National Endowment for the Humanities
Lesson 2: The United States, France, and the Problem of Neutrality, 1796–1801
While the French Revolution could be considered inspired by the American Revolution, it created thorny problems for the new United States. Should the United States get involved and be drawn into a European drama? Was the US strong...
The Alamo
The Alamo
Remember the Alamo! Scholars investigate the Battle of San Jacinto during the Texas Revolution. Using models, maps, quotes, biographies, and the Oath of Allegiance, the Alamo comes to life as the stories of those who fought and died in...
Civil War Trust
Gettysburg Address
The Gettysburg Address may have been four score and seven years ago, but its message is still as relevant today. Young historians explore the context of the famous speech, as well as its central theme and argument, before discussing the...
Skyscraper Museum
Designing a Skyscraper
Besides serving as awe-inspiring monuments of human achievement, skyscrapers are built to perform a wide range of functions in urban communities. The second lesson in this series begins by exploring the history of the Empire State...
Curated OER
Courage: Hero Traits
What does it mean to be a hero? Who qualifies as a hero? In groups, middle and high schoolers brainstorm a list of heroes and create a list of characteristics that a person must possess in order to be a hero. Extend this instructional...
Curated OER
Recreation
Students develop positive attitudes toward older adults and the continuity of life. They analyze the impact on youth to improve quality of life and the occupational skills related to mature adults. They assess community resources that...
Curated OER
Entrepreneurship: What Business Am I In?
To better understand entrepreneurship, learners examine the goals and mission statements in actual business plans, then outline a mission/vision statement for their own company. They develop objectives for the first three months of their...
Curated OER
Who Am I? - Charades
First graders play a game of charades, acting out the roles of producers and consumers. This interactive lesson illustrates how goods and services are produced and consusmed.
Curated OER
Some see art, some see vandalism
Students find out what the laws are concerning graffiti in the community. Is it a misdemeanor, does being caught result in a fine? Jail? Community service to remove it? The information is found by interviewing key people in the community.
Curated OER
Goods for You!
Have your class learn about Wisconsin and farming. Learners begin by listening to stories that describe farming and engage in a discussion of goods and services. They could also compare the goods and services provided in different states.
Curated OER
Stories of the American Experience
Students identify a veteran to interview. This could be a family member of one of students or someone contacted through an organization in the community. They use a storyboard to plan their movie about their subject.
Curated OER
Inspiring Change At Home and At School
Students explore energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. They conduct a home energy audit, a transportation campaign, and an investigation in the school. Students develop a plan to conserve energy and reduce emissions.
Curated OER
"Oh, Kingdom in the Sky"
Students write a poem. In this historical figures lesson, students learn about Mary Ann Camp, read an interview, read vignettes about life in her host countries and read her poem "Oh, Kingdom in the Sky." Students answer questions about...
Curated OER
Getting Involved at School
Students discuss ways to get involved in activities at school. In groups, they brainstorm a list of qualities of a person who is engaged in civics and how they can become involved in activities at school related to government. They...
Curated OER
Quick Serve Tennis
A instructional activity for high schoolers to learn the basics of tennis in this fast pace game. The variations are more to learn the positioning and progression of play, versus the practice of shots.
Curated OER
Land Use
Students brainstorm lists of land uses, gather pictures of them, and create a collage. They research land uses in their communities by contacting local agencies. They make charts of the land use planning systems and their impact on...
Curated OER
One Million Care Packages
Students read an article about sending care packages to soldiers in the United States military. Using the internet, they research the role of the USO and discuss their findings with the class. They find a local organization...
Curated OER
English/Language Arts Methods Project
Students design a webquest requiring higher order thinking and providing students with opportunities to reflect on their learning. They include an assessment tool to evaluate the process and product.
Curated OER
Pets: Oh Behave
They say that a dog is a man's best friend. Why is that? Discuss with your class why people like pets and the responsibilities with owning one. They read an article about pet behavior and write a short essay comparing one of their...
Curated OER
Ideas for Resources: Geology Lab Manual
The link to Ideas for Resources: Geology Manual is no longer valid, but the link to How to Teach Using Role-Playing does. Choose a realistic problem related to your focus topic, assign roles, and send your geology learners off to...
Curated OER
This Just in! Nile Network News Update
Have your young reporters research contributions of the ancient Egyptians, draft scripts, and broadcast their stories live on the Nile Network News. Depending on class size and age, topics may be brainstormed or assigned. The detailed...
Curated OER
I'm All Mixed Up
Middle school scientists compare and contrast heterogeneous and homogeneous mixtures. They differentiate solutions, colloids, and suspensions by examining samples of each. Note that the bulk of the lesson plan directs you how to...
Curated OER
Art Careers: Interior Decorator
Students redesign specific areas of their school using interior design techniques, magazine ideas, and cooperative learning groups in this middle and high school level lesson plan. Emphasis is on examining the career opportunities in...
Curated OER
Financial Contracts
Prepare your class for the real world and learn the basics about credit and the principles behind using it wisely. The activity includes handouts that explain the necessary vocabulary and concepts to understanding credit. After reviewing...