Space Awareness
Navigation in the Ancient Mediterranean and Beyond
Ancient texts, like Homer's Odyssey, mentions navigating ships by observing constellations. Pupils learn about the link between history and astronomy as they relate to navigation in the Bronze Age. Scholars complete two hands-on...
Curated OER
Powerful Potato
Third graders make food. In this agriculture lesson, 3rd graders learn about the history of the potato. Students then plant potatoes, harvest them, and make french fries, potato salad or potato soup.
Curated OER
Dark Days on the Prairie
Young scholars explore U.S. geography by researching agriculture. In this dust bowl lesson, students complete a cause and effect worksheet based upon the dust bowls that covered a large portion of Oklahoma and Texas in the early 1900's....
Curated OER
Crowley's Ridge: An Upland in the Lowlands
This clever lesson combines elements of geography, art, literature, and storytelling. Pupils take a close look at the six geographical regions of Arkansas, and pay close attention to Crowley's Ridge - which is one of the six. In groups,...
Curated OER
Indians in Georgia: How Do We Know What We Know?
Students discover archaeology by investigating the history of Native Americans in Georgia. In this U.S. history lesson, students participate in a mock archaeological excavation in their classroom by recovering artifacts and...
Curated OER
Native Lands: Indians in Georgia
Students investigate the Native Americans of the Muscogee Creek and their use of the land. In this U.S. history lesson, students investigate the importance of the deer for the Muscogee Creek peoples' way of life and the many uses they...
Curated OER
Bison on the Plains
Fifth graders explore U.S. geography by reading assigned text about American Indians. In this migration instructional activity, 5th graders identify the differences between Native Americans and European settlers who traveled through...
Curated OER
Corn in Legend and Myth
Seventh graders compare myths and legends about corn and use creative abilities to act them out. In this corn legends lesson, 7th graders read background information about corn and its importance. Students work in groups to research...
Curated OER
Lesson Three: The History of Christmas Trees, Part Three
Students explore the influence of different beliefs and customs on seasonal celebrations by recognizing their historic development. They develop an awareness that traditions and customs are influenced by different environments.
Curated OER
Uses of Minerals
In this minerals worksheet, students read an excerpt about gold and then respond to the questions that follow. They explain how the weight of gold affected the history of some western states and why gold is expensive.
Curated OER
Understanding Wilderness
Young scholars research and analyze an historical wilderness issue or event after discussing opinions on preservation of wilderness and key players and events in the history of wilderness preservation. After research is complete,...
Curated OER
POWERFUL POTATO
Students will observe the growth process of a potato plant.Plant a potato in a large clay pot or gallon bucket. You may purchase seed potatoes
from a seed outlet in early spring or use a potato from home that has started to sprout. Make...
Curated OER
Plants in Texas: Then and Now
Seventh graders discuss continuity and change, identify various plant materials, and compare and contrast ways in which early people used plants in Texas in prehistoric times with ways that modern man in Texas uses plants today.
American Museum of Natural History
What's This? Gold
Cell phones are likely made of gold—at least part of them! An interesting lesson explains the conventional and not-so-conventional uses of the popular element gold. From the Inca empire to modern-day technology, learners discover gold...
Curated OER
The "Science" of Racism
How can we keep racism out of our society? Analyze the factors that lead to racism today and research previous scientific findings that impacted social policy. Your high school students identify ways to prevent past mistakes from...
Curated OER
Powerful Potato
Students are introduced to the growth process of a potato. As a class, they place a potato on a plate and observe how long it takes for the eyes to appear. In groups, they follow a recipe to make potato soup that is shared with the...
Curated OER
Scientists and Inventors
Students explore human discovery by reading historical stories in class. In this inventors lesson, students define the terms scientist, invention, inventor and discovery before discussing the many differences between them. Students read...
Smithsonian Institution
National Museum of American History: The Remarkable Star Map of Simeon De Witt
Simeon de Witt created his star map in 1780 after studying European star maps and the skies. His is the 'oldest surviving Anglo-American star map.' Read about the history of star maps, a biography of Simeon de Witt, and the influence his...