DocsTeach
Political Cartoon Analysis: No Taxation Without Representation
Delve into the world of political cartoons in a lesson on the American Revolution. Scholars practice analyzing an original political cartoon, answer questions, and participate in group discussion. Young academics gain an understanding of...
US National Archives
We the People Focusing on Details: Compare and Contrast
Even the most inspiring documents in American history had to go through a few drafts before they were ready for publication. Reinforce the importance of the writing process, as well as the collaborative nature of democracy, with an...
DocsTeach
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Resolution Analysis
An eye-opening activity honors those soldiers that have fallen in battle but remain nameless. Scholars analyze the Unknown Solider Resolution created after World War I to honor those who died. Academics participate in group discussion to...
Curated OER
Writings of Confucius
Ancient philosophy can relate to modern thought! Quotations from Confucius. Help your historians connect with ancient Chinese words of wisdom, as they respond to 2 display questions and 1 referential question. They consider how they...
Cheryl L. Mason and William G. Thomas
Southern Patriotism
Patriotism in the South and notions of patriotic sentiments are examined through primary document analysis. Learners read articles and letters written in the pre-war South to determine the role patriotism played in spurring on the war....
Alabama Department of Archives and History
"Scottsboro Boys": A Trial Which Defined an Age
Here's a must-have resource. Whether your focus is racism, the Great Depression, the "Scottsboro Boys" trial, or part of a reading of To Kill A Mockingbird, the information contained in the seven-page packet will save hours of...
Curated OER
Abolish the Office of Governor
Students explore the history of the Pennsylvania Constitution of 1776. In this historical analysis instructional activity, students analyze the constitution of the state and determine how citizens benefited (or didn't benefit) from the...
Curated OER
A Ride for Liberty
In this American Civil War learning exercise, students examine a Eastman Johnson painting titled "A Ride for Liberty," and then respond to 2 short answer questions based on their analysis of the painting.
Curated OER
Women in the Civil War: Ladies, Contraband and Spies
Students interpret historical evidence presented in primary and secondary resources. In this American Civil War lesson, students research diaries, letters, and photographs of women involved in the war.
Center for History Education
Debating Social Security: Understanding and Evaluating the Social Security Act of 1935
With throngs of Americans out of work and hungry, Franklin D. Roosevelt made the bold move to establish a social safety net with programs such as Social Security. The move was—and still is—controversial. Using documents from the 1930s,...
Center for History Education
This Land is Whose Land?
Whose land is it, anyway? Young scholars debate the question using primary sources from a case where Maryland indigenous people petitioned for land rights after they lost their original tribal lands. An included chart helps organize...
Center for History Education
Road to Revolution: How did Actions and Responses Lead to an Independent United States?
Using primary sources, maps, and an interactive M&M game, young historians examine the American revolution as if they were detectives trying to solve a crime. Resource includes graphic organizers and a final writing prompt to aid...
Curated OER
Adding to the Picture: The 1963 March on Washington
Who do your scholars imagine when they think about the civil rights movement? If only a few faces come to mind, this lesson will expand their concepts of the movement's leaders. Learners examine an image of the 1963 March on Washington,...
Curated OER
The Declaration of Independence: From Rough Draft to Proclamation
Students examine and analyze an unknown document (Jefferson's original rough draught of The Declaration). In this document analysis lesson, students compare the rough draught with the first printed version and work in pairs to analyze...
Curated OER
Wanted, a Substitute
In this primary source analysis worksheet, learners analyze an American Civil War song. Students respond to 5 short answer questions about the song and its lyrics.
Curated OER
Boston Abolitionists Warn of Slave Catchers
For this primary source analysis worksheet, students analyze the advertisement that features a call for African-Americans to beware of slave catchers. Students respond to 6 short answer questions about the advertisement.
Curated OER
The First Vote
In this primary source analysis activity, students analyze the political cartoon that features African-Americans waiting to vote. Students respond to 1 short answer question about the cartoon.
Curated OER
Runaway Slave Advertisement from Antebellum Virginia
In this primary source analysis activity, students analyze the runaway slave advertisement. Students respond to 5 short answer questions about the advertisement.
Curated OER
FDR's Tree Army: The Civilian Conservation Corps
In this primary source analysis worksheet, students analyze the a short documentary video clip about the CCC. Students respond to 3 short answer questions about the documentary.
Curated OER
CCC Boys Serve a Meal in California
In this primary source analysis worksheet, students examine a photograph of a Civilian Conservation Corps camp. Students respond to 3 short answer questions about the photograph.
Curated OER
Americans All, Let's Fight for Victory: Americanos Todos, Luchamos por la Victoria
In this primary source analysis worksheet, students analyze a World War II propaganda poster. Students then respond to 2 short answer questions about the poster.
DocsTeach
WWI Propaganda and Art
Uncle Sam wants you! During World War II, the US government and military created a propaganda campaign to gain public support. The activity uses primary documents such as photos to explain how and why the propaganda campaign was...
DocsTeach
The School Lunch Program and the Federal Government
The school lunch program is rooted in the struggles of the Great Depression and is still assisting families today. Academics research documents and images relating to the creation of the school lunch program. Scholars use a worksheet to...
DocsTeach
A Revolution, a Reaction and a Reform: Getting Ready for National History Day
Get ready for National History Day! A thought-provoking activity focuses on a hypothetical project for National History Day (NHD). Academics review three primary sources to determine if they would meet the criteria for a NHD project....