National Endowment for the Humanities
The Road to the Constitutional Convention
After defeating the most powerful nation in the world, the United States had to deal with its own weaknesses in the Articles of Confederation. Activities in the lesson include analyzing primary sources from the Founding Fathers to...
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A Question, Mr. Lincoln!
Learners discuss Abraham Lincoln. In this social science lesson, students describe key events in Lincoln's life. Learners practice using interviewing skills to gather information pretending to be Lincoln.
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The Age of Jackson
Learners study the image of Andrew Jackson. In this presidential history lesson students investigate the political image that was groomed by Jackson as they examine advertisements. Learners compose essays regarding the topic.
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Roosevelt's New Deal
Tenth graders examine what President Franklin Roosevelt's New Deal was, examine the New Deal programs, and realize how the New Deal still affects American lifes today. They search the Internet for information about these topics in this...
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Turning Points in the American Revolution
Fifth graders examine the causes and effects of the American Revolution. In groups, they make a portfolio page and write a response to the Proclamation of 1763. They also make a timeline of the events of the Boston Massacre and answer...
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Everybody Celebrates
Examine the holidays of La Posada in Mexico, Hanukkah in Israel, and Kwanzaa in the United States. Learners identify the countries on a world map, listen to stories, create art projects for each holiday, and make recipes celebrating...
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A Place of My Own: A Study of Maps
Students investigate maps. They demonstrate their knowledge about maps and place landforms in the proper place as they create salt dough maps. They create a geography folder as well.
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Muhammad Ali
Students analyze the lifetime accomplishments of Muhammad Ali in the area of sports and his role as a catalyst for social change.
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Our 50 States
Students identify the location of the 50 states using an interactive map. They practice geography skills by playing a fun game. Pupils become familiar with the state abbreviations for the US states. Students become familiar with the...
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Way to Go! Create a Road Map Game
Young scholars create a travel game of one of the United States. They research a state of their choice and create a travel game using a common road map. They interpret map symbols as they calculate map mileage for their games. They...
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Interpreting History With Artifacts: Mid to Late 1800s
Fourth graders study history though the exploration of artifacts. In this Civil War lesson, 4th graders examine artifacts such as sweet grass basket, spinning top, photos on tin, cast iron kettle, china"bone plate," bonnet, wooden carved...
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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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Civil War Medicine
Eighth graders discover details about medical care during the American Civil War. In this medical advancements lesson, 8th graders participate in classroom station activities that require them to study doctors, amputation, medical...
National First Ladies' Library
Forming a League of Nations
Students identify and research the original language as composed by Woodrow Wilson in his League of Nations. Then they identify and describe the revisions of the original League of Nations as the United Nations was created. Students also...
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Separation of Powers
Learners examine the separation of powers in local and federal government. Using case studies, they review several instances of separation of powers. After reading the case studies, they write a brief opinion essays supporting their...
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Labor Unions and Working Conditions:United We Stand
Young scholars examine primary documents about the establishment of labor unions. In this organized labor instructional activity, students research the working conditions that contributed to the growth of the labor union movement. Young...
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Abraham Lincoln and Reconstruction
Young scholars study Presidential Reconstruction during the Civil War years. They examine the role of the Executive Branch of government, especially in wartime. They investigate the complex issues of how Congress took on the role of...
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Washington's Newburgh Address
Students write a persuasive essay that compares George Washington to someone overcoming an obstacle. In this American History instructional activity, students study Washington's Newburgh Address and the character traits of the president....
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U.S. Constitution - Selecting the President
Young scholars study how the electoral college works to select a U.S. President. In this history lesson, students examine the U.S. Elector College methods then answer questions and write an essay that relate to the state where they...
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Faces of the Past: Boys in the Civil War
Students investigate the role of boys during the American Civil War. In this Civil War Research lesson, students study the contributions of young Union and Confederate men to the war effort. Students also make...
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Plan Grocery List & Field Trip To Store
Student write a list of groceries to purchase at the store given a certain amount of money. They check to make sure they have not spent more money than what they have. Then the students get with a partner and compare their two...
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Caribbean Cooking
Students complete a unit that explores the cultures of the Caribbean, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, and Cuba through cooking. They follow step-by-step directions of a variety of recipes, create a Caribbean scrapbook or cookbook,...
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Winter at Valley Forge
Students assess the events leading up to the American Revolution. In this United States History lesson, students read "Crossing the Delaware: George Washington Fights in the Battle of Trenton," then discuss the highlights in the story....
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Community Building
Young scholars explore the issues of urban and suburban sprawl. They work in small groups to create their own planned communities.