Curated OER
Stamps are Making News
Students analyze the cost of mailing a letter since 1917, then read a news article about the increasing stamp price and new Star Wars stamps that will be available. For this current events lesson, the teacher introduces the article with...
Curated OER
Creative Can Sculptures Help Feed the Hungry
Students look at pictures of Canstruction sculptures, then read a news article about the construction of these canned food sculptures. For this current events lesson, the teacher introduces the article with pictures of winning sculptures...
Curated OER
War, and Peace?
Students consider how the war in Iraq has changed life for Iraqis. In this current events lesson plan, students visit selected websites to investigate how the war has affected the citizens of Iraq and participate in a map skills game.
Curated OER
Analyzing the economic, political, social, and cultural transformation of the United States since World War II
Eleventh graders examine political issues in the United States between 1936 and 2000. In this American history instructional activity, 11th graders study the economy, education, government, civil rights, and sports of this time period....
Curated OER
Current Events, Geography
Students read the newspaper to become aware of what is happening in their city, state, nation, and world. They summarize, find locations on a map and ask thought-provoking questions.
Curated OER
Adapting to a New Culture
Seventh graders examine how American Indians adapted and interacted with other ethnic and cultural groups. They analyze what kinds of current issues Utah's American Indians are facing today.
Museum of Tolerance
Oral History Activity
Oral history has brought a multitude of lessons, stories, and factoids to our current knowledge of the past. Let us continue to use oral history traditions through a lesson that encourages pupils to discover and appreciate...
Curated OER
Peace in the Middle East
Students study a region. In this history lesson, students discover how different people and events have affected the Middle East in its efforts to be a peaceful area. They work in small groups on an assigned topic and present their...
Curated OER
Fire Fight
While somewhat dated (students write letters to President George W. Bush about the Iraq War), this lesson plan could be a good way to reinforce rhetorical reading and critical thinking. Students examine information regarding Operation...
Benjamin Franklin Tercentenary
Reading the Work of B. Franklin, Printer
Placing Ben Franklin’s ideas about a free press next to those embodied in the First Amendment sheds light on both. Learners interpret and compare two primary sources and then examine them in the light of a contemporary survey about...
Anti-Defamation League
10 Ideas for Teaching Black History Month
Celebrate Black History Month with the help of 10 ideas that delve deep into the history, major events, contributions, famous African Americans, and sheds light on how scholars today can take a proactive stance on current civil rights...
PBS
Puerto Rican Perspectives
Puerto Ricans are wholly American, but their history with the United States has been one of tumult. Using clips from a PBS documentary, viewers consider the history of the island and Puerto Rico's contributions to the mainland United...
Constitutional Rights Foundation
U.S. Immigration Policy and Hitler’s Holocaust
Though the Statue of Liberty welcomes political refugees to her shores, the welcoming sentiment has not always been reflected in the American citizenry. High schoolers read about the regrettable period in United States history...
Constitutional Rights Foundation
If Men Were Angels: Teaching the Constitution With the Federalist Papers
Much like the methods of group work, the writers of the Federalist Papers worked together to advocate for their viewpoints against the anti-federalists. The resource enables learners to break into small groups and conduct research before...
Smithsonian Institution
Changing Gender Roles on the Home Front
Many historians discuss how gender roles changed because of World War II, but how did this come to be? An informative resource challenges scholars to do some digging and research the information for themselves. They research how...
Curated OER
History Trifold in Publisher
Students create a timeline of events happening around the world. In this timeline lesson plan, students use Microsoft Publisher to create a timeline of events happening around the world as they live their lives presently.
Curated OER
Lose a Vote, Gain a Vote
Students explore the issues behind close Senatorial races. They investigate the qualities of political leaders, the 2002 senatorial elections and the differences and similarities between the Republican and Democratic parties.
Curated OER
What is History and Why Do We Study It?
Young scholars examine why it is important to study American history. In this American history lesson, students discuss why it is necessary to study history, arrange an outline of American history events in chronological order, and...
Curated OER
Responding to Social Crisis
Students, through discussion, identify ways to cope with and process unexpected community or world crisis, such as terrorism or violent acts within a school or community.
Curated OER
Scientists Study Dinosaur "Mummy"
Students share ideas about how scientists know about dinosaurs, then read a news article about the recently found remains of a hadrosaur. In this dinosaur lesson plan, the teacher introduces the article with a class discussion and...
Curated OER
Tackling Terror
Students discuss their fears of terrorism. In this terrorism lesson, students discuss the Madrid terror attacks, the history of terrorism, and share coping strategies.
Curated OER
Gulf Oil Spill:What Happened, and Who is Responsible?
Students investigate the Gulf Oil Spill. In this environmental issues lesson plan, students watch video clips about the oil spill and discuss the devastation caused by the spill as well as who is responsible. Students also consider how...
Curated OER
Democracy in Action?
Students compare and contrast democratic election processes. In this 200 presidential election lesson, students visit websites that allow them to compare federal American elections to British elections. Students hold their own classroom...