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European Exploration
Fifth graders use their research information to design their explorer slide using PowerPoint after observing the teacher's model. They design the first slide as a team coming up with a title, slide 2 should give background, slide 7...
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From Bolls to Bolts
Fifth graders explore the economic effects of the colonization of North America. In this Social Studies activity, 5th graders examine the economic and cultural results that occurred due to North America entering the market. Students...
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Exploring the Hudson in 1609
While this lesson focuses on a study of the Hudson River, it could be used as a template for a discussion of map skills, converting measurements, and plotting a route. The lesson includes vocabulary and other resources to make it a...
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But Where Is It On This Modern Map? A problem-solving, mind-boggling experience!
Trace Columbus' voyages by locating them on 21st Century maps. Using a navigators lesson, 4th graders will examine the Age of Exploration and trace Columbus's routes accurately on laminated world maps using different maps. Note: You...
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The Great Exchange
Sixth graders examine the connection that the present has to the past and how different cultures impact each other with lasting results. They discuss European exploration in North America and West Africa by describing cultural...
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European Exploration
Sixth graders analyze key European explorers and focus on where and why they explored. They research who sponsored the explorers as well as the accomplishments of the explorers. They discuss the lasting effects of the expeditions in...
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Tribal Diversity within the Indigenous Peoples of the North American Continent
Students, after brainstorming what they already know about Indians, explore and analyze the tribal diversity within the Indigenous Peoples of North America. They recognize that American Indians have their own unique language origins,...
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Drake’s West Indian Voyage 1588-1589
Students examine the exploration routes of Sir Francis Drake. In this American exploration lesson, students investigate primary sources to trace the routes and contact with the natives that Sir Francis Drake experienced on his voyages in...
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Volunteering Requires Freedom of Choice
Students explore ways to volunteer. In this volunteerism and philanthropy lesson, students brainstorm how the early Americans benefited from philanthropy, then discuss how others benefit from our philanthropy and how we choose ways to...
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Lesson 6: Examining Events from Different Perspectives Friend or Foe?
Fifth graders sequence events of European exploration and colonization by creating timelines. They define the differences between primary and secondary sources. They discuss claims to Texas land in the 17th Century.
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Voyage to the New World
Third graders investigate the history of North America by creating a map. For this world geography lesson, 3rd graders analyze the voyage Christopher Columbus took to arrive at the new world by creating a map of his achievement. ...
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Running for Freedom: The FUgitive Slave law and the Coming of the Civil War
In order to understand the complicated nature of slave laws during the Civil War, learners compare and contrast an abolitionist poster and a runaway slave ad. They use an attached worksheet to consider each primary source document, then...
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Finding James Fort
Welcome to Jamestown! Third and fourth graders read and analyze primary source documents about Jamestown or Fort James. They read and analyze descriptions of Fort James from primary sources. They access a website to explore more...
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Duck Detectives
Students explore biology by completing animal activity pages in class. For this bird characteristics lesson, students discuss the different types of birds that exist in North America and identify their migration habits. Students read...
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European Explorers of North and South America
Sixth graders explore the connection between the geography of America and the migration of the Native Americans to the American continents to the future conquering of the continents by the Europeans. They discuss the causes and effects...
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The Discovery of the Americas: A Play About Early Explorers
Students perform a play about the early explorers to America.
Center for History Education
This Land is Whose Land?
Whose land is it, anyway? Young scholars debate the question using primary sources from a case where Maryland indigenous people petitioned for land rights after they lost their original tribal lands. An included chart helps organize...
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The First North Americans
High schoolers identify and interpret the different North American Indian groups, by region, and the type and impact of their interaction with Europeans.
Then they complete an overview of one main Native American group during the age of...
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America's Heartland
Fifth graders investigate imports and exports to discover its importance to America as a world power. In this Imports and exports instructional activity, 5th graders discuss how climate and natural resources aid a country in becoming a...
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A Royal Charter From the King
Fifth graders explore the many decisions that early colonist had to make when coming to North America. In this royal charter lesson plan, 5th graders work in teams to create a proposal for the King of England to establish a new colony in...
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GNP Simulation Using Foods in the Americas
Students explore food supply distribution. For this GNP distribution lesson, students participate in a simulation that requires them to eat foods from the American continents. Students are served according to their chance positions in...
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Exploring an Atlas
Students explore global geography by participating in an atlas activity. In this countries of the world lesson, students collaborate in small groups and analyze an atlas while researching continents, countries and demographics. Students...
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Exploring South America
Students research South American to prepare a PowerPoint presentation about its culture, traditions, and societies. In this South American research lesson, students research South American based on their export products to create a...
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Industrial Revolution in America: Exploring the Effects of the Heat Engine on the Growth of Cities
Eighth graders examine the reasons for the growth of cities in North American. Using the internet, they research the causes and effects of the Industrial Revolution and determine if the growth of cities is a sign of progress. They...