Curated OER
Rock Art Stories
Students examine different types of rock art. They analyze them to try to figure out the meaning of the art. They create their own rock art that tells a story. They share their creation with the class.
Curated OER
Where Canada Began
Third graders discuss the term "Birthplace of Confederation" in context to the beginnings of Canada. In groups, they create a list of the rights and responsibilities of citizens and identify examples of those who made contributions to...
Annenberg Foundation
America's History in the Making: Classroom Applications Four
The final installment of a 22-part American history series examines the many faces that make up the country's story. From Henry Ford to Tulio Serrano, scholars use biographical evidence and Internet research to uncover the people behind...
Curated OER
Biographical Poems
Students write a biographical poem about themselves. They observe a teacher-led demonstration, write an autobiographical poem and a biographical poem about a famous person using a template form, and display the poems side-by-side.
Curated OER
Amelia Earhart: Pilot, Activist, and Legend
Ideas for introducing the concepts of heroism, women's rights, and the scientific method using the famous Amelia Earhart.
Curated OER
"Hello, I Am Deborah Sampson"
Fifth graders learn the role played by individuals during the American Revolutionary War.
Curated OER
Famous African-American Fabric Paintings
Students examine famous African-Americans. For this African-Americans lesson, students research and give an oral report on a famous African-American.
Curated OER
Honoring Neighborhood Heroes
Read biographies and use the internet to research stories of courage.Young writers compare and contrast characteristics that societies value. They write reports about their family and community's heroes.
Curated OER
The United States and Its Capitals
Have your class learn about the fifty states in the United States and their capital cities. Learners play matching games, complete quizzes, and a variety of activities in order to cement their knowledge of the states.
Curated OER
I Do Solemnly Swear: Presidential Inaugurations
Students examine the process of presidential inauguration. They examine and discuss primary source documents and complete worksheets.
Curated OER
If They Had Lived
Students explore the impact on society when a person dies prematurely from gun violence. They develop research and critical-thinking skills
Curated OER
Making Choices
Students explore the life of Harriet Tubman. They examine a painting of Harriet Tubman and consider the tools used to communicate information about her. Sudents describe how the color of a painting explains the mood of the illustrator....
Curated OER
Fame, Fortune, and Philanthropy
With your middle schoolers, develop concepts such as philanthropy, civic responsibility, community service, and common good. Discuss famous philanthropists and what we can each give of our time, talent and treasure to better our...
Curated OER
Research Famous People in History
A research project about famous people in history can be an interesting, and motivating assignment for students.
Curated OER
Freedom is Not Free, Lest We Forget
Students explore the causes of the American Revolution. In this American Revolution lesson, students describe the major and important people of the Ameican Revolution. Students watch videos fill out timelines do Internet research to...
Curated OER
Hooray for the Red, White and Blue!
Students recognize the states in the continental United States and find their state. In this patriotic symbols lesson, students explore unfair taxation practices. Students understand the benefits of democracy participate in activities...
Curated OER
A Letter to Terry Fox
Middle schoolers research information about Terry Fox on the Internet. They write a personal letter to Terry Fox.
Curated OER
Exploring Pioneer America
Fourth graders research pioneers who had a strong influence on westward expansion. In this westward expansion lesson, 4th graders write an essay about four pioneers and an interview script about one. Students work in pairs to present...
Curated OER
Leif Erikson Day
Leif Erikson Day lessons breathe life into social studies classroom explorations.
Curated OER
We Found It!
First graders identify and describe landforms. They demonstrate an understanding of the compass rose and a map key using the trail of Lewis and Clark and the Corps of Discovery. They generate a map key.
Curated OER
Gender Roles
Students explore psychology by answering gender study questions. In this sexuality lesson plan, students discuss the stereotypes often referred to men and woman and what the truth is about their characteristics and abilities. Students...
Curated OER
Let's Build a Map
Students gain an understanding of maps while studying the map of the Louisiana Purchase and the trail of Lewis and Clark and the Corps of Discovery. They demonstrate understanding of maps by creating a basic classroom map.
Curated OER
Influencing Others in Our World
Students discover that the actions of people can have a positive influence on a community. They use a variety of resources to research biographies of African Americans. Students research and discuss the life of Martin Luther King, Jr.,...
Curated OER
Creating Historians: Giving Scholars the Answers
How allowing index cards on tests can empower critical thinking; part one of a series on approaching social studies as a group of historians.