Curated OER
The Four Corners Region of the United States Cultures, Ruins and Landmarks
Students who live in the inner city are introduced to the four corners region of the United States. In groups, they examine how the region differs compared to where they live and their culture. They develop maps of the area and locate...
Curated OER
No Choice!
Young scholars investigate freedom. In this character development and U.S. history lesson, students participate in role playing in which the teacher assigns recess restrictions including whom they play with and what they play. Young...
Curated OER
Celebrate Colonial Maryland
Students research colonial Maryland. In this colonial Maryland instructional activity, students participate in a WebQuest to investigate how families led their lives long ago. Students compare family and city life from long ago and...
Curated OER
Dreams and Shields
Young scholars study and view examples of shields from the Lakota, Crow, Cheyenne, Black Feet, and Shoshone tribes. They find the meaning of the symbols used on the shields and then make their own shields out of cardboard.
Curated OER
Rock Art
First graders create and share their own rock art based on Navajo and Hawaiian rock art.
Curated OER
Plains Indians Word Search
In this word search instructional activity, students read the words related to the Plains Indians and the American West. Students locate the 13 words within the word search.
Curated OER
The Lure of The West
Here is a fabulous series of lesson plans on four of the most celebrated artists of the Old Western period in American history. Learners study the works of Charles King, George Catlin, Albert Bierstadt, and Thomas Moran. The pack is...
Curated OER
Experimental Archaeology: Making Cordage
Students make a cordage and use an activity sheet to experience a skill that ancient Native American in North Carolina neded for everyday life.
Curated OER
A to Z Observations
Eighth graders examine the cultural conflicts that occurred when Europeans moved into the land the Native Americans lived on that would become West Virginia. In this West Virginia history activity, 8th graders visit the state history...
Curated OER
The Adventure Begins: "Boys I Believe I Have Found a Gold Mine!"
Pupils view and discuss historical documents regarding Native Americans and Californians prior to the gold rush in the 1940's. They complete a variety of activities designed to show what they have learned from these sources and class...
Curated OER
Personal Clay Box
Seventh graders discover how to assemble and finish a lidded box-like form from slabs of clay between soft and leather hard. They gain an appreciation for ceramic art.
Curated OER
Naya Nuki's Journey
Students read "Naya Nuki Shoshoni Girl Who Ran" by Kenneth Thomasma. Students chart Naya Nuki's route on a map and identify the navigational signs she used to find her way home. Students also analyze the weather she encounters.
Curated OER
South American Architecture
Seventh graders review and discuss what they read about North American architecture. They then study images of North and south American architecture and make comparisons
Curated OER
Geography and Ecology of the Inuit
Students examine environment and ecology of the Arctic region, and explore history and traditions of the Inuit.
Curated OER
Utah Indian - Future Changes
Fourth graders discuss and share ideas on how they think the Utah Indian tribes change in the future.
Curated OER
The Power of Journals: Going Beyond the Text
Eighth graders define and use new vocabulary and identify the reasons why Native Americans captured Europeans during the colonial period. They write their own journal entries about the topic and explain the importance of journals as a...
Curated OER
VH1 Driven: Shakira, Lesson 2
Students watch a video about the life of Latin singer/pop star, Shakira. They research various foreign music styles and discuss how they influence American pop music today.
NET Foundation for Television
1850-1874 Homestead Act Signed: The Challenges of The Plains
Start a whole new life in a land known as the Wild Wild West! Learners analyze maps, personal accounts, the Kansas-Nebraska Act, songs, and video clips to uncover life under the Homestead Act. Using their new skills, class members role...
Center for Civic Education
Historical Analysis of Constitutional Amendments
Each of the 27 Amendments to the U.S. Constitution were adopted within specific economic, political, social or cultural, and international contexts. As part of their Constitution Day/Week studies, seniors investigate these factors for...
Curated OER
The Westward Movement
Students study the westward movement through examining stamps. In this westward movement lesson plan, students draw conclusions, determine cause and effect relationships and examine the westward movement of the United States by...
Curated OER
If These Objects Could Talk
Students examine American Indian artifacts through historical, cultural and artistic lenses. They explore the philosophy behind the Smithsonian Institute's new museum to honor American Indian history and traditions.
Curated OER
Cooking: Solar Oven, Cornbread, and Butter
Students build a solar oven and prepare cornbread in it. In this solar oven cooking instructional activity, students follow instructions to create a solar oven. Students are given recipes for butter and cornbread to...
Curated OER
Legends as Oral History
Sixth graders read First Nations legends to find information about the First Nations. In this legends as oral history lesson, 6th graders interview and write oral histories from family members.
Curated OER
When This World Was New
Second graders participate in a guided reading activity and read about and immigrant family. In this guided reading lesson, 2nd graders answer questions that focus on their new homeland. Students write a response to literature.