Curated OER
Early U. S. Involvement in World War II
Ninth graders examine how the U. S. was aided by the Allies in World War II before the U. S. declared war. They analyze the evolution of U. S. foreign policy from the beginning of WW II through U. S. Declaration of War
Curated OER
Social Studies: Ramadan Observance
Students discuss Ramadan and the practice of fasting. Working in groups, they visit Websites and complete worksheets about the Muslim holiday. Students write letters role-playing as someone unfamiliar with a celebration and then write...
Channel Islands Film
Magic Isle: Lesson Plan 4
After watching West of the West's documentary on Catalina Island, The Magic Isle, class members research how Walt Disney's and William Wrigley's different visions impacted the island.
Curated OER
Social Studies: The Lewis and Clark Trail Today
Pupils locate present-day towns along the Lewis and Clark Trail and compare them to towns in 1800, 1900, and 2,000. Working in groups, they conduct Intenet research to locate the wons along the trail and research their history and...
Curated OER
Social Studies: U.S. and China Trade Relations
Twelfth graders assess the status of trade relations between the United States and China. In groups, they give short presentations defending or opposing trade relations with China. After a class vote on the issue, 12th graders write...
Alabama Department of Archives and History
Alabama's 1901 Constitution
"We, the People of the State of Alabama. . ." Did you know that the Alabama State Constitution has 357,157 words while the US Constitution has only 4,400? And that it has 798 amendments while the US Constitution has...
Alabama Department of Archives and History
Voting Rights for Alabama Women
What were the arguments put forth by those who opposed the 19th Amendment? For those in favor? Class members examine primary source materials that illustrate the intense debate in Alabama about women's suffrage.
Curated OER
Social Studies: Cameroon
Young scholars discover the history of Cameroon and compile a list of foreign foods found in their local grocery. After taking notes on a lecture, they brainstorm a list of foods they might find on a trip to the country and compare it to...
Curated OER
Renaissance Occupations - The New Middle Class
Learners share their knowledge of the Renaissance Period. In this creative activity, pupils create fliers detailing services offered during this era. They focus on a particular occupation and detail how this job has changed from then...
Speak Truth to Power
Dalai Lama: Free Expression and Religion
How is religious freedom connected to the conflict between China and Tibet? After reading an online passage of background information, your learners will divide into groups and both read and view an interview with the Dalai Lama. They...
Alabama Department of Archives and History
W.E.B. DuBois, Booker T. Washington, and Jim Crow
Class members use the think-pair-share strategy to compare the views of W.E.B. Du Bois and Booker T. Washington and to consider how each man's backgrounds influenced his philosophy.
Channel Islands Film
Eminent Domain
After viewing the documentary The Last Roundup, a documentary about the transitioning of Santa Rosa from a privately own island to a National Park, class members debate the takings clause of the Fifth Amendment that permits the...
C-SPAN
Middle School Checks and Balances
Seven video clips reveal how the checks and balances built into the constitutional framework of the United states' government are designed to keep any one branch from becoming too powerful. After watching each clip, groups identify the...
Curated OER
From Sheep to Rug
Ever wonder where wool comes from? How it is used to make a woven rug? Introduce the Native American craft of rug making to your preschool or kindergarten class with a discussion. Learners examine and discuss images of a Native American...
Curated OER
Exploration of Career Options in Community, and International-Development Work
View the video "Global Citizens: Canadians Reaching out to the World" with high schoolers. They will use the internet to locate stories about activism (link provided) and write a summary of each. Additionally they will research careers...
Curated OER
"Construction Work" Art Activity
Students explore architectural styles and define architectural terms. They construct a building using various architectural elements, and display their buildings, identifying each of the architectural components they used.
Media Smarts
News and Newspapers: Across the Curriculum
Did you know that the Chinese Court Gazette is the longest continuing news paper in history? In addition to some great background information, this resource includes suggestions for activities across grade levels and across the curriculum.
Curated OER
What are the Rules?
Get young learners involved in the development of classroom rules! Students and the teacher discuss the purpose of having rules, including how rules provide order, security and safety. Then learners design pictures to accompany the...
Curated OER
My Story and History: Peeking into the Past with Paintings
Consider how you can use a visual source, such as a painting, to learn about a historical time or event. Young learners discuss primary sources and how they differ from secondary sources, then analyze the painting Mother and Child by...
Curated OER
Winter Holiday Celebrations
Students understand how holidays revolve all around light. In this winter holidays instructional activity, students find the similarities and differences between the winter holidays. Students discuss the winter solstice and how it...
Curated OER
Follow the Light
Here is another in the interesting series of lessons that use the special State Quarters as a learning tool. During this lesson plan, pupils learn about lighthouses, maps, the cardinal directions on a compass, and U.S. geography. There...
Curated OER
A Tale of Two Quarters
Have your class use the life of a quarter to understand and design plot and flow charts. They read the book, The Go-Around Dollar, think about how their teacher got her quarters that day, then create a flow chart. They have to show how...
Curated OER
Making Cents of Independence
Have your class explore the history of Texas using this comprehensive activity! They read about Texas' march toward statehood, the Alamo, and more. There is a series of worksheets, graphic organizers, and a rubric which make this...
Curated OER
Introducing Industries
If you are looking for a way to explore Michigan's resources, physical features, and more, this lesson is for you. After discussing Michigan and the Great Lakes, learners fill out a graphic organizer identifying the state's natural...