National Endowment for the Humanities
The Monroe Doctrine: A Close Reading
Students identify specific passages in the Monroe Doctrine to events in early U.S. diplomacy.
Curated OER
History of Coal in the United States
Students examine a timeline of coal mining in the US and research how the policies of coal dependent companies have changes over the last 50 years.
Center for Civic Education
Historical Analysis of Constitutional Amendments
Each of the 27 Amendments to the U.S. Constitution were adopted within specific economic, political, social or cultural, and international contexts. As part of their Constitution Day/Week studies, seniors investigate these factors for...
Curated OER
On the Fence
Students read a news article from the New York Times related to the construction of a fence between Mexico and the U.S. and its impact on the lives of the people living on both sides. They read and discuss a variety of scenarios, answer...
Curated OER
United States Colored Troops
Students explore the role that African American soldiers had in the Civil War and the impact they had on the US Civil Rights movement after the war. They complete a timeline, read an excerpt and analyze a primary image.
Curated OER
The First (and Last) Words
What does "freedom of speech" mean to your class, especially in the context of Internet communications? In round-table discussion format, middle and high schoolers address the issues discussed in "State Legislatures Across U.S. Plan to...
Smithsonian Institution
Cuban Missile Crisis
The United States—specifically John F. Kennedy—played a large role during the Cuban Missile Crisis. A history resource poses questions that encourage critical thinking as well as in-depth analysis of images from the time period.
Constitutional Rights Foundation
Educating European Immigrant Children Before World War I
As if surviving a journey to America wasn't enough of a feat for early 20th century immigrants, they then needed to settle into American life. Learn about the ways New York public education attempted to meet the needs of its students,...
Curated OER
Surfin' the U.S.A. with Road Rabbit
Students take virtual field trips to places in the U.S.A. in conjunction with the stops made by the class mascot, Road Rabbit. As Road Rabbit
travels to his destination(s) via snail mail, so do the students via the Internet.
Curated OER
Tibet and the U.S.
Young scholars study the Tibetan situation. In this global issues lesson, students listen to a lecture regarding Tibet, its location, and its ties to China. Young scholars then create political cartoons or write letters to their...
Curated OER
The 50 States
Students, in groups, research specific regions and states of the United States. They summarize their research and create a poster and PowerPoint presentation with their findings.
Curated OER
Idaho State Map
In this Idaho state map worksheet, students color and label important physical features and cities. Students also study the background map to learn the location of Idaho as related to the rest of the U.S.
Curated OER
Indiana State Map
For this Indiana state map worksheet, students color and label the important cities and physical features on this outline map. Students also learn of Indiana's location in the U.S. by studying the background map.
Education World
Mystery State #1
In this United States mystery learning exercise, learners determine which state is described by the 5 clues listed on the sheet and then mark it on the outline map of the United States.
Curated OER
Puerto Rico: The 51st State?
Learners research the history of Puerto Rico, its culture, and geography. In this Puerto Rico instructional activity, students find Puerto Rico on a map and find specific regions or cities. Learners discuss Puerto Rico's statehood and...
Curated OER
U.S. Possessions
Ninth graders research the United States acquisition of the Philippines and their fight for independence. They locate the Philippines on a map and brainstorm how its geography has benefits. They access the Internet and complete a student...
Curated OER
Health - Lesson Plan on Prescription Drug Prices
Students examine the issue of prescription drug prices in the United States. They discover how globalization impacts the available remedies to lower the costs to American consumers. They participate in a mock U.S. Senate Commerce Committee
Curated OER
Lesson 1: Map Data and the Census
Young scholars learn about the history of the census. In this U. S. Census lesson plan, students develop an understanding about how the United States Constitution grants and distributes power and discover how the spatial organization of...
Curated OER
United States Entry into World War I: A Documentary Chronology of World War I
Eleventh graders reconsider the events leading to U.S. entry into World War I through the lens of archival documents.
Curated OER
Cities
Young scholars examine U.S. Census figures. In this urban centers lesson, students compare city populations across the span of 50 years. Young scholars create line graphs based on the data.
Curated OER
What Do You Know?
High schoolers learn why the census makes a difference. In this U.S. Census lesson plan, students demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the census and its importance.
Curated OER
The Rise of U.S. Business and Industry
Eleventh graders examine the industrialization of post-Reconstruction America. In this 20th century American history lesson, 11th graders listen to a lecture about the industrial age and then conduct their own research to determine the...
Curated OER
A Treaty Tail: U.S. - Indian Treaty Councils in the Northwest
Students view a painting as a document to find out about the Indian Treaty Councils. In this artist's perspective instructional activity, students study the conflicts as shown in various pictures. Students answer questions...
Benjamin Franklin Tercentenary
Benjamin Franklin and the Long Struggle for Independence
Students explore U.S. history by reading biographical material in class. In this Benjamin Franklin lesson, students identify the life of Franklin and the events that led him to become one of America's first heroes. Students complete an...