Sharp School
The Bill of Rights and Supreme Court Cases Project
Social media and United States history combine as your young historians design a Facebook page for two major defendants of landmark Supreme Court cases. The resource includes a detailed rubric for research and page design, as well as a...
Curated OER
The Slave Market: Slavery, Not Just a Southern Institution
Eleventh graders examine how slavery was related to the economic development of New York. In this American History lesson, 11th graders analyze the primary and secondary sources on the New York Slave Market. Students create a...
Curated OER
A Picture Book of Helen Keller
Students advocate for people with disabilities. In this Helen Keller lesson, students listen to the story A Picture Book of Helen Keller by David A Adler. Students discuss how Helen Keller learned to communicate and became an advocate...
Curated OER
Relative Age Dating
Modeling dough and paper cutouts in science class? Learn about how relative age dating concepts, like the Law of Superposition and cross-cutting relationships, can be used to describe the formation of sedimentary layers.
Museum of Disability
A Picture Book of Helen Keller
Teach your class about Helen Keller and her accomplishments with a reading comprehension lesson based on A Picture Book of Helen Keller by David A. Adler. As individuals read, they answer discussion questions about Helen Keller...
Curated OER
Introduction And Brief History of Materials Science
Students develop an understanding of the concept of matter. They l participate actively in the bubble raft experiment as described on the Center for Thermal Spray Research's website. They demonstrate dislocations and grain...
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Port of Entry
Students research patterns of immigration throughout American history. The focus is on the process of how immigrants came through Ellis Island. Students reflect upon the topic to develop critical thinking skills.
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Puerto Rico: The 51st State?
Students examine the political status of Puerto Rico. In this global studies lesson, students explore Puerto Rico and consider the feelings of Puerto Ricans regarding their unique political status.
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History of Huguenot Street
Sixth graders research the history of Huguenot Street and visit the street as a class field trip. They, in groups, present their research and observations in a skit format.
Curated OER
White House Havoc
The president of the United States must be able to keep a cool head in moments of crisis to lead his or nation out of the darkness. A history instructional activity encourages learners to study the ways various presidents have handled...
New York State Education Department
US History and Government Examination: January 2016
Looking for an exam that uses primary sources to test young historians' analytical muscles? Check out a standardized test that asks learners to answer multiple-choice and essay questions to demonstrate their understanding of American...
Curated OER
American History Through the Len of the Supreme Court Decisions
Students examine the historical background of Supreme Court decisions and the basic principles behind legislation. As part of the activity, students discover legal concepts and terms and write sentences using the vocabulary they have...
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Where Does History Stand on the Last Stand?
Students examine the Battle of Little Bighorn and its impact on United States and Native American culture through reading current and historic New York Times articles and by creating a research-based exhibit about this historic event.
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Poets of Christmas Past
Students consider the meanings of Christmas by reading an op-ed. As a class, they then create a sequel to the poem "A Visit from Saint Nicholas," in which "Mamma" tells a story about the history of Christmas.
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Putting History in its Place
Examine ways in which historic places and landmarks represent significant themes and events in American history. Then create theme-based travel guides for related historic locations. This lesson requires informational reference materials...
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Ambassadors of Art
Have your class create their own art exhibit. Learners study the exchange of artwork between the Louvre in Paris and two American art museums, and create an introductory exhibit featuring European and American art from the Renaissance...
Curated OER
Defending the Rights of Women
The women's rights movement is the fascinating story of the individuals who fought for a change of the status quo.
PBS
The Media and the War: The Penny Press, Walt Whitman and the War
The Mexican-American war marked a significant moment in United States history, as well as in the history of American media. The mid-nineteenth century saw the introduction of the Penny Press, which provided many American citizens with...
The New York Times
Investigating the Heroin and Prescription Opioid Epidemic
How bad is the opioid crisis in America? Has it gotten worse in the last few decades? Why? High schoolers delve into these questions with a thorough and thoughtful activity from The New York Times on heroin prescription opioids....
Curated OER
The United Nations: Fifty Years of Keeping the Peace
High schoolers examine the work of the United Nations. In this United Nations lesson plan, students listen to their instructor present a lecture regarding the history of the United Nations. High schoolers respond to discussion...
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Labor Day Lessons and the History of Labor Unions
America was built on the strength of its workers, and on Labor Day we recognize their contributions.
Curated OER
The Ups and Downs of Technology
Middle schoolers create a visual timeline of skyscrapers built in the past 20 years. In this physical science lesson, students research important facts about the building. They discuss the challenges architects face when building...
Curated OER
Grand Celebration! Broadside
Young scholars research the construction and history of the Erie Canal. They answer discussion questions in small groups, draw and label the Erie Canal on a map of New York State, read and discuss a handout, and complete a worksheet.
Curated OER
Loyalist? Ghosts of the Hudson River Valley
Pupils examine how national events effect them in New York. They examine case studies about individuals who represent different groups in society.