Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Westward Ho

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Young scholars examine primary sources regarding Western migration. In this Manifest Destiny lesson, students determine why the pioneers moved west and what the trip was like as they examine sources and write journals based on their...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Lifestyles in the 13 Colonies

For Teachers 7th
Seventh graders explore American colonial life. In this Colonial America lesson, 7th graders research Internet and print sources to create Inspiration projects on colonial America.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Civil War in Henry County

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students consider how the Civil War impacted their community. In this Civil War lesson, students use primary and secondary sources to research the Civil War in Henry County, Georgia. Students use their findings to create multimedia...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Reformation

For Teachers 9th
Ninth graders analyze the economic, political, and theological issues of the Reformation. For this Reformation lesson, 9th graders examine primary and secondary sources to determine the causes and effects of the Reformation in...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Role-Playing Jean Talon

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students explore New France. In this New France lesson, students examine census data compiled by Jean Talon in 1665 and 1666. Students take on the role of Talon trying to convince the King of France to increase his investment in New...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Log Book of a Connecticut Slave Trade Ship

For Teachers 7th
Seventh graders investigate the slave trade. In this Middle Passage lesson plan, 7th graders read excerpts of ship logs from Connecticut Slave Trade ships. Students respond to the provided analysis questions based on the logs. 
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Defeat of the ERA

For Teachers 11th
Eleventh graders take a closer look at the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA). In this women's rights lesson, 11th graders read the Equal Rights Amendment as well as the "Feminine Mystique" and selections by Gloria Steinam and Phyllis...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Classrooms: Then and Now

For Teachers K - 1st
Students look at schoolhouses from the past. In this comparative analysis lesson, students visit a one room school house and look at the tools used for learning. Students then compare the schoolhouse of the past to the schoolhouse of today.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Examples of Justice Systems and Practices in Western Africa

For Teachers 10th
Tenth graders explore African belief systems. For this West African lesson, 10th graders research these belief systems. Students create a wooden figure that represents these beliefs.  
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Basilica of the Assumption-A Symbol of Freedom

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders explore the importance of the Basilica of Assumption and the development of the Catholic Church in Maryland. In this social studies lesson, 4th graders discuss the Basilica of the Assumption and the Catholic Church.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Anti-Railroad Propaganda Poster -- The Growth of Regionalism, 1800 - 1860

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers research the anti-railroad movement of the mid-19th century. They review propaganda from the period and consider various points of view. They develop role-plays and write essays using their research.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Cultural Comparison

For Teachers 5th - 7th
Students choose from a group of entries about the culture of Peru. In this Peruvian culture instructional activity, students understand the definition of culture. Students describe the culture of Peru researched in the entry and complete...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Leaving Home for the West - Why?

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Students examine primary sources regarding American movement to the west. In this westward expansion lesson, students create broadside posters based on the Homestead Act primary sources they research.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Bell Live! The Great Lakes: A Superior Adventure

For Teachers 4th - 8th
Students participate in a virtual field trip to Lake Superior. In groups, they perform experiments in which test the level of toxins and bacteria in the water. They also watch video segments life in the lake and discuss their observations.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Africa's Geographic Features

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders work in pairs and use atlases to locate specific geographic features in Africa. They use the Internet to view these geographic features.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Read All About It

For Teachers 4th - 8th
Students investigate the concept of conducting research to create a newspaper. They use tools of research to gather information. The information is interpreted while working in small groups. Then the groups write articles that can be put...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Floodplains in the field (with GIS)

For Teachers Higher Ed
Students measure a topographic and geologic cross-section across a floodplain by simple surveying and auguring techniques. They consider the spatial context of the field observations, use GPS measurements, and desktop GIS analyses.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Michigan United Conservationists Club (M.U.C.C). v. Michigan Secretary of State: An Issue of Referendum

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students observe the procedures of the Michigan Supreme Court. They identify the processes and procedures being used. They debate a case that was presented to the Court and analyze the oral arguments of the case.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Historic Cemetery Project

For Teachers 4th - 5th
Students use the Virtual Atlas to examine the cemetaries in the state of Washington. In groups, they view photographs of local monuments to celebrate the lives of local members. They choose one to focus on and research. To end the...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Give Me the C and D Canal!!!

For Teachers 5th - 7th
Students estimate the distance between Baltimore to Philadelphia via the water route before the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal was built. They familiarize themselves with canals and how transporation and economic necessities dictate the...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

A Birthday in Amsterdam

For Teachers K - 8th
Learners view Rembrandt's etching, View of Amsterdam. They compare commerce and trade of 17th-century Amsterdam to modern day. They create self-portraits of themselves as children with birthday gifts during the 17th century.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Wealth in Transition: From Sail to Loom

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students examine Salem's transition from a merchant to industrial economy. Using a report by investors, they examine the process and debates that occured when wanting to build a textile mill in Salem. They discuss the challenges...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Bringing the Past to the Present

For Teachers 2nd
Second graders work in pairs and read a primary source artifact. They create a PowerPoint slide that will be part of a "museum" presentation for the rest of their class. Students select artifacts from a group of digitalized artifacts...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Comparing Northwest Native American Communities

For Teachers 4th - 5th
Students review how to use the database from previous lessons. Using the information, they identify the historical and environmental effects on the people living in the Pacific Northwest. They examine the various Native American groups...