Smithsonian Institution
Cuban Missile Crisis
The United States—specifically John F. Kennedy—played a large role during the Cuban Missile Crisis. A history resource poses questions that encourage critical thinking as well as in-depth analysis of images from the time period.
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Influential People Taking A Stand
Seventh graders explore how influential people have taken a stand on difficult issues and the consequences that followed. This lesson plan connect American studens with students in England who present their own person for exploration.
MENSA Education & Research Foundation
I Need a Superhero
Once the class learns about the hero's journey, they'll find it in every story and movie they see! Take characters from their humble beginnings to their atonement and apotheosis with a set of lessons about the hero's journey...
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Wars and Conflicts
Students explore the concepts of war and conflict. For this research skills lesson, students use Internet and print sources to research the causes, effects, main events, and significant figures of selected wars.
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Perspectives of the American Revolutionary War
e purpose of this unit is for students to understand the American Revolutionary War and evaluate different perspectives relative to causes and effects of the war. The concept of perspective is examined in the concept of decision making.
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King Phillip's War: A Primary Source, Exploring Options, and Sachem's Speech Writing Activity
Students study the causes and effects of King Philip's War. In this Native American history lesson, students examine the options that the Native Americans had in 1676 New England. Students weigh the pros and cons of the situation and...
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Frontier Wars of the 1790s
Students explore the frontier wars of the 1790s. After researching one battle, teams of students prepare a presentation for the class. Students compare and contrast the Columbian Tragedy with "broadsides" that were printed to announce...
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The Holocaust
Eighth graders consider how something like the Holocaust could happen. In this Holocaust activity, 8th graders analyze German propaganda that was used to garner support for World War II. Students discuss which pieces of propaganda were...
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The Effects of European Exploration on the Americas
In this effects of European exploration on the Americas study guide worksheet, students read a brief overview pertaining to the time period in world history and then respond to 2 reflection questions.
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The Effect of Television in the 1960’s
High schoolers consider the impact of television on 1960's America. In this American culture lesson, students research selected Internet websites regarding the Nixon/Kennedy debate, the Cuban Missile Crisis, the Vietnam War, and the moon...
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The Blues: The Father of Rock And Roll
Students examine influence The Blues had on Rock and Roll and the concomitant social, political, and economic factors and movements during the post-World War II period. Students then research and create multimedia reports on...
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Yellow Journalism
Seventh graders investigate yellow journalism and how it affected public opinion and the government during the Spanish American War. They define key vocabulary words, and take notes during a teacher-led lecture. In pairs they read...
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Art and Propaganda
Young scholars examine the types of propaganda used throughout World War II. In groups, they view examples of different posters and artwork used to identify the human emotions the government was trying to appeal through. They develop...
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United We Stand
Students recreate and simulate the secession of the South during the Civil War by having their class secede from the school. They write an essay comparing and contrasting the similarities and differences of everyday life before and after...
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Secession: A Southern Perspective
Eighth graders determine how secession impacted South Carolina as well as the United States. In this American Civil War lesson, 8th graders examine selected primary and secondary sources in order to study the state's sovereignty and the...
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West Virginia State Museum Lesson Plan
Students explore historic West Virginia. In this US history lesson, students examine primary sources and political cartoons that depict the issues of statehood for West Virginia and the role that those played in the Civil War. This...
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A Hoosier Perspective on the March to the Sea: The Diary of William Miller
Eighth graders take a closer look at Sherman's March to the Sea. In this American Civil War lesson, 8th graders analyze the diary entries of William Miller. Discussion questions are included with the entries. Students create illustrated...
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The Ethics of the Bomb: What Would You Do?
Learners research the use of the atomic bomb in WWII, analyze the human costs of dropping the bomb and identify the pros and cons. They develop a PowerPoint presentation on the effects of an atomic bomb dropped on their hometown.
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The Lost Year in Iraq
Students view a video clip from Frontline. They discover the characteristics of three postwar reconstruction plans. They identify the goals and actions of each plan and compare and contrast them. They discuss the effectiveness of each...
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U.S. Involvement in WWI – The Zimmerman Note
Students investigate the significance of the Zimmerman Note. In this World War I lesson, students use the provided analysis sheet to analyze the contents of the Zimmerman note and discuss how the note led to U.S. involvement in World War I.
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The Rise of Hitler
Eleventh graders investigate how Hitler was able to harness Germany. In this World War II lesson, 11th graders conduct primary and secondary source research to determine how Hitler used the Great Depression, charisma, scapegoats, and the...
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Giving Voice to History
Learners examine the plight of Japanese Americans during World War II. In this World War II lesson plan, students participate in a mock evocation simulation, research primary and secondary documents about internment camps, and share...
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Date with Destiny
Students examine the outcome of the war in Iraq. In this Iraq history lesson, students discuss the effects of the war and the regime of Hussein. Students write and design textbook pages that feature the contemporary history of the...
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The Battle Over Reconstruction: The Aftermath of Reconstruction
Students examine the Reconstruction Era. In this American history activity, students explore the condition of the United States following the Civil War as they read statistical data. Students analyze the Reconstruction policies to...