, they describe their contribution to society. They write in their journals...

Eleventh graders review what they have gathered on the Gold Rush and how the Native Americans lived in the Plains. Using a worksheet, they choose one scenerio they would have liked to be a part of and write their opionions about it...