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What Does This Song Really Say?
Young scholars investigate communication by analyzing lyrics from a song. In this music arts lesson, students discuss slavery, the Underground Railroad and African American traditions while listening to a song called "This Train." Young...
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5th Grade Social Studies Quiz B
In this grade 5 social studies quiz instructional activity, 5th graders complete a 15 question multiple choice quiz covering a variety of grade 5 concepts.
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Levi Coffin on Trial
Students are introduced to Quaker beliefs about slavery and actual statements of conviction about slavery by Levi Coffin. They explore the federal laws about returning escaped slaves, specifically the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850
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Student Photographs and Suburbia
Third graders read photographs for information and discuss reactions. They take pictures of several sites or topics that depict change, tension, historic sites or community icons. They choose one to describe, mount and label.
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A Full Military Experience
Eighth graders watch electronic field trip entitled Call to Arms, and simulate daily life of eighteenth-century soldier, including marching, camp building, cannon firing, and sharing common meal. Student groups form regiments by signing...
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Forced to Move in More Ways Than One
Eleventh graders explore the Native American movement. They study the Indian Removal Act of 1830, the Dawes Act of 1887, and the Indian Boarding Schools in 1887. They research each episode and create a Venn diagram poster.
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Mapping Central Park
Students use the mapping skills to explore New York's Central Park. They examine a map of Central Park to discover its features. After discussing the characteristics of the park, students design their own dream park and draw it to scale.
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Writers of the 19th Century
Students are introduced to women authors during the 19th century. In groups, they read about the criticism they faced during this time period by the public and literary community. Using the internet, they research one author to...
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Born on Halloween
In this research skills worksheet, students use an encyclopedia, almanac, web search, or other resources to answer the 5 questions about people who have birthdays on Halloween.
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The Social and Economic Impact of Wildlife and Natural Resource Management
Students develop an understanding of environmental laws and regulations. In this research activity, students utilize information that involves controversial issues of wildlife and society.
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The Slave Market: Slavery, Not Just a Southern Institution
Eleventh graders examine how slavery was related to the economic development of New York. In this American History lesson, 11th graders analyze the primary and secondary sources on the New York Slave Market. Students create a revised...
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Morse Code, Telegraph, and West Virginia
Students prepare for a visit to the West Virginia State Museum. In this West Virginia history lesson, students research the Morse Code and telegraph. Students create their own Morse Code and discuss communication history prior to...
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Music: Follow the Drinking Gourd
Fourth graders use movement to express a concept. In this interdisciplinary lesson, 4th graders listen to the book, Follow the Drinking Gourd, which demonstrates the types of 'communication' used by slaves traveling the Underground...
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Underground Railroad
Fourth graders reflect on their knowledge of the Underground Railroad. In this slavery lesson, 4th graders discuss slavery and watch a video. Students complete a K-W-L chart after discussion and reading, as well as, a worksheet on...
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U.S. History
In this U.S. history worksheet, 5th graders complete multiple choice questions about important events in U.S. history. Students complete 5 multiple choice questions.
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A Changing of the Guard: Traditionalists, Feminists, and the New Face of Women in Congress
Young scholars explore the role of women as Congressional leaders. In this women's rights instructional activity, students identify and investigate the impact of women representatives and senators in the U.S. Legislative Branch....
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Before Rosa Parks: Early Grades Activity
Students read excerpts from an autobiographical work and retell scenes from the book. They consider the ways Susie King Taylor's autobiography displays character traits including courage, creativity, compassion and determination.
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Household Names
Students explore the accomplishments of famous New Yorkers in the 19th century. In small groups, students read biographies and match them with a corresponding primary source document. The group that is most accurate in matching the...
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Monuments, Memorials and Public Spaces
Monument and memorial lesson plans can get students thinking about important topics and time periods in history.
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Railroads in Virginia
Students decscribe the importance of railroads, new industries, and the growth of cities to Virginia's economic development. They locate on a map the small towns and cities that grew because of the railroads and create a flow chart...
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Imagining a United Nations Coffee Break
Young scholars demonstrate basic knowledge of modern Middle Eastern history, politics, and political figures. They assess the validity of generalizations and stereotypes that impede the Middle East peace process.
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Lincoln, Douglass, and Black Emergence (Literature and Politics, 1840-1865)
Young scholars examine the ideas of Lincoln and Douglass. In groups, they compare and contrast writings from each man and how they formed the nation with their ideas. After watching "Glory", they discuss how people like Lincoln and...
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Perseverance
Students examine how the failure of Reconstruction led to the systematic passage of Jim Crow laws in states across the South and the negative impact these laws had on the growth and development of the US.
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Presentation of Pilgrims
Students are given a category to research (clothes, life before the New World, the voyage, etc.) about Pilgrim life. s Students, in groups, create presentations using software program such as PowerPoint.