Historical Thinking Matters
Social Security: 3 Day Lesson
What does social security reveal about the political and social culture of the 1930s? After beginning with a brief introductory video on the impact of the Great Depression and how various Americans, such as Huey Long and Francis...
National First Ladies' Library
Movies for a Nickel! The Nickelodeon
Students identify and participate in this activity to identify and learn about the early history of the film industry, and consider the impact of movies on society ever since. Then they use the websites listed to study various aspects of...
Curated OER
Worksheet: The Great Depression
In this Great Depression worksheet, high schoolers respond to 8 short answer questions about the migration during the era, Hoovervilles, and the impact of movies.
Curated OER
Enduring Legacies of the New Deal
Students investigate U.S. history by listening to an economics lecture. In this U.S. government lesson, students research the "New Deal" which happened after the Great Depression. Students identify movies, books and music from the...
Curated OER
Vocational: Fashion History
Students research and present reports on 20th century fashions and their influences. After watching a video about fashion, they complete worksheets based on the film. In another activity, students make doll-sized clothing items using...
Curated OER
On The Home Front
Students write their responses to five questions about their home town. After watching an excerpt from "The War", they work together in groups to identify the characteristics of the four towns in the movie into a graphic organizer. ...
Curated OER
America in Film and Fiction
High schoolers begin the lesson by reading a book on film study. After watching the movie "Citizen Kane", they work together to identify the issues concerning the United States before World War II. As a class, they discuss how the...
Curated OER
Life During the Great Depression
Eleventh graders explore life during the Great Depression and how Americans responded to the problem. Using information discussed, 11th graders complete a flow chart activity depicting the Dust Bowl. After watching clips of movies...
Curated OER
Discussion Questions about Human Nature
High schoolers explore the different types of heros in American history.
Curated OER
Entertaining Vancouver's Youth During World War II.
Young scholars investigate relevant period documents and artifacts and have the
opportunity to replicate a 1943-44 entertainment experience by viewing a program
of World War II era motion pictures on site at Vancouver's historic...
Curated OER
Jazz in America
Students explore the Swing Era and its implications. They answer questions and listen to music from the era.
Curated OER
Grapes of Wrath as a Primary Source
Eighth graders consider the plight of migrant farmers during the Great Depression. In this historical perspectives lesson, 8th graders watch the film based on Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath and then discuss the conditions the characters...
Curated OER
Becoming American: Between Two Worlds
Students examine American identity. In this immigration lesson, students explore the plight of Chinese Americans in their attempts to assimilate into the American culture while keeping their Chinese identities.
Curated OER
Find the Tallest
Learners use a variety of local resources to find pictures and information about the tallest structures in your town during four different periods. By comparing pictures, students gather information about a town's values, major...
Smithsonian Institution
Smithsonian American Art Museum: Picturing the 1930s
Enter a virtual movie theater and learn about art of the 1930s in the United States. Exhibitions include: The Depression, The New Deal, The Country, Industry, Labor, The City, Leisure, and American People.
Wessels Living History Farm
Living History Farm: Farming in the 1930s: Fsa Photographers
What a fabulous resource documenting the lives of farmers across the country during the Great Depression. Talented photographers, working for the Farm Security Administration, were sent out to take pictures, which were then published in...