Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Mapping the Domestic Slave Trade

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Learners develop their analytical skills when examining historical maps. They examine a map for data which supports textual information about the Constitution, Congressional legislation, and the historic U.S. economy.
Lesson Plan
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Federalist and Antifederalist Papers

For Teachers 8th - Higher Ed
Students debate the Federalist and Anti-federal Papers after using the Internet as a research tool.
Lesson Plan
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Civil War and Reconstruction

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders investigate the Civil War by researching the state of Virginia.  In this US History lesson, 4th graders identify Abraham Lincoln, James Chestnut and Fort Sumter, and discuss their roles in the start of the Civil...
Lesson Plan
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Jim Crow Laws and The American South

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students explore how Jim Crow laws affected the lives of people living in the south during pre and post-Civil Rights. Using a various research methods, students research various aspects of the Jim Crow south and complete a graphic...
Lesson Plan
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1856-1865: Abolitionists and the Civil War

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Middle schoolers discover philanthropic acts of the Civil War era. In this service learning lesson, students research Underground Railroad literature, Reconstruction Amendments, and acts of philanthropy during the Civil War era.
Worksheet
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Arkansas and the Civil Rights Movement

For Students 4th - 6th
For this Arkansas reading comprehension worksheet, students read a 2-page selection regarding the state and the Civil Rights Movement and they answer 10 true or false questions pertaining to the selection.
Lesson Plan
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The Emancipation Proclamation Through Different Eyes

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students examine how various segments of the American population viewed the Emancipation Proclamation. They read the Emancipation Proclamation, analyze key terms and statements in the document, and participate in a debate.
Interactive
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How Effective were the Efforts of the Freedmen’s Bureau?

For Students 9th - 12th Standards
Effective or ineffective? As part of a study of post Civil War America, young historians analyze a series of primary sources to evaluate the effectiveness of the Freedmen's Bureau in addressing the challenges faced by the slaves freed by...
Lesson Plan
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The Electoral Process

For Teachers 3rd - 6th
Students explore the U.S. political system by completing several worksheets. In this government election lesson, students define and describe the two main political parties in detail to one another. Students read a piece written by a...
Worksheet
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Constitution Word Search Puzzle

For Teachers 4th - 8th
For this social studies worksheet, students find the words that are related to the concept that is the theme of the word search puzzle.
Lesson Plan
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A Lesson To Accompany "The First Bank of the United States: A Chapter in the History of Central Banking"

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Here is an interesting topic. Learners examine the economics that led to the founding of the First Bank of America. They participate in a reader's theater experience depicting the debate between Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson...
Lesson Plan
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Knowledge is Power

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students explore the distinct forms of knowledge that enslaved Africans brought with them to America or developed while enslaved. They study how political movements of the 18th century helped develop abolitionist thinking.
Lesson Plan
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Structured Academic Controversy (SAC) in the History Classroom

For Teachers 8th - 12th
SAC is a specific approach to discussing history and controversial issues. Rather than adhering to an either/or debate-style paradigm, it fosters speaking and constructivist listening to enable learners to build consensus through...
Lesson Plan
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The Importance of Freedom

For Teachers 1st
The students will become familiar with the Underground Railroad. They will gain an understanding of slaves and what it means to have little or no freedom and compare that with the rights that all Americans have now.
Lesson Plan
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Diverse Voices - African American Ventures

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Students research African American history and the Underground Railroad. In this African American history lesson, students discuss the Drinking Gourd. Students read 'If You Traveled the Underground Railroad' and discuss. Students work in...
Lesson Plan
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Breaking Barriers

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students investigate racism in the 20th century by exploring U.S. History. In this Civil Rights lesson, students review the history of slavery, the Civil War and the fight for equality in the mid 1900's. Students complete Civil Rights...
Lesson Plan
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Racial Inequality: Remnants of a Troubled Time

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders study the ratification of the 14th Amendment and the Plessy v. Ferguson decision.  In this US History lesson, 8th graders read excerpts from the Brown v. Board of education decision.  Students investigate one of...
Lesson Plan
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Before Rosa Parks: Ida B. Wells

For Teachers 6th - 8th
The contributions of Ida B. Wells to the Civil Rights Movement are the focus of this social studies lesson. Middle schoolers read a handout regarding Wells, discuss the handout, and write about non-conformist behavior.
Lesson Plan
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Popular Sovereignty and the Lecompton Constitution

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students review the Kansas-Nebraska Act and the development of the Kansas territory Constitution. They complete a cause and effect worksheet and discuss the history of the Lecompton Constitution.
Lesson Plan
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Inspiring Freedom: The Remond Family and Abolitionism in Salem

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Learners examine the abolitionist movement in Salem. Exploring the contributions of the Remond family, they identify how they made the issue one of national and international importance. They discuss the views of the south and how...
Lesson Plan
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Wartime and the Bill of Rights: The Korematsu Case (Lesson 2)

For Teachers 12th
Twelfth graders review how the government and Bill of Rights came into effect. Using primary source documents, they discuss if Japanese rights were violated when they were placed in internment camps after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. ...
Lesson Plan
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The Legislative Branch

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Students identify and describe the key terms as they relate to the Legislative Branch. Students describe how members of Congress are selected, how laws are created, and two of the limits on powers of Congress.
Lesson Plan
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Living Under the Illinois Black Codes

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Learners use the text of the Illinois Black Codes to examine the laws in place. Using this information, they draw their own conclusions about why the laws existed in a free state. They also identify the purpose of these laws and how they...
Lesson Plan
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Counting On Freedom

For Teachers K - 2nd
Students examine the poem and artistic masterpiece The Quadroon Girl and use this knowledge to practice mathematical concepts such as: more than, less than, counting, and majority.