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Early Explorers

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders investigate the routes taken by the early explorers. In this explorers instructional activity, 5th graders use interactive notebooks, discussion and maps to discover the routes taken. Students get into pairs and label maps,...
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We, the First People

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students explore new support regarding the earliest peopling of America by examining multiple theories on the migration of the first people to America, investigating related archaeological finds, and creating research-based scientific...
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It’s a Big, Big World

For Teachers 5th - 6th
Students examine the role of the explorers. In this explorers and conquistadors, students create word puzzles (Wordles) regarding the time period in history. Students conduct research regarding a particular explorer and create foldables...
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The Real Monopoly: America's Racial Wealth Divide

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers explore America's racial wealth divide. In this Teaching Tolerance lesson, students play a "rigger" version of the game Monopoly and reflect on the game and economic injustice in the United States.
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Molly's Pilgrim

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders explore the multi-ethnic nature of America's citizens and examine the symbolism of the Statue of Liberty. In this Molly's Pilgrim lesson, 3rd graders discuss the poem "The New Colossus," examine vocabulary words...
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Thirteen Original Colonies

For Teachers 5th - 12th
Learners use maps, the Internet, graphic organizers and discussion to explore the history of the Middle American Colonies. They consider how the colonies were founded and the ideas of religious freedom and self-government they embodied.
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Artsgenesis: Civil War Tapestry

For Teachers 5th - 12th
Students explore the Civil War and the many emotions that emerged during this era. The teacher arranges students in groups of families and prepares them to simulate typical responses during this era. The Civil War and Gettysburg is...
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The Height of Diplomacy

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students explore issues that might be discussed at the G8 summit meeting hosted by the U.S. after reading and discussing the article "World Leaders Get a Glimpse of America's High Life" from The New York Times. Students work in groups...
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Mayflower Compact

For Teachers 1st - 4th
Students explore the Pilgrims and the Mayflower Compact. They practice these concepts by examining the school rules.
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Everything was up to date in 1628

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students view a video of Colonial House, a reality series where people lived according to the standards of European immigrants to the U.S. in 1628. In this colonial history lesson, students research changes in geographic areas over time...
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Ship of the Line

For Teachers 5th - 6th
Students discover boats by researching 18th century ships.  In this Naval history lesson, students identify and describe the different components of an 18th century naval ship after researching information on the Internet....
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George Washington: First in War, First in Peace, and First in the Hearts of His Countrymen

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students interpret historical evidence presented in primary and secondary resources. In this George Washington lesson, students research the details of Washington's military successes, his role at the Constitutional Convention, and his...
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Free India: Resisting British Rule in India

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Students explore the impact of nonviolence during Gandhi's Free India movement.  In this World History lesson, students complete several activities including research, class discussions and a multimedia project, all centered around...
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The Fall of Rome

For Teachers 6th - 8th
A study of the fall of the Roman Empire can lead students on an interesting exploration of history.
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Creative Voices of Harlem

For Teachers K - 4th
Students explore the Harlem Renaissance. In this American history instructional activity, students examine a poem by Langston Hughes and identify the characteristics of the Harlem Renaissance. Students research and report on a famous...
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The Way to Venezuela

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students investigate various facets of Venezuelan culture, politics, history and current events to develop an introductory chapter of a guidebook to the country.
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Judicial Void

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students explore the impact of Justice Sandra Day O'Connor on the Supreme Court. They research potential nominees to replace her, in light of her resignation, and write letters to President George W. Bush to share opinions of the...
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The Declaration and Beyond

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Learners are explained that they are going to use a part of Thomas Paine's 1776 pamplet Common Sense as a starting point for exploring about argumentation, or persuasive writing. They are given a copy of the excerpt. Students discuss...
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Road To Revolution

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers examine events that occurred and explore the differing sentiments between the British and American colonists in the years leading up to the American Revolution. They view and discuss a video on the events then analyze...
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Simulating a Middle East Peace Summit

For Teachers 10th
Tenth graders explore the issues in the Middle East.  For this World History lesson, 10th graders research the problems between Palestine and Israel.  Students write a speech on their point of view of the peace process.
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President Who? Forgotten Founders and Their Capitols

For Teachers 7th - 11th
Students explore the beginning of the United Colonies that were formed in 1774.  In this history lesson, students discuss the Articles of Confederation and then answer questions about the events surrounding the development of the...
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Everyday Heroes Then and Now

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Learners explore the concept of philanthropy. In this philanthropic heroes lesson, students read Kate Shelley: Bound for Legend and discuss the Industrial Revolution. Learners consider Kate Shelley's contributions to society as they...
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Twelve Angry Men: Trial by Jury as a Right and as a Political Institution

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Students explore the constitutional guarantee of the right to trial by jury. In this U. S. Constitution lesson, students read or view Twelve Angry Men and respond to discussion questions regarding the jury. Students examine the...
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Wives and Mothers in WWII

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders explore the effect of World War II from a financial standpoint. In this World History lesson, 8th graders review World War II through teacher lecture, reading and viewing pictures and cartoons, then discuss the hardships...