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Westward Ho: The Difficulties of Emigrants Moving West
Students research the journey west of 19th century emigrants. In this pioneer lesson, students read the letters and diaries of a fictitious family traveling on the Oregon Trail. They mark their route on a US map, create a chart showing...
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Digging, Smelting and Forging: But Why in Pennsylvania
Learners examine the history of the iron industry in Pennsylvania. In this iron industry activity, students learn about Israel Acrilius and his role in the iron industry. Learners identify natural resources used in forging iron. Students...
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The Pennsylvania Turnpike: Then and Now
Students study the history of the Pennsylvania Turnpike. For this Pennsylvania history activity, students use primary documents to study the history of the Pennsylvania Turnpike. In a culminating activity, students create an...
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Take Me to the River
Students learn about a different way of life. In this river and dams lesson, students discuss the Hoover Dam. Students then view pictures of the Hoover Dam, discuss the impact of dams, and compare life before and after...
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Creating Artwork to Explain Environmental Change
Students review artwork that relates to the environment and communicates a value. They view and analyze art by Andy Warhol, Eric Carle and Albert Bierstadt and then create original pieces with an environmental theme.
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Families and Neighborhoods
Students explore the concept of community. In this community lesson, students explore the cultural flavor of their neighborhoods as they discuss the history of their neighborhoods and draw pictures of their family and a building in their...
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Where Did My Lunch Come From? A U.S. Regional Tour
Students explore the regions from which their food comes. In this social studies lesson, students identify the different agricultural products that are found in the major regions of the United States. Students create a lunch menu.
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"The Scientist and The Prince: Two Interesting Early Pennsylvania Immigrants
Young scholars examine immigrants including why people immigrated to America and their places of origin. In this immigrants instructional activity students analyze the importance of immigrants and the obstacles that they...
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From the Flintstones to the Jetsons
Eighth graders compare and contrast transportation and agricultural methods in the United States from Colonization to Reconstruction. They, in groups, create and present Ohio Memory Scrapbooks to rest of class.
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Leaving Home for the West - Why?
Learners examine primary sources regarding American movement to the west. For this westward expansion lesson, students create broadside posters based on the Homestead Act primary sources they research.
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Guardians of the West
Eighth graders discover the role of American buffalo in Westward Expansion. In this Westward Expansion lesson plan, 8th graders examine primary and secondary sources in order to create a cause and effect chart that features the treatment...
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Get to Know Your City
Third graders research the history of their home city and how it's development was influenced by different groups of people. They present their research information to the class.
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Comparing Creation Stories
Students compare and contrast creation stories in different cultures. They write a creative story and design a visual aid showing what their new civilization would look like.
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social studies: Life in Colonial America
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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Community Centered Neighborhood Development
Ninth graders explore the culture of the neighborhood. In this Social Studies activity, 9th graders examine the different development sites in their community. Students research the zoning regulations.
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Carbondale: The Biography of a Coal Town
Students use a brief history of the growth and decline of the anthracite region in the state to create a photograph and map "peak shaped" time line. They practice map and photo analysis strategies to "read" photographs and maps.
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Regions: Meet the Experts Presentation
Learners gather information and create a web site on prairies and plains using a variety of resources, including the internet.
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Geographic Landscapes and Interstate Freeway Development
Students investigate the topography of the United States through a discovery lesson. They create a hypothetical route for a highway across the United States. Students also conduct research major landforms and define geographic terms.
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Desegregating the Kentucky Public School System
Students watch a video which chronicles the struggle to desegregate Kentucky's schools. They write a paper on a given aspect of what they saw in the video.
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Our Way of Life
Students interview Native American Elders about animal migration, traditional food gathering, and subsistence. They research endangered animals, draw a game cycle, and create maps of local migration of animals.
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A Capital Idea
Students write a description of the spatial organization of the former and present location of New Hampshire's state capital. They analyze maps, participate in a class discussion, and calculate the distance of Concord from the borders...
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Saving Hawaii
Students engage in a instructional activity about the a proposal for a sanctuary in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. They write a letter to the President of The United States in opposition to the proposal based upon classroom...
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Barefoot and Pregnant
Students address the problem of a reduction in the world population growth rate being offset by a growing world population base. This problem is particularly true with the rapid population growth in many Third World countries. The lesson...
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The Missouri Headwaters: A Confluence of Cultures
Fourth graders research and analyze how people create and change structures of power, authority and government diversity. They review their civic responsibilities. In addition, they identity the major responsibilities of local, state,...