Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Cargoes from Three Continents Ancient Mediterranean Trade

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders begin the lesson by researching the different types of ships and shipbuilding techniques used to help trade in the Mediterranean Sea. Using different objects, they determine what one can tell about a society and discuss...
Lesson Plan
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LBJ-- Escalation in Vietnam and Domestic Programs

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders investigate the Vietnam War. In this Vietnam War lesson, 8th graders research the escalation of the war during Lyndon Johnson's presidency. Students also explore the domestic programs that Johnson promoted. Students...
Lesson Plan
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Out of the Mud

For Teachers 11th
Eleventh graders explore the impact the automobile had on Iowans and their ways of life.  In this technology lesson, 11th graders research how Iowans promoted "Good roads" and the reasons for paving roads. 
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Natural Disasters: Nature's Fury

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students explore the human experience. For this business ethics lesson, students analyze primary sources to develop an understanding of the American natural disasters of the 19th and 20th centuries and the implications they presented.
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Students Working in Local Historic Preservation

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Young scholars develop an appreciation of history as they volunteer their time in historical museums. In this historical perspectives lesson, students work with valuable local documents as they aid the staff of selected local historical...
Lesson Plan
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Kwanzaa: An African-American Heritage Celebration

For Teachers 1st - 3rd
Students explain some of the symbols of Kwanzaa. They demonstrate their understanding of Kwanzaa by making a book about what they have learned.
Lesson Plan
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Rock Speaks

For Teachers 5th - 6th
Young scholars create primitive forms and caricatures to represent meaningful figures and/or events in their own lives, present their own works to the class, and attempt to interpret the relevant meaning from other students' work.
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Ancient Civilizations: Mesopotamia

For Teachers 4th - 8th
Students read about the ancient civilization of Mesopotamia. They investigate the art, culture, and history, and read an overview about the gods and goddesses.
Lesson Plan
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Finding Their New World

For Teachers 1st
First graders place stickers on maps indicating their understanding of the cardinal directions. They locate Jamestown, England, the Atlantic, and Virginia.
Lesson Plan
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Days of '49: "I've Been Toiling Hard for the Last Two And a Half Years"

For Teachers 6th - 11th
Students trace the stages of gold mining in California. They discuss the life of a gold miner and how the discovery of gold influenced towns and cities in California during the 1949 Gold Rush.
Lesson Plan
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Celebrating the Day of the Dead

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Learners explore the artwork of the Indo-Hispanic holiday of Day of the Dead. They view images, define key vocabulary terms, and plan and create a two- and three-dimensional sculptural figure.
Lesson Plan
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Take a Memo - Primary Documents: African American Soldiers on the Homefront

For Teachers 5th - 12th
Students examine the discrimination experienced by black servicemen during World War II. They read and analyze an official memo written in 1943, complete worksheet questions, and participate in a class discussion.
Lesson Plan
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Stuff Gods Are Made Of

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students examine different myths of various cultures around the world. Using artwork, they discuss the artistic designs and develop hypothesize about their importance. They use the internet to research myths they are aware of and share...
Lesson Plan
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Conquering History

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students explore examples of ancient warfare and discuss the various uses of ancient military technologies. Students investigate the origins of biological and chemical weapons and create a classroom exhibit depicting technology and...
Lesson Plan
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Community and Colonization

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders explore the nature of the European colonization in the Americas. They compare how it relates to the inception of their community. Students identify the major players in America's colonization and explore the motivations...
Lesson Plan
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Your Place in Time Scavenger Hunt

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders divide themselves into groups of 3 or 4, research 4 different generations, and answer the questions on the handout provided. They then work in cooperative groups to create a poster illustrating their generation.
Lesson Plan
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The Grand Adventure of Lewis and Clark

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Young scholars take a closer look at the Lewis and Clark expedition. In this Louisiana Purchase lesson, students discover tools used by the men as they explored the land. Young scholars also read excerpts from The Incredible Journey and...
Lesson Plan
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Pictures of the Past

For Teachers 5th - 7th
Young scholars explore how women's roles in society have changed over time. They create a personal timeline using photographs and pertinent dates and complete a reflection paper sharing their views on the roles of women in society past...
Lesson Plan
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Community Culture Trunk

For Teachers 2nd
Second graders examine the similiarities and differences between the various cultures represented in their class. After being read a story about immigration, they identify things they would have to bring with them if they were moving to...
Lesson Plan
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Understanding Primary Sources

For Teachers 4th - 7th
Students draw conclusions from primary sources and share information and interpretations with a small group. They are introduced to the Jigsaw technique. Students discuss why a grocery receipt would be a primary source. They...
Worksheet
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Map Analysis Worksheet

For Students 8th - 9th
In this map analysis worksheet, students decipher what type of map they are using based on a complete list of criteria. Students then answer multiple questions based on their discoveries.
Lesson Plan
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Ardipithecus ramidus: A Prehistory Lesson Plan

For Teachers 7th - 8th
Students discover details about the genus Ardipithecus. In this prehistory lesson plan, students listen to a lecture about the attributes of Ardipithecus. Students then conduct further research on either Ardipithecus ramidus or...
Lesson Plan
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Modern-Day America: Ronald Reagan Presidency to 9/11

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students examine contemporary America. In this contemporary American history lesson, students watch a DVD titled "Modern-Day America," discuss the events depicted in the video, and create memorials for those who perished in the 9/11...
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The Hidden History of Egypt

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Middle schoolers explore daily life in ancient Egypt. In this ancient civilizations lesson, students research Internet and print sources regarding aspects of daily life in ancient Egypt. Middle schoolers compose fictitious journals based...