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Pictograph Stone Carving
Students examine pictures of pictograph writing by Native American tribes, and discuss why this method of communication was used. They create their own messages with symbols and drawings on pieces of Styrofoam to simulate rock carvings.
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What is History and Why Do We Study It?
Students examine why it is important to study American history. For this American history lesson, students discuss why it is necessary to study history, arrange an outline of American history events in chronological order, and write...
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Hafta Do NAFTA?
Students examine the benefits and problems of U.S. participation in the North American Free Trade Agreement. In two groups, students represent the campaign team for a presidential candidate, one for and one against NAFTA, and research...
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Colonization
High schoolers explore why the Americas attracted Europeans, why they brought enslaved Africans to their colonies, and how Europeans struggled for control of North American and the Caribbean.
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Indians in Georgia: How Do We Know What We Know?
Students discover archaeology by investigating the history of Native Americans in Georgia. In this U.S. history lesson, students participate in a mock archaeological excavation in their classroom by recovering artifacts and...
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BIRDS OF A FEATHER
Students observe and identify characteristics of artifacts and fossils; explain how artifacts and fossils are used to explore the past; and identify ways that Native Americans prepared food and made tools
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Civil War Reading Comprehension Quiz
In this American Civil War worksheet, students read assigned textbook pages about the causes of the war and then respond to 20 short answer questions about how the war.
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Gold Rush Abolitionists: How different was the role of Spanish-speaking blacks under Mexican rule from the role of English-speaking blacks under U.S. rule?
Students determine how Spanish-speaking blacks and English speaking blacks were treated differently. In this emancipation lesson, students compare the Mexican and American rules regarding slavery.
Benjamin Franklin Tercentenary
Benjamin and the Way to A Good Life
Young scholars explore American history by reading biographical text in class. In this Benjamin Franklin lesson, students research the famous inventor by reading assigned text and answering reading comprehension questions afterwards....
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The U.S. Presidents
Students identify the Presidents of the U.S. by their physical characteristics and their impact on America. In this Presidents lesson plan, students read about each President, look at their pictures, and identify each of them based on...
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America's Civil Rights Movement, Cubing
Students explore cubing as a graphic organizer to better explain the key concepts of the Civil Rights Movement and take positions on key concepts regarding the Movement.
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Conquering North America
Students create a study guide on colonization of North America. In this American Colonization instructional activity, students complete a chart of explorers and their conquests. Students complete a crossword puzzle using explorer facts....
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Develop a Bird Feeder Watch List
Learners explore biology by identifying animals on their school ground. In this bird species activity, students create and utilize a simple bird feeder to attract birds near their classroom at which point they observe the color, size and...
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Pilgrims: The First Americans
Fifth graders become familar with the pilgrims and first Thanksgiving through essays about important people of the time. In this Thanksgiving lesson, 5th graders choose an important figure from the time of the Pilgrims and write a...
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Cartoons for the Classroom: A Study in Early Caricatures
In this current events worksheet, students analyze caricatures of Barak Obama through the years and respond to 3 talking point questions.
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Cartoons for the Classroom: All Eyes on Iowa
In this current events worksheet, students analyze a political cartoon about the Iowa caucus and respond to 3 talking point questions.
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Ben Franklin and the Rising Americans
Students prepare for and learn through a walking tour of Philadelphia. In this history lesson, students support their studies with a field trip. This lesson could be adapted to suit regions with other historic places or museums.
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Teen Immigrants: Five American Stories
Learners watch the PBS program "In the Mix" about teen immigrants. They discover the number of immigrants in America and their problems moving to this country. They answer questions as the film plays.
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American Born Chinese
Students make thematic connections and organize their ideas using a Venn Diagram. In this Venn Diagram instructional activity, students compare 3 different stories from a novel and fill in a Venn Diagram. Students then discuss their...
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Cartoons for the Classroom: Epic Battle Rages On
In this current events learning exercise, students analyze political cartoons about the election of 2008 and respond to 3 talking point questions.
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Early Congress Proclaims Holidays
Young scholars read about and discuss the historical effects of Congressional decision-making in the establishment of national holidays.
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Demonstrating an Understanding the Evolution of Democracy in the United States
Students explore how democracy in the United States changed and evolved from its birth to the present. They participate in a mock testing environment. Students write a multi-tasked essay on American government and politics.
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Help! I'm Trapped in a Vampire Body Multiple Choice Quiz
In this literature based multiple choice worksheet, 5th graders answer 10 questions based on the book, Help! I'm Trapped in a Vampire's Body by Todd Strasser.
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It's In Your Pocket
Students examine federal powers. In this U.S. Constitution instructional activity, students explore the powers of Congress to coin money. Students also study the meaning of the symbols on U.S. coins.