Eighth graders investigate the culture and lifestyles of the Lakota Sioux and the Northern Cheyenne tribes. They use a variety of resources for research. They create questions based on information to be used during classroom discussion...

In this American deserts worksheet, 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...

Young scholars explore the migratory movements of animals as they monitor their own movements throughout the school day. Climatic and feeding conditions are examined as cues for the movement.

Students respond an email from Roger Totem, who is the curator of a new museum opening. students discuss with the art teacher to explain the project and get support. Students, in accordance with the guidelines, divide into groups...

Imagine you are a Plains Indian, a nomad getting ready to follow a herd of buffalo. Now imagine what you would have to pack for your trip. Little ones examine images of a traditional parfleche (packing box), and then create packing lists...

Students identify the biomes of each region: mountains, forests, plains, tundra, desert. They identify and describe features of North American desert (Mojave, Sonoron, Great Basin. Chihuahaun). They identify what we are doing today is...

Students discover the importance of the bison within the prairie ecosystem and Native American culture, and explain the importance of habitat and place to living organisms.

How have groups struggled to have their unalienable rights recognized in the United States? Acting as a research team for the Human Rights Council of the United Nations, your young historians will break into groups to research...

In this plains Indians worksheet, students read a passage about the plains Indians and the "white man," then complete 3 related activities.

Fifth graders research the Eastern Woodland Indians in this lesson. They list the tribes and write a description of the physical environment. They list examples of the types of food, clothing, transportation, home/shelter,...

Students take on a role such as a farming community, hunting community or a trading post. They decide which products they focus on and then trade with the other groups.

Students explore the role of the bison in the lives of the Plains Indians during the past two centuries and the hunting techniques of the Plains Indians.

Fourth graders participate in Tribal games. In this tribal nations lesson, 4th graders play games that help improve on the physical skills for survival, invention, and problem solving. They discuss what is needed for survival and how...

Students understand the meaning of a tradition and know how it is maintained. They have a general knowledge of the environment, history and culture of the Tlingit, Lakota, and Cherokee

Fourth graders discuss the importance of Coronado's expedition through Texas and the trials his men endured during the journey. They view and discuss a map of Coronado's route, the effects of weather on the Great Plains, and Buffalo....

Eighth graders research American history of the 1850's. In this American history lesson, 8th graders write about how different American groups looked at the idea of Manifest Destiny. Students then draw the Oregon and Santa Fe Trail. 

Young scholars identify three different American Indian regions and tribes, their food, clothing, shelter, recreation, and transportation. Students create artifacts that can be placed in a museum. Young scholars sing songs, chants, and...

Reading about history is nothing like experiencing it firsthand. Encourage your eighth graders to do the next best thing with a historical narrative prompt, in which they describe the experience of a first-time traveler on the...

For this early American history worksheet, students respond to 9 essay and short answer questions about the life and accomplishments of Sacajawea.

Students discover how manifest destiny and westward expansion are related. Using the Internet, they research the beginnings of the movement of manifest destiny and how it influenced people moving westward. They discuss the expectations...

In this social studies worksheet, 4th graders complete multiple choice questions about government, wars, natural resources, and more. Students complete 30 questions.

One of the better PowerPoints I've come across is a "Jeopardy"-style game whose focus is South Carolina. Some excellent photographs and maps make the slides especially good. The "Final Jeopardy" clue is especially challenging. An...

Students examine the building of the I & M canal in Chicago. Using the internet, they research the lives of the individuals who worked on the construction and develop a timeline of events. They explore the impact of the canal on...

Twelfth graders explore the changing concept of "prairie" through written and artistic works. They write their own poem or essay describing the prairie after discussing how differently people perceive the prairie.