Why did Stephen Douglas support the Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854? Why did Abraham Lincoln oppose it? Young historians examine how the Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854 affected the political balance between free and slave states and explore how...

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...

Students review census data to correlate to emigration in Kansas. In this Westward Expansion lesson, students analyze a painting and create definitions for emigration and discuss why people emigrate. Students read and analyze 1855 census...

Learners examine the settlement patterns of the Kansas Territory. In this Kansas history lesson, students analyze primary documents from the pioneers in the territory. Learners write letters or perform skits that feature their findings.

Students research and discuss the reasons why early settlers emigrated to Kansas. They, in groups, analyze census district reports from the 1850's and then identify the advantages and disadvantages of using this information as research.

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.

Every state uses a set of rights to establish laws and regulations. Explore the Wyandotte Constitution as it was written in 1859 and compare it with how rights in Kansas have changed, especially those that pertain to gender and race. A...

Pupils conduct research and present a part of Kansas City history to the class. They develop questions and ideas to initiate and refine research. They use technological tools and other resources to locate, select and organize information.

Tenth graders compare and contrast majority and minority outlooks on issues. In this social justice instructional activity, 10th graders research majority and minority values regarding the Salem Witch Trials, Plessy v. Ferguson, the...

Nat Turner, John Brown, and Abraham Lincoln all played a key role in the run-up to the bloody American Civil War. Using a PowerPoint, timeline activity, and essay prompt, young historians consider the roles of these men and more to...

Students use graphic organizers to analyze the Wyandotte Constitution. They read and discuss the Wyandotte Constitution, identify the civil rights granted to the people of Kansas and consider exceptions based on gender and race.

Students evaluate how the impact of building of towns affected slavery.  In this United States History instructional activity, students work in small groups to construct a map, then they participate in a role-playing activity.

Seventh graders examine American policies to relocate Native Americans. In this Native American history lesson, 7th graders determine why Native Americans were relocated and investigate their response to the policies as they analyze...

What do writing and dance have in common? They both have a six-trait rubric for assessment. Just like a good story, a good dance must have a hook, beginning, middle, end,  logical sequence, and a climax. Learners use a...

Students study the issue of slave vs. free states. They explore the actions and personal commitment of John Brown and write a newspaper article about the Battle of Osawatomie from John Brown's perspective.

Learners write clue cards for learning the names and locations of each river basin in Kansas using their knowledge of cardinal and intermediate directions.

Middle schoolers read and discuss several informational cards about John Brown, the historical context he lived in and his abolitionist cause. They complete a character chart and write an epitaph that conveys their opinion of his actions.

Students research lakes of eastern Kansas. Students compile their information into a "sandwich" with each layer containing a specific list of information.

Students review the Kansas-Nebraska Act and the development of the Kansas territory Constitution. They complete a cause and effect worksheet and discuss the history of the Lecompton Constitution.

Students investigate the actions and motives of John Brown. In this abolition lesson plan, students discover details about Brown's background as a free-state and abolition supporter. Students discuss his role as that of a martyr or...

Students discover the role of a watershed. In this geography instructional activity, students are shown a diagram of a watershed and discuss the definition of a watershed. Students demonstrate the role of a watershed by using an umbrella...

Students identify Members of Congress who became President, and describe the notable accomplishments of one Member of Congress who became President of the United States.

Pupils explore the struggle that Kansans had over the slavery issue. They read a letter from John Brown to his family, and write a newspaper article about the Battle of Osawatomie from John Brown's perspective.

Learners examine and trace the origin of an item of clothing. They write, illustrate, and publish a book describing the trade flow that brought their item of clothing to the United States.