The United States Library of Congress, the largest library in the world. But such was not always the case. The library was destroyed during the War of 1812. In a persuasive letter to Samuel H. Smith, Thomas Jefferson offered to sell his...

Young scholars examine a letter written by Thomas Jefferson. In this lesson on the Thomas Jefferson Library, students discover a methodology for creative writing by examining Jefferson's letter to congress explaining why they should...

Students visit the Library of Congress to help them explain the importance of this library and the concept of ownership of ides.

Students investigate the reason and origins of libraries and conduct an information search using a variety of resources. They are divided into groups that have a specific set of questions they are to answer. Each group will then complete...

Young scholars discuss ways in which their own school library is funded, explore organization and funding of other school libraries, research Laura Bush's initiatives for school libraries, and gain experience planning projects and/or...

Young scholars examine the need for a national library. In this Library of Congress lesson, students analyze primary sources to investigate the persuasive techniques that Thomas Jefferson used in a letter meant to show his...

Students take a closer look at the Minerva Mosaic. In this primary source analysis lesson, students use the provided analysis worksheets to study the Minerva image in the Library of Congress and all that it symbolizes.

In celebration of renowned cartoonist Herb Block's Library of Congress exhibition, this handout includes 2 of his famous political cartoons for scholars to analyze. Background information describes "Herblock's" career, and talking points...

Students explore techniques of persuasive writing. In this persuasive writing instructional activity, students examine primary sources regarding the sale of Thomas Jefferson private library to Congress. Students write their own...

Designed to support a study of women's suffrage in the United States, a primary source document set from the Library of Congress includes images, song sheets, articles, statistical documents, political cartoon, and audio recordings...

Students exhibit their knowledge of community. In this early childhood lesson plan, students identify areas of their neighborhood and local community by recognizing pictures of various locations, including parks, libraries, hospitals,...

If you plan to utilize the ABC miniseries, "The Path to 9/11" in your classroom, consider incorporating media literacy and research skills. After (or while) learners view the series, they discuss ways information can differ from source...

Students use a library research activity to research the fifty United States. In this library research lesson, students complete a unit of lessons where they research and study the fifty states in the United States. Students research the...

Students take a virtual tour of the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library. In this Kennedy presidency lesson, students access the library via the Internet and take notes on the experience. Students write essays using the information they...

Students discover organization by participating in a class game. In this information sorting lesson, students utilize the Internet to play a library role-playing game with their classmates. Students answer study questions about library...

Middle schoolers explore the history of libraries. In this ancient civilizations lesson, students consider the work of Ptolemy to build a library in Alexandria. Middle schoolers discuss the availability of books then and today. Students...

Learners get excited about their community which can be extended through visits from members of the community or field trips. In this community helpers lesson, students demonstrate knowledge of the interaction of location, family,...

Students analyze the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights. In this U.S. government lesson, students examine books, movies, and music that influence them today and then investigate writings that influenced the framers of the...

Students explore centennial America. In this American history instructional activity, students search the Library of Congress digital collections for primary sources regarding the lifestyles and values of Americans in 1876. Students...

Learners define the American dream. In this primary research lesson, students search the Library of Congress digital collections for primary sources regarding the ideal of the American dream.  Learners create presentation to...