Curated OER
Eli Thayer and the Kansas-Nebraska Act
Learners determine how states were identified as slave states or free states. For this Kansas-Nebraska Act lesson, students explore the work of Eli Thayer as well as the work of Thayer's supporters in Massachusetts.
Curated OER
Memories of School Days
Young scholars interview, record, and retell school stories of a family member. They research, document, and describe how schools have changed over time.
Curated OER
Sectionalism and the Kansas-Nebraska Act
Students define and discuss sectionalism and popular sovereignty, analyze impact of popular sovereignty in creation of state of Kansas, compare issues in territorial Kansas to current politically divisive topic, and evaluate primary...
Curated OER
Personal Stories of the National Parks
Students explore historical information about U.S. national parks using the stories of Edward and Margaret Gehrke as a primary source document. In this United States geography, history, and literacy lesson, students view the diary...
Curated OER
Child Labor Laws in America and Nebraska
Students research child labor laws in Nebraska and America. For this child labor lesson, students examine primary and secondary sources regarding legislation on child labor and create posters that highlight the laws of 1907 and 1910.
Curated OER
Has the Look of Nebraska Changed from 1819 to the 21st Century?
Eighth graders examine and analyze maps of early Nebraska. Using the maps, they compare and contrast them to those of today and identifying how the area has changed over time. They complete a worksheet over the differences in the maps...
NET Foundation for Television
1850-1874 Railroads and Settlement
Have you ever wondered how your town was placed where it is? Scholars research the impact the advancement of the railroad due to the passage of the Kansas-Nebraska Act had on the formation of civilization in the Great Plains. Map...
Curated OER
Exploring Nebraska Art and Architecture
Students explore the art and architecture of Nebraska. Using the internet, they view artwork by various artists and analyze it by using a form given to them by their teacher. They share their analysis with their classmates and discuss...
Curated OER
Interest Rates
Use a KWL chart and discussion to explore the concept behind loans with interest based on percentage rates. Learners examine different types of interest, the history of interest loans and calculate the costs of a loan over a ten-year...
Curated OER
Our Nebraska Story
Students research and use their discoveries to create a computer presentation and a quilt block on Nebraska. They will tell the story of Nebraska in an oral presentation using each piece of the quilt.
Curated OER
Missouri
In this Missouri activity, students read a detailed 2 page history of the state. Students answer ten true and false questions about the passage.
Curated OER
History of the Americas: Causes of the Civil War
In this American Civil War worksheet, students respond to 36 short answer questions that require them to define people and events that were significant during the war.
Curated OER
Rock Cycle: The Story of a Rock
High schoolers examine the rock cycle by watching videos and then use creative storytelling techniques to tell the story of a rock as it undergoes geologic changes.
Curated OER
The Rock Cycle: The Story of a Rock
Students describe the changes undergone by rocks during the rock cycle and develop an understanding of the interconnectedness of the rock cycle.
Curated OER
Swing Your Partner! It's A Virtual Square Dance
Students explore the Wessels Living History Farm website and research how to do a square dance. They read a story, listen to an explanation of barn dances, and participate in various square dances.
Curated OER
How We Got to Kansas-Nebraska
Students explore the causes of the Civil War. In this lesson on slavery students use primary sources to examine the evolution of the issue of slavery and in the American political system. Students will then write a follow-up essay...
Curated OER
Lincoln Home National Historic Site: A Place of Growth and Memory
Eighth graders study the history of Lincoln's home. In this American History lesson, 8th graders examine artifacts from his home to learn about his beliefs. Students participate in a webquest on Lincoln's home.
NET Foundation for Television
1850-1874 African American Settlers
Go West, young man! Scholars investigate the impact of African American settlers moving to the Nebraska territory, following the passage of the Kansas-Nebraska Act in the mid 1800s. Using primary sources, timelines, maps, and...
NET Foundation for Television
1850-1874 Notable Nebraskan: J. Sterling Morton
What are the characteristics of an outstanding citizen? Nebraskan J. Sterling Morton contributed to the formation of societal and family values in his state. Learners gather information on Morton's life accomplishments from primary...
Curated OER
Orphan Trains
Students are introduced to the concept of orphan trains. In groups, they research the history of the New York Children's Aid Society and begin to identify the social-trade offs involved on the orphan trains. They examine the geneological...
Curated OER
Era of Good Feelings
In this United States history worksheet, students utilize a word bank of 10 terms or phrases to answer 10 fill in the blank questions about the Era of Good Feelings. A short answer question is included as well.
Curated OER
Omaha Race Riot of 1919
Students analyze primary documents and images. Students organize and evaluate the causes and results of the Omaha race riot of 1919. Students study and recognize key personalities involved. Students relate history to certain quotes...
Curated OER
Sectionalism, Popular Sovereignty and Secession
Students read and discuss background material on several key decisions that played a role in the Civil War including the Missouri Compromise, the Kansas-Nebraska Act and the Dredd Scott Decision. They create a timeline and write an essay.
Curated OER
Migration from the Dust
Students trace their own family's migrations and history. They listen to the story, 'Blue ow.' They design a plate which is shared at an open house.