National First Ladies' Library
The Debate on Slavery
Young historians research the debate over slavery; some young scholars take the pro-slavery side and others the anti-slavery side. They take the role of a character such as a plantation owner, a legislator, a free Black, a slave, or a...
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The Gullah People of the Sea Islands
Eighth graders examine the lives of the Gullah-Geechee people. In this unique cultures instructional activity, 8th graders explore music, language, and slavery of the Gullah-Geechee people from the southern low-country in the United...
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Colonial Quilt Quest
Students identify key events and people from Colonial America.
Students identify key factors of daily life in Colonial America.
Students gather and use information for research purposes.
Students create candles in groups following the...
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VS.7a
Seventh graders explore, analyze and identify the events and differences between northern and southern states that divided Virginians and led to secession, war and the creation on West Virginia. They discuss the conflicts that developed...
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Worksheet #28 Questions - American Deep South
In this American Deep South worksheet, students examine their knowledge through ten fill in the blank questions that relate to the aforementioned topic.
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The Agricultural South
Students define the key terms presented in the lesson. Students identify and describe the social structure of Southern society . Students explain how slavery evolved in the colonies and how slaves maintained their culture in the colonies.
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Past Imperfect: Examining Secondary Sources of the American Revolution
Ninth graders respond in essay form to the following writing prompt. Mel Gibson, star of The Patriot, is quoted as stating, "If one were to adhere to historical accuracy all the way, you'd probably have the most boring two hours on...
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The Pre-Civil War Era (1815–1850)
In this online interactive U.S. history worksheet, students respond to 9 short answer and essay questions about 19th century America. Students may check some of their answers on the interactive worksheet.
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'Song of the South' a racist tune?
Pupils read the information about the movie "Song of the South" and watch some of the clips. They write their reaction to the proposal to re-release the movie. Students consider whether it would matter if the studio adds an introduction...
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Economics during the Civil War
Students synthesize the concepts of scarcity, supply, and demand, pertaining to the Civil War time period. In this economics lesson, students gain understanding of economic terms through read-alouds, Venn diagrams, (comparing lifestyles...
K12 Reader
Indentured Servants
As a reading comprehension exercise, kids read an article about indentured servants and then respond to a series of questions citing evidence from the article to support their responses.
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Life in the Colonies
What was life like for the early colonists? Read along with an informational presentation, rich in text. Colonial slavery, slave culuture, colonial religion, and the Great Awakening are all described in full. Tip: The resource could be...
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The Emancipation Proclamation Through Different Eyes
Students examine how various segments of the American population viewed the Emancipation Proclamation. They read the Emancipation Proclamation, analyze key terms and statements in the document, and participate in a debate.
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The 13 Originals: Exploring the Who, When, Where, and Why Behind the 13 Original Colonies of Early America
Discover the stories behind each of the thirteen stripes on the American flag with this straightforward presentation. Complete with learning objectives, discussion questions, and solid information about each of the original thirteen...
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Racial Inequality: Remnants of a Troubled Time
Eighth graders study the ratification of the 14th Amendment and the Plessy v. Ferguson decision. In this US History lesson, 8th graders read excerpts from the Brown v. Board of education decision. Students investigate one of three...
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The Underground Railroad
In this United States history worksheet, students utilize a word bank of 10 terms or phrases to answer 10 fill in the blank questions about the Underground Railroad. A short answer question is included as well.
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Lesson Plan: Early Political Parties
Students examine the platforms of early political parties in the United States. In this political parties activity, students discover details regarding the attributes and ideals of the federalists and the democratic-republicans. Students...
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The Emancipation Proclamation
Middle schoolers read one of the most important documents in our nation's history: The Emancipation Proclamation of 1863. After everyone reads the proclamation, they set out to write a "You Were There" type of report on it. They pretend...
Digital History
The New Nation
George Washington and the new nation of the United States of America faced many problems in their inaugural years. Use this learning exercise as a straightforward approach to learning about the reasons the country was experiencing a lack...
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The Civil War 1850–1865
In this online interactive history worksheet, students respond to 10 short answer questions about the American Civil War. Students may check some of their answers on the interactive worksheet.
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Gullah Contributions to South Carolina History
Students research the Gullah people and their impact on South Carolina. In this South Carolina history lesson, students study, locate, and color the region of Africa the Gullah people came from. Students listen to Gullah music and watch...
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Where Do We Go From Here?
Eighth graders examine the impact of Reconstruction on South Carolina. In this Reconstruction lesson, 8th graders use primary documents to research sharecropping and freedman's contracts in the agricultural South following the end of...
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Comparison of American Colonies
Students explore the lifestyles of the American colonies. They conduct various activities according to their grade level including jigsaw research and creating a poster. Lesson includes primary source readings related to the topic.
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American Colonization Society Lesson Plan
Students read an article online "Colonization and Emigration" and break into debating groups. They research points that support their side, namely whether or not the American Colonization Society was for or against segregation. They...