Explore differing points of view with your upper elementary and middle schoolers. Learners watch a video segment called "Ancestors Talk through Drums" and determine what perspectives are presented. Then, using the included worksheet,...

Kids consider revolution as a basis for creativity, art, and storytelling. After reading an excerpt from the book, Persepolis, learners choose one event from any world revolution to write about. They storyboard the event focusing on...

Students analyze a work of art.  In this historical context activity, students research the time period in which the art they observed was created.  Students consider differing opinions about a work of art. 

Students explore historical perspectives. In this contemporary history lesson, students listen to Billy Joel's "We Didn't Start the Fire," discuss they lyrics, and add  a new verse to the song for the years 2002, 2003, 2004, and 2005.

Sixth graders create a poster using one-point visual perspective. After exploring several examples of one-point perspective, 6th graders create a drawing around the theme of school community. Posters are illustrated and installed...

Students create a project poster displaying photos, drawings, and journal writings that incorporate the major themes of California's missions, and use perspective and point of view both visually and in writing.

Fourth graders develop their speaking skills. In this monologue lesson, 4th graders watch their instructors model a monologue regarding Abraham Lincoln. Students apply these skills as they research a historical figure from their state...

Students construct an historical timeline extending from 1840-1850. They discuss various people, places, and events on their timelines.

Learn more about the Civil War. Young scholars will choose a novel based on the Civil War to learn more about the viewpoints of that time period. They will then discuss the roles of the members of a Literature Circle and then participate...

Students explore William D. Huff's experience during Civil War as portrayed in his drawings, express empathy and demonstrate historical knowledge through creating their own artwork, and craft drawings and captions from perspectives of...

Students complete activities to study the propaganda elements from various war times. In this war propaganda lesson, students compare and contrast works of art from various viewpoints about war from varying social periods. Students...

Learners study Earth Art Sculpture and its historic perspectives. They study important Earth Art sculptors, notably Andy Goldsworthy and view works of important Earth Artists. They explore the basic use of digital cameras and journal...

Class members are presented with the image of a painting and asked to record their first impressions and analysis. They then research the time period in which it was painted and discuss how their research impacted their first impression...

Students research the Huichol social-cultural system in both historical and contemporary Mexican culture. They analyze how peoples' perceptions, attitudes, values, and beliefs affect the development of cultural identity. Students create...

Students create a paper sculpture based on ancient Greek statues. In this visual arts lesson, students read the book, The Mysterious Giant of Barletta and use cardstock to create their own statue. Students write a narrative story told...

Students research historic issues and events that have divided Americans in the past. They assess the division in American society shown by the 2000 presidential election by writing from the perspectives of people who have seen other...

Students view and analyze a portrait of Abraham Lincoln made during his visit to Richmond, Va. Students determine the historical significance of his visit and create fictional newspaper accounts from various perspectives.

Students gain a fundamental understanding of the role of jazz in the Harlem Renaissance. They explain its historical significance and cultural implications.

Learners discover the ideas of enlightenment by reading historical poetry. In this philosophical lesson, students read poems by Sir Walter Scott and Sergeant Joyce Kilmer while discussing the themes of the writing with classmates....

Middle schoolers create a journal that includes historic events that occurred in Illinois in the 1700's that features entries on the same topics from different perspectives.

Young scholars compare and contrast different perspectives of the French Revolution. In this visual arts lesson, students discuss the use of satire and caricature in history and create satirical cartoons based on contemporary issues.

Students create a paper sculpture based on ancient Greek and Roman statues in the Getty Museum. In this paper sculpture lesson plan, students read the story The Mysterious Giant of Barletta by Tomie dePaola. They then make a sculpture...

Uncover the exciting world of the Roaring Twenties with The Great Gatsby study guide. Individuals become critics as they write a review of the production. Scholars also read historical information and analyze the differences between the...

Students research songs from the past to learn about historical events. In this music history instructional activity, students conduct a survey on the Star-Spangled Banner, research the song and history on various websites, and research...