Curated OER
That Was Then
Students compare and contrast their community in the past and today. Using primary sources, they develop their own history of their community. Individually, they create maps of the local area and complete sketches of local gravestones.
Curated OER
Ancient Highways-Native Byways of Salmon Lake State Park
Eighth graders investigate the concept of the trail system used by the Native Americans. They compare and contrast the trails to modern transportation roadways of today. Students also define the types of information archaeologists use to...
Curated OER
Paul Revere's Ride
Fifth graders investigate the life of Paul Revere. They compose a timeline of some of the major historical events leading to the American Revolution. The purpose of the ride is the focus of the lesson and the information is later...
Curated OER
From Forest to Farm to Urban Forest
Students participate in a group discuss revolving around urban development and their answers to worksheet questions. They analyze maps and historical records to compare and contrast the day to day activities of a forest manager.
Curated OER
Jobs in 1860 and Today
Students compare occupations during the 19th century with the 21st century using information from 19th century census information.
Curated OER
Lindenwald: Martin Van Buren
Students examine maps, readings, photos, drawings and political cartoons in order to describe the personality and character of Martin Van Buren as reflected by his lifestyle. They identify Van Buren's political views and political issues...
Curated OER
Captain John Smith's Chesapeake Bay
Students conduct research to determine how the Chesapeake Bay has changed since the 17th century when Captain John Smith first explored it. Students read from Smith's historical documents.
Curated OER
Chuuk Introduction (Middle School)
Middle schoolers pretend they are visiting a relative in the Chuuk nation of Micronesia. Using their knowledge of the 4th of July, they compare and contrast the holiday to the Chuuk's independence day. They create travelogues that...
Curated OER
My Community Then and Now
Third graders examine and discuss the characteristics of their community. They compare their present community with its characteristics at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, and they make flat or relief maps that include unique...
Curated OER
Brother Against Brother
Eighth graders read Across Five Aprils and correlate it to a unit on the Civil War. They culminate the unit by writing a a piece of historical fiction in the first person entitled "Brother Against Brother."
Curated OER
Social Studies: Cameroon
Students discover the history of Cameroon and compile a list of foreign foods found in their local grocery. After taking notes on a lecture, they brainstorm a list of foods they might find on a trip to the country and compare it to what...
University of Chicago
What IS the Difference Between Sunni and Shi'ite Muslims?
The distinction between Shiite and Sunni Muslims is an often misunderstood concept, yet very important for its implications in global affairs and for a more comprehensive understanding of the religion of Islam.
Curated OER
State of Arkansas Travel Brochure
Eighth graders design a travel brochure to persuade others to visit Arkansas. They depict particular points of interest they decide are the best in the state.
Curated OER
Canada 2050: Future Population Trends
Students analyze population data and a population pyramid projection for Canada. They make predictions of future society and economic trends.
Curated OER
Where Do People Move To Or From?
Students identify countries of origin of their ancestors, graph patterns of migration to the U.S. and Hawaii, then utilize oral history as a primary document by interviewing their ancestors or parents to explain why they moved to their...
Curated OER
Deportation of the Acadians
Students use an online atlas to identify the presence of Acadian culture in the Maritime provinces of Canada and explore the deportation.
Curated OER
The Treaty Trail: US Indian Treaty Councils in the Northwest
Students research and examine primary sources concerning the Washington Territory. In this Native American removal lesson, students view portrait images created by Gustav Sohon. Students then read several biographies that correspond to...
Curated OER
Factors Contributing To the U.S. Dominance of the Pacific Northwest
Students examine the painting Columbia by John Gast. They discuss the concept of Manifest Destiny and the role of different groups (miners, missionaries, fur trappers, farmers, etc.) in the Americanization of the West. In groups, they...
Curated OER
"Egypt, Gift of Nile"
Sixth graders are introduced to the basics of ancient Egypt focusing on the Nile River and the necessity of the river. The students work in small groups and
become "experts" on the given topic and then present the information that
was...
Curated OER
Australian Aboriginal Art And Storytelling
Students explore Aboriginal storytelling traditions through the spoken word and through visual culture. They listen to stories of the Dreamtime told by the Aboriginal people and investigate Aboriginal storytelling in contemporary dot...
National History Day
Propaganda Posters of World War I: Analyzing the Methods Behind the Images
The power of a picture. During the events surrounding World War I, propaganda posters were widely distributed in American society to sway the emotions of its citizens. By analyzing World War I propaganda posters in the first installment...
Curated OER
Integrated Lesson Plan
An ambitious and engaging lesson on the Westward Movement for your students to enjoy! Groups of learners rotate between learning tasks such as learning about the Chislom Trail, Lewis and Clark, and the Gold Rush. A WebQuest is also...
National Geographic
Measuring Elevation Past and Present
After viewing a short video about a climb up Mount Everest, high schoolers read about triangulation for measuring distant elevations. Have your class work in groups to construct an inclinometer and then use it to measure the height of...
Curated OER
Go West: Imagining the Oregon Trail
Students access the Oregon Trial website to find information on what it was like to experience traveling the Oregon Trial. Then, in groups, they create dioramas depicting events that could have happened along the Oregon Trail.