National First Ladies' Library
Social Studies: Who Burned Down Barnum's Museum?
Learners examine the social conflict of the 19th century and the destruction of the American Museum. In pairs, they conduct Internet research and attempt to solve the mystery of who burned down the museum. Clues to the mystery are found...
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Civil Rights Leaders; Past and Present
Young scholars explore the concept of social justice. In this Civil Rights lesson, students fulfill the Rubric for Historical Research requirements as they conduct research on a Civil Rights or Anti-Apartheid Movements leader.
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Metaphorical Gold: Mining the Gold Rush for Stories
Students complete a history and research lesson about the Gold Rush using selections from Jack London. In this Gold rush research lesson, students research the Klondike/Alaska Gold Rush and use details from the history in their own...
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Designing Another Juilliard
Students investigate the vision and history of the Juilliard School. They develop a personal mission statement, watch a video, conduct Internet research, and create a PowerPoint presentation about a fictional school that also promotes...
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Judy Garland: By Myself
Middle schoolers investigate Judy Garland's life create a media campaign focusing on the role of drugs and alcohol in her life. Students watch a video and conduct Internet research to find out about Garland's life. Groups write a...
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Running of the Bulls
Students conduct online research and investigate the tradition of the running of the bulls at the Fiestas of San Fermin in Pamplona, Spain. They write about what they have learned about the history and traditions of the celebration.
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Writing a Play about Immigrant Life in America
Students research why immigrants came to America and the processes involved in the settlement. They write a script for a short play explaining the causes for immigration and situations that immigrants found themselves in.
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Introduction to Musical Theater
Students made oral presentations of a famous muscial theater performance. They research the musical, view selections, and listen to music.
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Sailin' Through Time...Rhode Island, The Ocean State
Fourth graders explore the history of Rhode Island. They research famous people who brought change to the state. They explore the state song, natural resources, and colonies of the state. In groups, 4th graders create a travel brochure...
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A More Perfect Union: Barack Obama's Race Speech at the National Constitution Center
Eleventh graders explore the process of perfecting the Union through changes made to the Constitution, and through the powers delegated to each branch of government. For this American Government lesson, 11th graders research various...
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This Great Enterprise”: Theodore Roosevelt and the Panama Canal
Students explore the implications of the "Great Enterprise." In this Panama Canal instructional activity, students listen to their instructor present a lecture regarding President Teddy Roosevelt and Panama Canal. Students respond to...
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Modern Art Lesson Plans
Students explore the history and examples of Modern Art. In this Modern Art lesson, students read background information about Modern Art and a biography of Andy Warhol. Students complete a criticism and aesthetics, art creation...
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Robert Indiana Biography, Activities, and Lesson Plans
Students analyze Pop art and the work of Robert Indiana. In this Pop art lesson, students read about the history of Pop art and a biography of Robert Indiana. Students complete a criticism and aesthetics activity, create their own Pop...
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Dekanawidah- A Forgotten Founding Father
Students compare plans for government. In this early American history lesson, students compare and contrast the U.S. Constitution with the Iroquois Constitution. Students identify cultural features, government functions, and citizenship...
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"You shall not crucify mankind upon a cross of gold!" The Issue Bimetallism in the Late Nineteenth-Century
Students research the basis of the monetary system suring the 19th century. They complete a worksheet and justify the pro-silver or the pro-gold argument.
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Echoes of Blue and Grey: Weekend Warriors
High schoolers view a video about the Civil War and then describe famous battles from the perspective of either the Union or the Confederate side.
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Interview With A Legend
Eighth graders investigate how Language Arts and Social Studies can be integrated in the curriculum. They conduct research about a famous person in history. Then students use the information to write a report for the class. Then students...
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Unsung Heroes of the Civil Rights Movement
High schoolers analyze historic rulings that played roles in the Civil Rights Movement. In this civil right lesson, students research Internet and print sources regarding Plessy v. Ferguson, Sipuel v. Board of Regents of the University...
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Guide Me "Home"
Students find how freedom quilts helped free slaves. In this American History lesson, students read the story Sweet Clara and The Freedom Quilt and discuss the Underground Railroad. They use their map skills to locate places that...
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Thoreau
Eleventh graders answer the question Why Westborough? Why did their town develop as it did, what types of industry were here and why. They are introduced to journal writing. Students free write about ideas that stand out from class. ...
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Million Dollar Machine
Students explore their self-awareness. They discuss the words unique, extraordinary and irreplaceable and their strengths and weaknesses. They write five things their bodies or Million Dollar Machines can do and investigate their blood...
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Finding the Positive
Fifth graders meet the "Famous Artist." They are introduced to the topic of self-concept. Students work in small groups and get organized to create collages. They create a collage that represents characteristics of positive self-concept.
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My Brother Sam is Dead: A study of the Revolutionary War
Fifth graders complete an analysis of the Revolutionary War through literature. After "My Brother Sam Is Dead," students create a time capsule containing items that would be relevant during the Revolutionary War. They identify key...
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Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X: A Common Solution?: Lesson Plan
Students explore the ideological and political development of Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X through primary source documents. They identify the various personal, social, and political factors that influenced Martin Luther King,...