Curated OER
The Beginnings of Constitutional Government
Students examine excerpts of Thomas Paine's Common Sense. In this early American history instructional activity, students read Paine's pamphlet and analyze the information according the rubric provided.
Curated OER
The Importance of Representative Democracy
Students examine the general concept of representative democracy, and compare/contrast the American representative democracy to the monarchical system. They research the role of legislative bodies in serving the government, particularly...
Curated OER
Events Leading to the War of 1812
In this US History worksheet, students read a selection of the War of 1812 and fill in the blanks for 10 sentences using a word bank.
Curated OER
AIH-15: Colony Settlement & American Indian Involvement
Middle schoolers examine American Indian individuals and tribes involved in the settlement of English colonies.
Curated OER
Comparison of Colonial Regions in British North America
Students compare and contrast the colonies in British North America. As a class, they brainstorm a list of people, places and ideas associated with the Colonial Era. They discover the relationships and interactions between the...
Curated OER
Foundations of American Government: Teacher’s Guide
Learners explore the foundations of America. In this early American history lesson, students watch Discovery video segments regarding the Boston Massacre, the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and the Bill of Rights....
Curated OER
The Carlyle House and Gadsby Tavern
Fourth graders tour the Carlyle House and Gadsby Tavern while working on worksheets covering both places. They are to write an essay and thank you notes to finish the lesson.
Curated OER
The American Revolution
In this American Revolution worksheet, students read and discuss a 2 page article on The American Revolution, answer 2 statements with multiple choice answers and fill in 6 blanks to complete 6 facts referring to The American Revolution.
Curated OER
Loyalists and Loyalism in the American Revolution
Students engage in activities to understand how ideologies were constructed before and during the Revolutionary War. How and why were some "reluctant revolutionaries" turned into whig patriots willing to fight against the British empire,...
Curated OER
Formation Of The Republic
Eighth graders investigate the formation of the Thirteen Colonies in the United States. They conduct research using a variety of resources. The teacher uses guiding questions in order to keep the research process going in the right...
K12 Reader
Import/Export
The reading passage here uses the example of the American colonies to introduce imports and exports. After reading the text, class members respond to five questions, which require pupils to find facts in the text and form opinions...
Curated OER
Spanish Colonies in South America
How did the Spanish govern its South American colonies? This presentation provides a series of questions, images, and an informative outline for learners to ponder. They will review the colonial caste system, the encomienda system, and...
Curated OER
A Famous Signature
Students study important historical figures. In 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...
Curated OER
The First Jews in America
Students investigate how Jews established roots in America. Students determine the difference between religious tolerance and separation of church and state. Students participate in a role-play activity using primary and secondary...
Curated OER
Eighteenth-Century Slave Codes
Students explore slavery by reviewing the written laws intended to keep African Americans subservient. In this U.S. slavery lesson, students analyze a time-line of the history of African Americans. Students discuss the patterns of the...
Curated OER
Birth of a Nation
Fifth graders portray one of the actual framers of the Constitution. They summarize each class period with a journal entry and culminate the experience with the actual framing and signing (or not signing) of the Constitution.
Curated OER
We Are Colony! Settlement Design
Students explore government systems. In this colonial America instructional activity, students consider colonial settlement needs as they design settlements that can sustain themselves and meet the needs of colonists.
Curated OER
Longfellow Amongst His Contemporaries: the Ship of State Dbq
Students evaluate the ship of state metaphor in relation to the historical events in America from the Revolutionary War to the Civil War. They synthesize ideas presented in ten different primary source documents and compose an essay...
Curated OER
Why do we need a Government
Middle schoolers explore some of the ideas of major importance to the Founders, why we need a government, and how the Founders believed governments should be created and what they should do. They think of a right that all people should...
Curated OER
The House of Burgesses
Fifth graders role-play a session of the House of Burgesses, an early colonial judicial body. At the end of the role-play students discuss their perceptions of the House of Burgesses.
K12 Reader
An Independent Nation
If your kids are curious about the American Revolution, help them understand more about its background with a reading passage and comprehension questions. Kids use context clues to answer each question, some of which require more...
Digital History
Representation: By State or by Population
Should representation in the new United States government be based on population? This worksheet illustrates the details of this important quandary through an adaptation of speeches on the topic given at the Constitutional Convention....
National Endowment for the Humanities
Colonizing the Bay
Eleventh graders review the goals of John Winthrop. In this American History lesson, 11th graders read Winthrop's speech and summarize his key points. Students predict the possibilities for success and failure in the...
Curated OER
Settling the Plymouth Colony
Students use the Internet and graphic organizers to research the Plymouth Colony the experience of the Pilgrims. Students compare and contrast different colonies and develop a timeline showcasing their research.