Curated OER
The Ethics of the Bomb: What Would You Do?
Students research the use of the atomic bomb in WWII, analyze the human costs of dropping the bomb and identify the pros and cons. They develop a PowerPoint presentation on the effects of an atomic bomb dropped on their hometown.
Curated OER
Women in Two Countries: Japan and America
Students explore the role of women in Japan and the United States during World War Two. They focus on women and the family and women and the workplace and the changes within each. Students create an informational brochure of women...
National Geographic
Exploring Modern Human Migrations
Using maps, images, websites, and handouts, learners work to understand the nature of human migrations. They compare and contrast human migration from the past to the present, identify causes for migration, and trace migration routes on...
Curated OER
Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes
Have your class explore the effects of war by reading Eleanor Coerr's story, "Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes." This is a story about a sixth grader who lives in Hiroshima when the atomic bomb is dropped. Learners answer questions,...
Curated OER
The Westward Movement
Learners study the westward movement through examining stamps. In this westward movement lesson plan, students draw conclusions, determine cause and effect relationships and examine the westward movement of the United States by...
Curated OER
America and the Sino-Japanese Conflict, 1933-1939
High schoolers examine the U.S. stance regarding the Sino-Japanese conflict. In this diplomacy lesson, students analyze the sanctions employed by United States on Japan when they took over Manchuria. High schoolers determine how actions...
Agriculture in the Classroom
Growing a Nation (1950-1969): Prosperity & Challenges: The Story of American Agriculture
A wonderful lesson plan on the development and impact of mechanized farming! History or agriculture classes learn the historical background of the United States' food production by creating a pamphlet with information on the cause and...
Smithsonian Institution
Cuban Missile Crisis
The United States—specifically John F. Kennedy—played a large role during the Cuban Missile Crisis. A history resource poses questions that encourage critical thinking as well as in-depth analysis of images from the time period.
Curated OER
Saudi Arabia
Students view a video clip about bombings in Saudi Arabia. They discuss the causes and implications of other recent terrorist attacks. They examine the United States - Saudi Arabia relationship as well.
Curated OER
Reconstruction
Learners explain how the Civil War and Reconstruction both solved and created problems for our nation. They study how Reconstruction caused a further decline in relations between the North & South and how racism has been and is...
Curated OER
Immigration and Migration: Today and During the Great Depression
Students conduct interviews, analyze primary sources including docuements and images to gain an inderstanding of the causes and effects of he Great Depression and immigration.
Curated OER
Numbers Tell a Story
Students connect census data to historical events. In this civics lesson plan, students understand cause and effect, and how they are reflected in census data and analyze census data for social and economic significance.
Curated OER
Breaking News: Second Explosion at Japan Nuclear Plant (14th March, 2011)
Students explore current events by sharing information about the Japanese nuclear plant. In this nuclear energy lesson, students discuss the pros and cons of nuclear energy plants and whether or not they can typically withstand natural...
NASA
Einstein and His Times
Scholars research and present on the historical happenings of 1919. After sharing their findings, pupils debate about how Congress dealt with the moral issues of the time. The evaluation asks learners to write a persuasive essay...
KOG Ranger Program
Why a Bear Mattered: Smokey’s Story
Smokey the Bear has been telling people how to prevent forest fires since 1944, and continues to be the symbol of fire safety in America's wilderness. Young rangers visualize a dry forest and
Alabama Department of Archives and History
New Deal Programs in Alabama
New Deal programs are the focus of an activity that prompts middle and high schoolers to consider the end of the Great Depression. Groups examine primary source materials to gain an understanding of how these programs were implemented in...
Curated OER
Miss America
The first part of this article by PBS on the Miss America pageants can be used in a health class when it's time to talk about body image. There are links to related articles. There are some great questions for discussion. There are ideas...
Harry S. Truman Library & Museum
Marshall Plan: Convince the American People
This is an excellent resource for US history classes, especially AP history. After learning some background on the Marshall Plan, the class, divided into two groups, researches opposing positions on this aid program. Groups read and...
Curated OER
Reagan and Bush: The Conservative Years
Students investigate the conservative agenda of the Republican Presidents Ronald Reagan and George Bush. They conduct Internet research, evaluate an edition of the Wall Street Journal, and write and publish a special-edition newspaper...
Curated OER
"An American Story"--The Responsibility of Citizenship
Young scholars describe the importance of being a responsible citizen. In this philanthropic actions activity, students view "An American Story" and identify examples from the movie. Young scholars discuss and recognize philanthropic...
Curated OER
Teaching Economics and Rock and Roll: Unemployment
Students explore the consequences of unemployment. For this macroeconomics lesson, students listen to the songs “Johnny 99” and “Worried Man.” Students discuss the socioeconomic costs of unemployment as they analyze the songs.
Curated OER
Using the Synoptic Code for the Prediction of Weather
Young scholars interpret the synoptic code. They construct a thermoscreen with an anemometer. Students identify different types of clouds and understand and read barometric pressure. Young scholars predict weather pattern as they apply...
City University of New York
The Split Over Suffrage
Compare and contrast Frederick Douglass's and the National Women's Suffrage Association's stances on equal rights and suffrage with a series of documents and worksheets. Learners work together or independently to complete the packet, and...