Students analyze primary source documents of the 1920s to find the roots of film censorship and understand Pennsylvania's leadership in this movement. They analyze government censorship documents that banned a film in Pennsylvania and...

Students examine the Jim Crow laws and how they impacted the lives of both African Americans and white Americans. They discuss the Civil Rights Movement and how their lives may have been different had it not occurred. Groups...

Students explore Wisconsin's natural and cultural history through hands-on exploration of Upham Woods. They are shown the basic paddling skills and they work in teams to paddle across the river on barge. Students describe cultural...

Students analyze the problems that have come along with the conservation movement and the fall and rise of the white tailed deer population. In this conservation lesson plan, students see how important the deer were to the Native...

Students examine advertising from early to mid twentieth century.  In this advertising techniques lesson plan, students assess the different ways advertisers "sold" the concept of railroad travel.  Students examine a variety of...

Middle schoolers describe in detail the harsh conditions that the Jews were faced with. They practice their writing skills by keeping a daily journal and identify how their lives have been influenced by the Holocaust.

Students research and stage a debate on the question: RESOLVED that the Constitution should be amended to provide for a parliamentary system of government. They debate if a parliamentary system of government might be better.

Students groups divide up into 2. One gathers 10 facts about FDR and the other gathers 10 facts about Churchill. On the board, they compile that facts gathered in two separate columns so they can compare and contrast these two men.

Young scholars develop oral fluency through reading and singing. They sing "This Land is Your Land" and discuss what the pictures and words mean in the song. They connect the song and poem and previous learning and write a journal.

Students read about America's participation in World War II. They study images, timelines, and other primary source documents.

Young scholars examine the blues, poetry, the Harlem Renaissance, and the 12-bar blues form. They watch a segment from the video, "VH1 Driven: Jamie Foxx," participate in a class discussion, and listen to songs by Ray Charles and a...

Students view a short film on the rise of Nazism and its main principles. They read first hand accounts of Kristallnacht and identify turning points in Hilter's foreign policy. They write a newspaper article describing what happened...

Seventh graders are introduced to the processes of cotton farming in the early 20th century. In groups, they examine the role of Mexican Americans on the farms and the impact of a boom and bust economy on cotton. They identify the...

Students examine the reasons why people leave their country to live in another. In groups, they use print and electronic resources to answer questions about where immigrants came from during different time periods and advice given to...

Fifth graders explore the positive and negative consequences of choosing to fight against discrimination. They read the story of Rosa Parks. Students discuss the movement against segregation. Students read other books about...

Fifth graders use the internet to research the Silver Star given to those who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Using the information, they write a short report on one of the recipients of the Silver Star. In groups, they visit a...

Students explore the concept of philanthropy. In this service learning lesson, students research the Civilian Conservation Corps and create an advertisement that might have promoted it.

Students watch and discuss films. In this video viewing lesson plan, students watch a film related to a  different topic every Friday. Students watch these films in order to encourage discussion and Internet research. Suggested film...

Learners create memorials for lesser known WWII heroes. For this WWII lesson, students recognize the efforts of lesser know individuals and groups that contributed to the wartime cause. Learners work in groups to create a memorial for...

Students discuss what makes a sports legend. In this Jim Thorpe activity students analyze both the triumphs and tragedies of Jim Thorpe's sports career. Students then write a letter persuading their representative to name Jim Thorpe the...

Students write a persuasive essay as if they were an African American in World War II and decide if they would contribute war bonds or not. In this World War II lesson plan, students study the segregation of World War II and the unity...

High schoolers study maps to determine barriers associated with the Pennsylvania mountains and the Native Americans.  In this investigative lesson students study the routes used by Native Americans, explain physical features of the...

Students identify the function and value of wetlands. In this lesson on appreciating wetlands, students explain how different household items can represent different aspects of the wetlands.

High schoolers examine Wall Street Reform. In this current events activity, students read the provided articles "Why a Financial Crisis?," "Deception and Leadership Failure=Boom, Bubble, Burst," and "How Can a Future Financial Crisis be...