Benjamin Franklin Tercentenary
Choosing a Trade in Colonial America
How did workers pick a trade in colonial America? Using a WebQuest approach, scholars explore life in the colonial era by looking at professions available to men like Benjamin Franklin. Individuals then apply their knowledge to create...
American Battlefield Trust
1864-1865: Bringing the War to an End
The Civil War—in its breathtaking ferocity—came to a close in 1864. However, turmoil echoed throughout the country's politics, including the presidential context between Lincoln and McClellan. Performing chronology and primary source...
Smithsonian Institution
Separate is Not Equal: Fight for Desegregation
Separate is not equal! An eye-opening lesson delves into the past to understand the fight for desegregation and how it impacted African American communities. Academics complete two one-hour lessons using documents, photographs, and...
Smithsonian Institution
Resistance to School Desegregation: The Boston Busing Crisis
Despite how it sounds, Boston's busing crisis wasn't a transportation problem. Academics address the problems faced by African Americans following school desegregation and the struggle to receive equal educational opportunities. Scholars...
Curated OER
Interview With A Legend
Eighth graders investigate how Language Arts and Social Studies can be integrated in the curriculum. They conduct research about a famous person in history. Then students use the information to write a report for the class. Then students...
Curated OER
Moving Toward Modern America (1919-1929)
Eighth graders study the politics and culture of the 1920's and write a report about some aspect of that era. They also create a Power Point presentation based on the 1920's lifestyle.
Curated OER
People in the World-Brazil
Second graders explore information about South America and choose a country to study. They explore culture, food, geography, clothing, language, and recreation of their country. Students visualize their learning by developing a slide...
Curated OER
Michigan Web Page
Fourth graders locate and evaluate websites about the state of Michigan. In collaborative groups they create a web page that includes lessons and links appropriate for other fourth grade students to study information about the state of...
Curated OER
The National Pastime
Young scholars examine the impact baseball had politically and culturally upon the nation and the world from 1940-1950. Students study about, discuss, and take notes about historically significant events and baseball players'...
Curated OER
"A Costly Prosperity", South Carolina during World War II
Eleventh graders study the history of South Carolina during World War II. In this American History lesson, 11th graders analyze the economic growth of this state through primary sources. Students interpret many different...
Curated OER
Families are Special
First graders are instructed throughout the social studies family unit that the concept of "family" has numerous interpretations. An activity incorporated in this unit involves using Kid Pix Studio.
Curated OER
Aloha, Hawaii!
Students read the Hawaiian version of The Three Little Pigs, to study cultures and traditions of the island. They gather and study resources about the culture, people, and endangered species of Hawaii.
Curated OER
Using Multimedia to Teach Core Democratic Values
Students produce multimedia presentation to fellow class members on one of the Core Democratic Values, such as patriotism or civilian control of military, that is part of State of Michigan Social Studies Framework.
Curated OER
Medieval Games
Students participate in a theme-based field day base on Medieval games. They integrate the field day activities into an academic study of medieval times.
Curated OER
Islamic Art/ Eraser Prints
Students are shown examples of mosaics found on mosques. We discuss background information on Islam and relate it to social studies units. This is also a great unit to integrate math skills.
Curated OER
People of the Plains- Spiritualism
Fourth graders study cultural characteristics regarding Native American beliefs. They discuss spiritualism as it relates to respect. (respect for all things, living and dead; connection with the land, etc.) They provide examples they...
Curated OER
Contributions of Ancient Egypt and China
Second graders study the contributions of Ancient Egypt and China, which have had an impact on world history, with emphasis on written language, laws, calendars, and architectural monuments such as the Pyramids and the Great Wall of China.
Curated OER
Incan Artifacts - Clay Pottery Lesson
Students study Incan artifacts found at an online database and create samples using clay pottery and paint.
Curated OER
People of the Plains: Roles of Men And Women
Fourth graders study the geography of North America and the indigenous people who lived there. They read about rules, games, toys and dolls, and education. They fill out Venn Diagrams comparing the roles of men and women during the videos.
Curated OER
Native American Legends
Second graders will engage in an in-depth study of Michigan Native American culture comparing and contrasting the culture of today with that of the past. They will also read a variety of Native American literature focusing on the story...
Curated OER
Publisher Skills Assessment
Students complete a technology integration project using Publisher. In this technology lesson plan, students use Publisher to create magazine activities for the American Revolution, indigenous cultures, California missions, colonization,...
Curated OER
First Amendment Rights
Fifth graders participate in a problem-solving and decision-making process involving the First Amendment rights to analyze and implement a solution for a school-related issue. They are given a variety of scenarios to apply the First...
Curated OER
Social Studies: African Banner Boxes
Students write creation stories and design stamps to use on banners accompany them. They discuss the use of stamps in African culture to take the place of words. Students use a handout of stamps and their own creations to create banners...
Curated OER
Integrating Japanese Folk Tales into the Classroom Using Japanese Kamishibai
Students study Japanese folk tales focusing on the traditional values and key elements. They compare the Japanese values with their own. They discuss Japanese art before designing a set of kamishibai on which they write a summary of a...