University of California
The Civil War: Emancipation
Investigate and analyze Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation using primary and secondary sources. The sixth installment of an eight-part series analyzes the meaning of Lincoln's document in relation to its impact on the Civil...
University of California
Hot Spots Research Project
The Cold War was only between the US and the USSR, right? Wrong! Scholars use primary and secondary resources to analyze the global impact of the Cold War. The fourth installment of an eight-part series culminates in the creation of a...
Curated OER
To Be Black and American: The Great Depression
Twelfth graders view pictures and write a description of what is depicted in the picture. They then divide into groups of three to share what they have written and come to a consensus of what the picture represents.
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Children's Literature Across the Curriculum Ideas-Lincoln: A Photobiography
Students read Lincoln: A Photobiography by Russell Freedman. They complete a variety of cross-curricular activities surrounding the life of Abraham Lincoln, including, but not limited to, the Civil War. Included are reading, art, math,...
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Civil War Battles: The Reporter's Perspective A WebQuest
Students interpret historical evidence presented in primary and secondary resources. In this research skills lesson plan, students research the job of reporting for new agencies during the American Civil War as they complete the provided...
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"I Hear America Singing": Controversy and Music in the Mexican War
Eighth graders examine the Mexican War and its outcome through music. In this primary source analysis lesson, 8th graders analyze the lyrics of selected songs to consider the 2 perspectives regarding U.S. involvement in the war. Students...
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Virtual Winter Count
Learn more about the North American Plains Indian tribes and their unusual methods of recording historical events. Learners examine the winter count, a custom by which these groups illustrated information after each winter passed. They...
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The Jim Crow Era
Students examine how African-Americans were affected by the Great Depression. In this African-American history lesson, students conduct independent research on the social conditions of the time period using the suggested resources....
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Teaching with Primary Sources Across Tennessee: Debunking Civil War Photographs
Students analyze photographs and texts using primary source analysis. In this primary source lesson students determine whether the photographs and text are truthful.
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A Dictionary of Independence
Students use events and biographies from their state's history and U.S. history, to create a dictionary of terms for citizens of a democracy.
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Blessings of a Free Government: The Louisiana Purchase in 1803
Students may take part in a multitude of activities listed such as creating political cartoons, comparison papers, and creating a portfolio to reinforce concepts and ideas surrounding the Louisiana Purchase.
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Teaching With Documents Lesson Plan:Launching the New U.S. Navy
Students demonstrate understanding of the issues related to the creation and ratification of the United States Constitution and the new Government it established.
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The Great Gatsby: Primary Sources from the Roaring Twenties
Students research the Roaring Twenties. In this 1920's America lesson, students analyze primary sources to develop an understanding of lifestyles and values of the era as they read F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby.
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Civil War Photographs: The Mathew Brady Bunch
Students examine the photographs of Mathew Brady. In this Civil War lesson plan, students analyse primary source photographs from the Civil War. Students will be able to describe specific events and what life might be like during the...
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George Washington: The President Without Precedent
Students explore time period and events surrounding George Washington's inauguration, demonstrate how Washington set precedent for each action he took as American Republic's new president, and compare and contrast traditions and events...
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Cartoons for the Classroom: Drawing a Familiar analogy
In this current events worksheet, students analyze a political cartoon that requires them to interpret analogies in cartoons and respond to 3 talking point questions.
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Cartoons for the Classroom: Herblock at 100
In this current events worksheet, students analyze political cartoons by Herb Block and respond to 3 talking point questions.
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Signature History
Students review the meaning and application of primary and secondary sources in research. They determine how researchers locate primary source documents before looking at signatures as a validating factor on many primary sources....
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The Immigration Experience
Students research the reasons people immigrated to the United States. In this United States history lesson, students explore the causes and effects of immigrating. Students engage in a role-playing scenario , watch a video, and explore a...
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Family Interviews: The Grandparent/Elder Project
Young scholars explore key concepts/facts in 20th Century history, develop interview questions, and produce master list of questions that can be used in project. Students then interview grandparent, great-grandparent, or other elder...
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Three Days at Gettysburg
Eighth graders discuss why the Battle of Gettysburg was important to the Civil War. In groups, they identify the major events of each day of the battle. They analyze how the battle changed the direction of the war and discuss the outcome.
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Decision -Making by Parliamentarians: Issues and Decision-Making
Students, using what they know about what influences a representative's decision-making, solve current issues/problems provided by the teacher.
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The Civil War Through a Child's Eye
Students use primary and secondary sources to observe a child's view of the Civil war. In this Civil War lesson plan, students understand that different people had different perspectives on the war. Students recognize the...
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Exploring Community Through Local History: Oral Stories, Landmarks and Traditions
Students explore the history of their local community. In this local history lesson, students analyze primary documents to develop an understanding of the local culture and traditions of their local community.