Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Iron Horse vs. the Buffalo: Indian-Settler Conflict on the Great Plains

For Teachers 10th
The Iron Horse encroached upon the land while conflicts escalated between Native Americans and the settlers. Sophomores study the print, American Progress then discuss how American progress affected Native Americans. They will study the...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Native Americans and Giving

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students explore the concept of philanthropy. In this Brother Eagle, Sister Sky: The Words of Chief Seattle instructional activity, students examine the plight of Native Americans and explore Native Americans' quest for the "common good."
Lesson Plan
PBS

Myth of the West: Kit Carson to the Rescue

For Teachers 6th - 12th Standards
There's nothing like the Wild Wild West! Scholars investigate the American Frontier through the eyes of Kit Carson. To complete the first installment of a three-part series, they use presentations, a short video, and primary and...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

A Famous Signature

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students study important historical figures.  For this United States history lesson, students trace the signature of John Hancock using cotton swabs, glitter, and various art supplies after discussing the historical significance of...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Colonization of the United States

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Bring the Age of Exploration into the 21st century with this ancestry activity! Learners get a chance to explore the complex genealogy of the Spanish settlers through watching two video clips (approximately five minutes each) featuring...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Energy Generating a Culture: Early American Coal Miners and Coal Mining Culture

For Teachers 6th - 10th
Learners calculate how much coal they use based on their electric power usage. In this environmental science lesson, students trace the history of coal mining in US. They write a letter to USPS to encourage them to create coal mining...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Revolutionary Money

For Teachers 4th - 12th
Examine paper money from the American revolution! Historians study the paper bills and discuss the history of money. How has money changed over the times? Activities are included. 
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Exploring Life in Jamestown Settlement

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders examine life in early colonial settlements. Students investigate what settlers ate and create a menu for a fictitious restaurant in a settlement.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Exploring Life in Jamestown Settlement

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders locate Jamestown settlement on a historical timeline and research colonial life. They name a restaurant, identify who their potential customers might be and prepare a typical colonial menu.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

My Brother Sam is Dead: A study of the Revolutionary War

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders complete an analysis of the Revolutionary War through literature. After "My Brother Sam Is Dead," students create a time capsule containing items that would be relevant during the Revolutionary War. They identify key...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Jackie Steals Home

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Learners read articles relating to Jackie Robinson's breaking of the racial barrier in professional baseball. This leads to a deeper exploration of racism in the United States. They use a variety of worksheets imbedded in this plan to...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Frontier

For Teachers 4th - 5th
Students, given certain background information, list hardships that Laura Ingalls Wilder and other people that lived during the same time period went through. They interview someone who grew up in a different era than them.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Disney's Pocahontas: Fact or Fiction?

For Teachers 3rd - 8th
Did you know that Pocahontas was 12 when Jamestown was established? Did you know that she later married John Rolfe? Did you know that she lived in London for two years? Did you know that she died of small pox? Class members study the...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Colonial Research Fun

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students review the characteristics of the thirteen colonies. In groups, they use the internet to research one of the colonies more in depth and answer questions about it. They develop a newspaper or travel brochure to share the...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Archeological Pow-Wow

For Teachers 3rd - 4th
Young scholars, in groups, examine the use of artifacts and fossils to study people, plants and animals from the past.