Encourage learners to think critically about common myths regarding the Wampanoag Indians in Colonial America. They discover that behind every myth are many possible explanations—and that learning more about American history helps them...

Young historians research one of the most colorful periods in US History: the cattle drives of the 1800's. They research the three most popular trails, and complete mapping and writing assignments about each one. The instructional...

Second graders explore what life in the Chicago area was like hundreds of years ago. They discuss how settlers impacted the environment, and why there are no longer herds of buffalo in the Chicago area today. They read an article and...

Upper grade through early high schoolers develop an understanding of Ozark culture, and the geography of the Ozark Plateau. They study place, location, human environmental impacts, and movement. This interesting plan incorporates muic,...

Consider the political, physical, and geographical factors that led to and marked the Westward Expansion. Learners will track the various routes developed during the 1800's. They create a first person journal describing what they see,...

Students describe two different houses in use at the time the first European settlements were founded. Students list ways in which our lives differ from the lives of the Native Americans and Europeans during that period of history.

Students compare the living conditions in Arkansas when it was a territory with contemporary times. They participate in a role play activities of the territorial times.

Fifth graders evaluate evidence that indicates a physical change has occurred. In this colonial living lesson, 5th graders explore the science involved in the making of items used in colonial life, such as, bread, butter, soap, candles,...

Students calculate how much coal they use based on their electric power usage. In this environmental science instructional activity, students trace the history of coal mining in US. They write a letter to USPS to encourage them to create...

Students examine the language and cultural differences that were encountered by the Indians and the Dutch leading to disaster for the first European settlement in Delaware.

Students explain what is involved in exploration and settlement of new areas. They become explorers and discover their surroundings through various activities.

Eighth graders compare the use of rice in the 1700s to the modern use of rice. In this lesson plan examining the importance of rice in US history, 8th graders learn about the role of rice in the early 1700s and compare the use of rice in...

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...

Pupils create a journal entry written from the perspective of a Cherokee, a soldier, or a person involved in the Trail of Tears.

In this social studies worksheet, 3rd graders complete multiple choice questions on the Pilgrims, government, economics, and more. Students complete 25 questions.

Eighth graders interview a person who explains the lifestyles of people who lived on the prairies in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. They examine how today's lifestyles impact the environment and write up what they learned.

Third graders research life of Plymouth Plantation and write letters about life there home. In this Plymouth life lesson, 3rd graders complete a webquest as they gather information about the journey to America on the Mayflower and the...

Students investigate the Dawes Act and understand its effects on the Paiute Indians. In this Paiute instructional activity, students recognize that many Native Americans lost their land and money after the Dawes Act. Students dissect a...

Fourth graders read about homes in Utah over time and design models of the homes.  In this homes of the west instructional activity, 4th graders draw and label five homes that existed in the west. Students research each home and...

Young scholars research nonprofit organizations. As they research, they learn how those living in the colonial period formed community organizations to provide for the common good of their society. Each pupil chooses one organization to...

Students explore the economic, political, racial, and religious roots of Manifest Destiny. They read articles and analyze how the concept influenced the nation's westward expansion. Students discover the motivations and expectations of...

Students learn about Mound Cities and how they both started and stopped. In this Mound lesson students explore how Mound Cities did not succeed and why. Students dig deeper then the lesson as they discuss defeat and relate it to their...

Students discuss water rights. In this science instructional activity, students simulate an exercise whereby they begin to understand the meaning of water allocation and limited water supplies by actually passing out water from a jug.

Students identify some of the most important native and introduced species of animals in the United States. They describe how animals populations of cities have changed over time, outline the benefits and problems associated with...