Curated OER
The Great American Desert
In this American deserts activity, students study the images and read the passages to learn about the 6 divisions in the American landscape: the Eastern lowlands, the Flood Plain, the Great Plains, the Rocky Mountains, and the Pacific...
Curated OER
Planning for the Voyage - Pilgrim Study Unit
Students locate Plymouth, MA, Hudson River, Cape Cod, Holland and England on a map. They identify the reasons the Pilgrims came to the New World and explain how the investors and the colonists would each benefit from a new colony. After...
Curated OER
The Grand Adventure of Lewis and Clark
Students take a closer look at the Lewis and Clark expedition. In this Louisiana Purchase lesson, students discover tools used by the men as they explored the land. Students also read excerpts from The Incredible Journey and America...
Curated OER
Teaching With the Power of Objects
Students define value of an object. In this value lesson plan, students identify reasons for collecting objects, compile a personal inventory of items they find valuable, and then define why those items are valuable to them. In step two...
Curated OER
Science Mystery: The Vinland Map
Learners research proof regarding the authenticity of the Vinland map. In this geography lesson, students hold a debate based on their research findings. They discuss which side won and write a short essay about their opinion on the issue.
Curated OER
Where in the World War? Mapping WWII in the Pacific
Pupils study the geography of the Pacific theater of World War II. They study maps to examine the geography and features of the land.
Curated OER
Legends of the Navajo People
Second graders are read a story in which they begin to examine Native American legends. Using different legends, they discuss how they affected the future people of native peoples. They write a short story on the information they gathered.
Cuba Student Learning Outcomes (2016)
Summary of course, Cuba: War and Peace. Students (8-12+) will understand the key geopolitical, historical, social and internal dynamics of U.S-Cuba relations, 1895-present. Learners evaluate the role of geography, imperialism,...
Cuba War and Peace: Essential Questions (2016)
Students (grades 8-12+) will understand the key geopolitical, historical, social and internal dynamics of U.S-Cuba relations, 1895-present. Learners evaluate the role of geography, imperialism, slavery, island ethnicity,...
Curated OER
Jamestown Celebrates 400th Anniversary
Students view a world map and identify the locations of England and Virginia and discuss what kinds of things they would take with them on this kind of trip. They read the words in the news box on the student page and fill in the blanks...
Curated OER
America's Heartland
Students complete geography and trade activities about global trade. In this geography and trade lesson, students read information to learn about absolute advantage, comparative advantage, trade factors, U.S. trade partners, and...
Curated OER
Aboriginal Societies of Canada
Fourth graders study Aboriginal Societies in Canada and do an oral presentation to the class.
Curated OER
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.
Curated OER
The Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962
Sixth graders explain the importance the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962 and the role it played in the Cold War. After studying the crisis, 6th graders compose an essay describing the crisis and how the U.S. became vulnerable to nuclear...
Curated OER
Population Density
High schoolers examine world population density and population distribution. They create pie charts showing population distribution and analyze population patterns in the United States and major regions of the world. They identify...
Curated OER
The Early History of Haiti
Seventh graders make list of places Columbus explored on his first journey to Americas, locate island of Hispaniola on map, examine groups of people who have inhabited island, complete blank map and key of Hispaniola, and research early...
Curated OER
About the U.S.A.
Students research the United States and discover its different climate zones, geographical features, animal life, and various cultures. Students complete a research chart using books, encyclopedias and the internet and present their...
Curated OER
The Arrival
Students construct classroom rules. In this philanthropy lesson, students investigate The Mayflower Compact made by the Pilgrims and use it as a guide to form their own classroom rules. Students work in small groups.
Curated OER
The Lessons of Emmett Till
Students participate in a WebQuest designed to take them on a journey into the darkness that is race predjudice and the often-violent means in which it is manifested. They investigate the murder of a 14-year-old Chicago boy visiting...
Curated OER
The Sugar Cane Curtain/ Defining Political and Social Struggles Between Haiti and the Dominican Republic
Twelfth graders explore historical events that created conflict between Dominican Republic and Haiti, examine how need for cheap source of labor has led to exploitation of Haitian workers, and discuss how topography of island of...
Curated OER
World Cities
High schoolers examine the settlement patterns of world cities. In groups, they are given a region of the world and asked to create a city in the location. They are given a set of characteristics of the city and determine what would be...
Curated OER
Personal Travel Guide to a Chinese City
Scholars become travel guides in this group research project to investigate a Chinese city or region for a presentation. Heavily based on Internet research, the activity requires participants to jigsaw the final project, so each team...
Smithsonian Institution
Watching Crystals Grow
Amazing science can sometimes happen right before your eyes! The class gets cozy as they watch crystals grow. They use Epsom salts, rocks, and food coloring to create crystals. They'll observe the entire process, documenting every step...
Curated OER
Wildlife
The centerpiece of this lesson plan is a predator-prey simulation in which colored paperclips represent different species of animals camouflaged against a colored background. Relevant follow-up questions are provided. The activity is...