Curated OER
Slavery and Abolition: Three Unforgettable Names
Students research the people and events involved in the abolitionist movement prior to the U.S. Civil War. They read about and discuss the roles of Nat Turner, Harriet Tubman, and John Brown. Students complete a word splash, Venn...
Novelinks
Nightjohn: Anticipation Guide
Set the stage for Nightjohn, Gary Paulsen's young adult novel about slavery set shortly before the Civil War, by asking readers to indicate whether they agree or disagree with several statements that are connected to issues raised by the...
Curated OER
Town Development
Students evaluate how the impact of building of towns affected slavery. In this United States History lesson plan, students work in small groups to construct a map, then they participate in a role-playing activity.
Curated OER
Slavery Issue And Views North Versus South Around 1850s
Students explore the views of both sides of the Civil War. Through class discussion and debate, they look at how each side justified their position during the Civil War. Students write a letter explaining one of the viewpoints from the...
Global Oneness Project
Repairing the Fabric of Democracy
During elections, headlines constantly lament the issue of low voter turnout. Help class members understand why this is such an important topic with relevant articles, a discussion of both sides of the issue, and a reflective essay.
Curated OER
Slavery Lesson
Fourth graders explore the issue of slavery. In this African American history lesson plan, 4th graders visit a website to take a virtual journey on the Underground Railroad. Additionally, students read various suggested slave narratives....
Curated OER
How Connecticut Benefited from American Slavery
Eleventh graders explore Connecticut slavery. In this American slavery lesson, 11th graders analyze primary sources relating to slavery in the state as they research in collaborative groups. Students determine whether Connecticut should...
Curated OER
Issues that Divided the Nation
In this history issues worksheet, learners write supporting statements on how each of these issues lead to the Civil War and answer short answer questions about them. Students complete 8 questions total.
Curated OER
Underground Railroad and Slaver
Students review the topic of slavery in the 1860's and how it was a key issue during the Civil War. They discuss significant people involved with slavery including Harriet Tubman and the challenges they faced. They read various texts...
Curated OER
Popular Sovereignty Under the Kansas-Nebraska Act
Seventh graders examine the implications of the Kansas-Nebraska Act. In this slavery lesson, 7th graders examine a map of 1820 America and discuss the balance of power implied by the map. Students then read Stephen Douglas's speech on...
Curated OER
Northern and Southern Differences in 1856
Fourth graders investigate differences between the ideology of the Northern and Southern states in 1856. In this states' history lesson plan, 4th graders examine the needs for slaves in the Southern agricultural economy, and compare it...
Curated OER
Primary Source Adventures: Texas Annexation: United We Stand? Lesson Plan
Seventh graders study the national effect that the annexation of Texas had on the 1844 Presidential election using primary source documents which they access through web based sources. They examine slavery in Texas during the 1840's and...
Curated OER
Dred Scott v. Sandford
Students examine the issues of slavery and due process. In this Supreme Court lesson, students examine primary documents from Dred Scott v. Sandford and discuss the implications of the decision.
Curated OER
Runaway Indentured Servants
Learners compare and contrast indentured servants and slaves. In this US history slavery lesson, students discuss the owners' perceptions of indentured servants and slaves, then view ads for runaway slaves to support their opinions....
Civil War Trust
Uncle Tom's Cabin
Through a careful reading and examination of Harriet Beecher Stowe's Uncle Tom's Cabin, scholars take part in grand conversations about the novel's contents, slavery, and the impact the book had on it. Furthermore, learners analyze an...
Library of Virginia
Antebellum Freedom
From indentured servitude to involuntary race-based servitude, slavery has taken many forms in American history. Class members examine three manumission petitions that reveal how the rights of African Americans and African American...
Curated OER
Background to the Conflict: Pre-Civil War Days
The American Civil War was a complex test of a relatively young democracy in the mid-nineteenth century. Discuss the events and factors that led to the Civil War with a thorough slideshow presentation.
Library of Virginia
Life as an Enslaved People
As part of a study of slavery in the United States, class members analyze documents related to the sale of slaves. They consider not only the text of the bills of sale but also what the appearance of the broadsides suggest.
Curated OER
The Election Is in the House: 1824: The Candidates and the Issues
Students list some changes in presidential election laws and/or procedures since 1796, and cite examples from presidential campaign materials from 1824.
Curated OER
The Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854: Popular Sovereignty and the Political Polarization over Slavery
Students read selections from the Declaration of Independence, Northwest Ordinance of 1787, and the Wilmot Proviso of 1846. They contrast the maps of 1820 and 1854 to analyze developments in the national debate over slavery. They...
Curated OER
The Great Debate Lesson Plan: Slavery in the U.S. Constitution
Students examine the U.S. Constitution to see what has been writte about slavery. Then, students, in groups, research the Constitutional Convention of 1787 to explore slavery compromises.
Curated OER
Debt Slavery and Children in Pakistan, A Case Study
High schoolers describe extent of Pakistan child slavery problem as international community sees it, and determine whether national sovereignty is valid answer to not allowing international agencies to monitor or remedy the problems....
Curated OER
Slavery and the Legal Status of Free Blacks: Rhetorical Analysis of Debates During the 1847 Illinois Constitutional Convention
Eleventh graders read actual arguments regarding the status of free blacks in Illinois and slavery in the United States more generally.
Curated OER
Let My People Go: An Instant Lesson on World Slavery
Students study historical facts about slavery and investigate slavery in the world today. They study the holiday of Passover and about organizations that help enslaved people in the world.