Fifth graders examine the events leading up to the beginning of the Revolutionary War. In groups, they put the events into chronological order and create a timeline. As a class, they discuss the reprecussions of the Stamp Act,...

Pupils examine websites and video clips to become familiar with tenets of the Homestead Act, challenges faced by settlers and misconceptions about settlers. They role-play colonists on the Planet XR-38 and make choices similar to western...

Students research the conditions in Spain during the 15th and 16th centuries. In groups, they write a paper on the information they gathered during their research and why the situation is unique to Spain. As a class, they discuss the...

Middle schoolers discuss the ways in which an environment is used to provide the basic necessities of life. In groups, they compare and contrast how different hunter and gatherer groups have used the environment to their advantage. ...

Students listen in on American historical events. For this colonial America lesson, students participate in an activity that requires them to watch video segments that detail slavery and participate in an Incidents in the Life of a...

Pupils examine the reasons for and the results of the US Revolutionary War. They watch a PowerPoint presentation to review the immediate results of the war. They design a flag for the newly free colonies.

Young scholars conduct Internet research on the history and archaeological excavations at historical Jamestown. They explore various websites, and develop a Powerpoint presentation to present to the class.

Learners communicate their knowledge of life in the Virginia colony. They describe how money, barter, and credit were used. Students observe a United Streaming video on trade. Learners complete a review guide and write an essay.

Young scholars explore events and causes that led to American Revolution and examine popular pro-Patriot renderings and texts of these issues created both at that time and in later years. Students then prepare and deliver oral...

Your students' world will literally take shape in this presentation, which chronicles the growing edges of the (flat) earth during European Exploration of New Worlds. Dias, da Gama, Magellean, and Columbus are key players in this game of...

Research the history of the Boston Tea Party. Learners read the book The Boston Tea Party and write down important facts. They use the Internet to continue their research and construct an art project of a boat that contains a tea bag.

Eighth graders bring early America to life. In this George Washington instructional activity, 8th graders listen to a lecture about the first president, explore the relationships he had with his slaves, and research the backgrounds of...

A lesson looks at the Pilgrims and Wampanoag tribe during the first Thanksgiving. Scholars compare and contrast information presented by an online activity then discuss their findings. Learners examine the two group's daily routines and...

Following an online activity, scholars listen to a read-aloud of If You Were at the First Thanksgiving by Anne Kamma. Pupils discuss their family traditions and complete a T-chart comparing the holiday then and now. Collages are made to...

Though it occurred almost 40 years later, could the United States have been fighting for their independence again in the War of 1812? Using appropriate primary source material from each of the two wars, compare and contrast the situation...

Students examine how the European voyages of discovery influence American culture even today. They map eighteenth century Europe's impact on the United States.

Students study the ancient African kingdoms of Ghana, Mali, and Songhai. They brainstorm what they know about ancient African kingdoms before investigating the trade and barter situations, and researching one of the kingdoms for an oral...

Fifth graders determine which crops were grown in the 13 colonies depending on their climate and geography. They explore what crops are grown in the states created from the original colonies.

Young scholars review the causes of slavery, the Middle Passage, triangular trade and the spread of slavery throughout colonies. They work in small groups and search documents in order to find the answers to a question and document packet.

Young scholars explore the life of George Washington. In this George Washington instructional activity, students consider the leadership qualities of the first president as they listen to a description of his life and the create...

Students compare two maps of the same area from different time periods. In this American History lesson, students look at two maps of the English colonies from 1636 and 1651. They discuss why the maps changed and predict maps from the...

Young scholars examine the trait of courage. In this Declaration of Independence lesson, students discuss what it means to be courageous and identify the courageous acts the signers of the Declaration showed. Young scholars research the...

Seventh graders study the thirteen colonies.  In this American History instructional activity, 7th graders analyze the historical origins and economic development of each colony.  Students create an original flag for a colony...

Students examine the similarities and differences between modern day immigrants and pilgrims. They listen to stories, discuss their ancestors' origins, and create a native costume for a paper doll for where their ancestor is from.