Curated OER
On the Oregon Trail
Students work with primary documents and latter-day photographs to recapture the experience of traveling on the Oregon Trail. Working in groups, they write a scene for the movie that is historically accurate and based on the kinds of...
Curated OER
Being Too Hard on Microsoft?
Students compare the antitrust case against Microsoft with other historic antitrust cases. After exploring the notions of capitalism, monopolies and trusts, students examine the current case against Microsoft.
Curated OER
Lincoln's Legend and Legacy
Learners evaluate Lincoln's impact on American History. In this Civil War instructional activity, students view a film clip of writings about Lincoln. Learners take notes and compare how the writings define his legacy. Students write...
Curated OER
8th Grade Writing - Motivation, Organization and Emotion
Using relevant, current events with historic literature makes for great writing.
Curated OER
Africa: Names and Nations of Note
Learners explore Africa. In this global studies lesson plan, students research the history of African nations, noting the impact of European colonization and other historical events. Learners design posters about the nations they research.
Curated OER
Ire Land
Students imagine themselves as 'witnesses' to historical events in different time periods in the Irish conflict. They write 'day in the life' accounts of their 'place' in Irish history.
Curated OER
Ulster-ior Motives
Students examine the creation of the Northern Ireland Assembly as an historic step in the peace process in Northern Ireland. They work in four small groups, each exploring the history and objectives of one of the parties in the new...
Curated OER
If These Objects Could Talk
Students examine American Indian artifacts through historical, cultural and artistic lenses. They explore the philosophy behind the Smithsonian Institute's new museum to honor American Indian history and traditions.
Curated OER
Understanding Reconstruction in South Carolina
Eighth graders interpret historical evidence presented in primary and secondary resources. In this Reconstruction activity, 8th graders research the role of Reconstruction in South Carolina by simulating the environment of East Bay...
Curated OER
Founding Myths, Stories that Hide Our Patriotic Past
Young scholars participate in a scavenger hunt using their textbooks to find information about historical events, people and places in US history during the Revolutionary Era. After creating their list of important people, students...
Curated OER
Brutal British
Students read and predict the outcome of a story set during the Civil War, then map the story. To prepare for the activity, students determine why it is important to look at historical events from all angles by using primary and...
Curated OER
Women in the Civil War: Ladies, Contraband and Spies
Students interpret historical evidence presented in primary and secondary resources. In this American Civil War lesson, students research diaries, letters, and photographs of women involved in the war.
Curated OER
Official Statements
Students research the viewpoints of famous Americans, and then write commencement speeches reflecting these viewpoints to be delivered to high school graduates of today.
Curated OER
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,...
Curated OER
How Are Boundaries Made, Kept, Broken?
Students examine the different perspectives of Igbo women. They simulate a silent debate in response to the question, "Is the Igbo society sexist?" They write their response to the question and exchange papers with their partner as the...
Curated OER
Traveling Around Nebraska
Students analyze a current or historical photograph from their textbook and as a class complete a worksheet of the analysis. Using the Photographic Analysis Form, they locate and analyze two transportation photographs and use the...
Curated OER
I Knew Him When
Students research the life of Abraham Lincoln and write a first-person account from the viewpoint of someone who knew him. They develop a timeline of Lincoln's life, research a particular period of his life, and write a first-person...
Curated OER
Reconstruction in Texas
Students investigate life in Texas after the Civil War from a variety of viewpoints.
Curated OER
Government Lesson Plan: Lesson Plan 4
Students analyze how interest groups present their viewpoint to the public. They assess how media can influence public opinion by closely examining a political ad from the 1964 presidential election.
Curated OER
Trappers Then and Now
Learners study how trapping in the Illinois Territory in the 1800's effected the beaver population in the state. They compare methods, rules and regulations of the 1800s to those of today. In groups, they research a variety of...
Curated OER
The Saturday Night Massacre
Students look at the actions taken by Nixon from several perspectives. They explain the Constitutional issues involved with the firings and the concept of Presidential privilege as it evolved during this period. Students draw conclusions...
Curated OER
A Sense of West Virginia
Students consider their perceptions of the world through their 5 senses while visiting the West Virginia State Museum. In this West Virginia history instructional activity, students discover how knowing about the past helps with their...
Curated OER
Gaining Familiarity with Magnetism
Students discuss their perceptions of magnetism and explore the background ideas of magnetism.
Orlando Shakes
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde: Study Guide
Can science ever go too far? Learners explore this topic with the Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde study guide. They read about the connection between scientific experimentation in fiction and real life and then compare a scene from the novella...