National Constitution Center
Born in the U.S.A: Music as Political Protest
Though often used in shows of patriotism, Bruce Springsteen's 1985 song "Born in the U.S.A." is critical of America's role in the Vietnam war and its treatment of American veterans. High schoolers analyze the song's lyrics in an activity...
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We the People Level 2
Students explore U.S. history by participating in a government activity. In this Constitution lesson, students identify the role government plays in our society and the differences the British colonies had in the early 18th century....
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Snail Mail vs. E-mail: Let the Challenge Begin
Compare past and present forms of written communication with a fable to guide your pupils in discovering the benefits of various forms of written communication.
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Send Lincoln a Letter
Students discover the postal service through a letter writing activity. In this U.S. Government lesson, students read the book Mr. Lincoln's Whiskers, and discover the life history of President Abraham Lincoln. Students write...
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Let Me Tell You About My State
Fifth graders research one of the 50 U.S. States that they were unfamiliar with. In this U.S. Geography lesson, 5th graders utilize encyclopedias as well as the Internet to research a chosen U.S. State in order to write a report....
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Arkansas History Lesson Plan
Students discover the history of their state by working in a group. In this U.S. history lesson, students investigate the state of Arkansas by reading their textbook and participating in art activities. Students discover the...
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Adding and Subtracting Money
Students investigate U.S. currency by pretending to buy food. In this money lesson, students discover the vocabulary and value for each U.S. coin, then add the amounts in dollars and cents of food items they wish to purchase....
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Deena's Lucky Penny
Students discover the coin denominations of U.S. Currency. In this money lesson plan, students read the book Deena's Lucky Penny, then complete a coin matching activity using the Internet. Students also read Shel...
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U.S. History: Antebellum Heroes and Villains
Eighth graders research and write reports on key figures of the Antebellum Period. The projects also include pictures, bibliographies, and timelines about their assigned figure. In addition, 8th graders present oral reports to classmates.
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Crossing the Delaware with Historic, Cultural, and Personal Interpretations
Sixth graders discover the importance of information sources by researching the United States History. In this research gathering instructional activity, 6th graders examine a historical painting of George Washington and analyze...
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The Branding of America (And Your State)
Students investigate about the origins of some major U.S. brands. They explore local products that stimulate the economy. Students create a map showing where those products originate. Students discover the products that their local area...
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The Betsy Ross Story: Truth or Legend?
Students discover that some historians question the story of Betsy Ross's involvement in the creation of the first U.S. flag, study why historians question the story and list reasons the story of Betsy Ross might not be true.
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Civil War: Generals at the Battle of Stones River
Learners explore U.S. history by creating a computer presentation in class. In this Civil War battle lesson, students read assigned text about the Battle of Stones River and research individual generals from the battles. Learners utilize...
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How Congress Works
Students study the role of the U.S. Congress in American government as described in the Constitution. In this U.S. government lesson, students watch an overhead about 'public criticisms' in the legislative process and complete a quiz....
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Town Meeting with Class
Students discover civic responsibility and the purpose of town meetings. In this U.S. Government lesson, students investigate how the government is involved with almost every decision made in a city, no matter how big or small....
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U.S. History: Virginia Assembly in America
Third graders discover the importance of the Virginia Assembly in English America as a governing body. After discussing the formation of the House of Burgesses, they elect their own representatives to make class decisions. In groups,...
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The Battle of Lexington
Students discover the Missouri River and its importance during the Civil War. In this U.S. history lesson plan, students examine a map of the great Battle of Lexington, and discuss why the Missouri River was a key element to the...
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A Feat of Daring with Lewis and Clark Jeopardy
Sixth graders discover the exploration of the United States by participating in a class activity. In this U.S. History instructional activity, 6th graders research the Lewis and Clark expedition and participate in a game of...
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Moving Objects
Students discover the history of the United States by examining the Great Migration. In this U.S. History lesson plan, students research the immigration movement on the Internet and complete a worksheet about the large population...
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Colonial America
Young scholars discover the history of Colonial America by creating a class presentation. In this U.S. History lesson, students utilize the Internet to research one of 20 topics in which they will create a PowerPoint or other type...
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Las Vegas: We Are Just Like You
Students practice making multimedia documentary films by investigating cities of America. In this U.S. geography lesson, students examine Las Vegas and compare the state of Nevada to 15 other states and discuss their main...
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People Behind the Parks
Explore U.S. geography with your class by viewing a documentary. Show a portion of the Ken Burns documentary "The National Parks," and identify the individuals responsible for keeping the parks in order. Elementary and middle schoolers...
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The Presidents Song
Remember learning to spell “encyclopedia” by singing along with Jiminy Cricket? How about using a singing exercise to learn the names of the presidents? “The Presidents Song,” includes the names, in order, from Washington to Coolidge....
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Breaking News English: Japan to Resume U.S. Beef Imports
In this English worksheet, students read " Japan to Resume U.S. Beef Imports," and then respond to 47 fill in the blank, 7 short answer, 20 matching, and 8 true or false questions about the selection.