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Riding a Stagecoach in the 19th Century

For Teachers 4th - 5th
Students research the differences between traveling on a stagecoach and wagon trail in the 19th century. In this historical lesson, students discover the uses of stagecoaches and wagon trails in the 19th century, then decide which one...
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Imperialism

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Learners explore the concept of Imperialism. In this foreign policy lesson, students examine the policies of the US and other countries through time. Learners then create a political cartoon of their own and create a timeline that...
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Networking at Early James Fort

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers examine the impact of global trade on regional civilizations of the world after 1500. They research and analyze images of pottery excavated at Jamestown, and create a poster that presents information about world trade...
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Orientation of the Earth in Space

For Teachers 4th - 8th
Students hypothesize the location of the sun in the sky at diferent times of day and at different latitudes. They perform several experiments to provide evidence for their hypothesis. Experiments including observing the sun's position at...
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This Land is Your Land - Delaware

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Learners determine how land was divided and marked for boundaries in the early days of settlement in Delaware. Students mark out land on the playground according to the methods used by the early settlers. Learners write a description of...
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Mesoamerica

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Learners demonstrate knowledge of early Middle American civilizations. They study Mesoamerican i religions, governments, and achievements. They identify geographies of North and South America.
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Prehistory Web Quest

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders identify how geography and climate determine the lives of early hominids, the characteristics of hunter-gatherer societies, how animals affected the lives of early hominids, and how hominids overcame their physical...
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Mapmakers' Perspective

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Students examine several maps and consider mapmakers' perspective in early depictions of North America.They determine how the spherical shape of the earth makes any north-south and east-west orientation a matter of perspective. For...
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Friends in the Community

For Teachers 2nd
Second graders build a classroom community by getting to know each other better. They ask classmates various questions and use graphic organizer software and Microsoft PowerPoint. Students practice their oral language skills while asking...
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Distinguishing Between Levels of Government

For Teachers 12th
Twelfth graders study confederal, federal, and unitary governments. They compose an essay that compares and contrasts the purpose of state/local government with that of the national government in the American federal system.
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The Exploration and Settlement of North America

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Students locate place in Canada and explore highlights of early of early American exploration and settlement. In this North American history instructional activity, students locate provinces, major cities, and physical features...
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The Great Continental Drift Mystery

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students stud the concept of Pangaea by using Wegener's clues to construct a map of the continents joined together. They determine how fossil distribution can be used to enhance the study of continental drift. They locate the...
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Where Am I?

For Teachers 2nd
Second graders listen to a Japanese folk tale called "The Traveling Frogs". They role play the story using puppets or costumes. They locate Japan on a map and discuss several geography topics. They independently write about ways they...
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Pioneer Homes

For Teachers 3rd - 4th
Students compare and contrast Native American dwellings with pioneer homes. They identify the progression of these homes and locate examples on a frontier map.
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Canada...a Visual Journey

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students, in groups, research Canada's six natural regions (ecozones). They create a visual representation of each region on a large wall map of Canada and present it to the rest of the class.
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Lesson 8-The Changing Environment: Good or Bad?

For Teachers 2nd
Second graders, after listening to "A River Ran Wild," explore all the ways the natural environment has changed and how it affects the community and the people who reside within it. They collect data by interviewing a community member,...
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Canada...A Visual Journey

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students work together to analyze the six natural regions of Canada. Using this information, they create a visual representation of each region on a large wall map and present it to the class. They must identify five key points of each...
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Hidalgo's Fight for the Independence of Mexico

For Teachers 10th
Tenth graders study and examine the life of Miguel Hidalgo while working to identify major themes. Small groups create sequence of event chains, analyze and label maps of Hidalgo's travels, and work together to create giant chalk maps...
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Aboriginal Societies of Canada

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders study Aboriginal Societies in Canada and do an oral presentation to the class.
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social studies: Life in Colonial America

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students explore the trials and tribulations early colonial life and note its successes. Through literature, Internet research, and interactive software, they engage in various activities to evaluate early social and cultural development.
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Persistent Paths: Trails, Tracks and Turnpikes Across the Alleghenies

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers study maps to determine barriers associated with the Pennsylvania mountains and the Native Americans.  In this investigative lesson learners study the routes used by Native Americans, explain physical features of the...
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Making a Brand for Ourselves the "Cowboy" Way

For Teachers Higher Ed
Students define cowboys and learn about their roles on rangelands. In this rangeland lesson, students define cowboys and cowgirls and complete a KWL chart. Students read Cattle Kids and Til the Cows Come Home. Students visit the...
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Development Issues in the Northern Suburbs

For Teachers 7th - 8th
Students demonstrate the ability to obtain geographic information from a variety of print and electronic sources. They use a variety of maps and data to identify and locate geographical features of Minnesota and Anoka County. in...
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English Settlement

For Teachers 8th - 11th
Students study the development of the New England colonies, their rationale for settlement, and the importance of Puritan theology in this development. They research towns in England and their copies in Massachusetts.