Curated OER
Will America Fall Apart Like the Maya?
Young scholars work in teams to research ancient Mayan civilization as they simulate working for the President of the United States. He is concerned that if a civilization as technologically advanced as the Maya's could disappear, could...
Curated OER
Learning From El Salvador's Past
Students analyze El Salvador's history and the conditions that contributed to its civil war. identify the factors that led to the churchwomen's murder. Make determinations about the future of El Salvador's political and social climate...
Syracuse University
American Industrial Revolution
While the Industrial Revolution may have fueled America's rise to the top of world markets, the child laborers often faced dangerous conditions. Using primary source images and other information, scholars consider what these children...
Curated OER
Trade Missions
Learners research the products of countries in Central and South America. t research which products from the countries they represent are imported to the United States. They create tables and/or graphs to indicate annual totals.
Curated OER
Ship of Gold
Students explore American values. In this American history lesson, students read passages from Ship of Gold in the Deep Blue Sea. Students collaborate to conduct research in order to build a timeline of the events surrounding the sinking...
National History Day
Why Did the United States Enter World War I in 1917?
World War I was the first major conflict on a global scale. Using primary documents, learners determine why the United States chose to enter World War I when it did. After analytical writing and group research, the causes of America's...
Curated OER
Latin American Film
Students critique, discuss, and identify characters in a film about Latin America. In this Latin America lesson plan, students watch the film and discuss the film and everyday life.
Curated OER
Mayan Farming Practices
The introduction of this instructional activity requires reading a from The Maya by Jaqueline Dembar Greene. Learners sketch a Mayan during the reading. Teaching strategies include direct instruction, grouping the students for...
Curated OER
Ship of Gold
Students research the events that were taking place in the U.S. during the time period when the SS Central America sank, and explore the adventurous, innovative, and individualistic traits that often define the American spirit.
Rutgers University
How the Allies Won World War II: Island-hopping in the Central Pacific
Using primary source documents, young historians explore the strategies the US used to defeat Japan during WWII. They also learn about the American military experience, and innovations that changed the style of warfare. Students benefit...
Curated OER
The Discovery of the Americas: A Play About Early Explorers
Students perform a play about the early explorers to America.
Curated OER
Immigration and Identity
Students will analyze four historical events: The Annexation of U.S. Southwest, The Mexican Revolution, The Great Depression, and World War II. They determine how each event affected immigration to the U.S. from Mexico and Central...
Curated OER
Mayan History
Students examine Mayan contributions to the world. For this Mesoamerican culture lesson, students view a slideshow about the Maya and then peruse books about the accomplishments of the culture. Students create charts that highlight Mayan...
Curated OER
Corn in Ancient America
Middle schoolers explore the importance of corn to the survival of early civilizations of the Americas. Through research and discussion activities, they read and describe how corn was used as food and currency in early civilizations. ...
Curated OER
War and International Law:America’s Foreign Policy: A Brief History
Students discover the history of American foreign policy. In this foreign policy lesson, students listen to their instructor present a lecture that presents a brief history of American foreign policy. Students respond to discussion...
Curated OER
Discovering No Differences in Latin America and Latino Culture
Students explore the differences between American Spanish speaking countries and the United States. Students explore the history and culture of Spanish speaking countries. They examine Latino influences. Students create a presentation...
Curated OER
Walk and Bike Across America
Students learn how to use maps, compute mileage, and be physically active while exploring America's national parks, historical heritage, and nutritional information via key agricultural sites.
Curated OER
Community Symbols: Heroes and Leaders
Students research the importance of community leaders in portraits. In this art history lesson, students look at the painting "The Ascension of Simon Bolivar on Mount Jamaica" and discuss what they see in the portrait. Students research...
Curated OER
Lesson 1: English-Indian Encounters
What did the English settlers think of the Native Americans inhabiting the Chesapeake region of the United States? Learners analyze a series of documents and images to determine the English perception of the local inhabitants. A great...
Curated OER
Time Marches On
Students discover the times of Colonial America by creating a timeline. In this U.S. History activity, students research a teacher-directed website about African Americans in early colonial times. Students utilize their information to...
National Endowment for the Humanities
Understanding the Salem Witch Trials
Students describe some of the important elements of life in Puritan New England. They create a timeline of the events of the Salem Witch Trials. They work in groups to explore the concept of multiple interpretations of history.
Curated OER
A Mayan Adventure - Special Assignment
Students role-play the role of a reporter for their school's newspaper. Pretending they are visiting Mexico and Central America, they research the answers to questions given to them by their teacher. They discuss their answers and the...
Curated OER
Aztec and Mayan Mythology
Sixth graders write myths to show tolerance in creation. They read from both the Aztec and Mayan eras and develop an understanding of the similarities and differences of these two closely related cultures. They track the travels of...
Curated OER
Civilizations of the Americas
Study and compare multiple aspects of both Aztec and Inca civilizations. Young historians explain how each of the empires came to be, and how they were both defeated by the Spanish. The resource starts out as a good instructional...