Curated OER
The Change of a River
Young scholars describe the changes that have affected the Missouri River over the past 200 years by identifying transformations in this area's atmosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and lithosphere. They research online in groups assigned...
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Life before Congress
Students name some interesting backgrounds of Members of Congress, identify their current representatives in the legislative branch of the national government, and describe the background of one local representative or senator.
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How Should Congress Allocate Money?
Students discover and examine how the government spends money and then determine what they this are priorities for national spending by illustrating their ideas on a pie chart. They research the national spending allocations on the...
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Cartogram of the Great Compromise
Students create cartograms of populations during 1790.
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The Battle of Lexington
Students discover the Missouri River and its importance during the Civil War. In this U.S. history lesson plan, students examine a map of the great Battle of Lexington, and discuss why the Missouri River was a key element to the...
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Celebrate Beef
Students read about the history of cattle, discover new technologies, and fill out worksheets about cattle use. In this cattle lesson plan, students identify states that raise cattle and draw pictures of how cattle is used.
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Lewis and Clark Expedition
Fourth graders read excerpts and research the Internet to learn about the expeditions of Lewis and Clark and their impact on the United States. Students fill out a KWL chart as they learn.
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James Monroe
In this online interactive history worksheet, students respond to 10 short answer and essay questions about the achievements of James Madison. Students may check some of their answers on the interactive worksheet.
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School Bill of Rights
High schoolers study the Bill of Rights. As a class, they create a "School Bill of Rights," with amendments. Students discuss the difference between rights and responsibilities and examine Supreme Court decisions dealing with the first...
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Why Does Congress Work That Way?
Students discover the powers of Congress. In this legislative branch lesson, students examine the legislative process as they analyze Article I of the U.S. Constitution. Students consider the powers of Congress as they define the role of...
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Roles of Individuals and Groups in Politics
Students review the Federalist Paper by James Madison. They discuss the influence of interest groups in contemporary politics.
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Local Mobilization for War
Tenth graders analyze how government policies led to complete concentration in war effort, evaluate how patriotism was encouraged by many local and state groups, and discuss fate of Japanese Americans.
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Elections for Elementary Students
Learners explore various websites that explain how primaries, caucuses, and general elections function. They view sample ballots, and analyze the executive branch, U.S. presidents, and citizenship.
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Lincoln-Douglas Debates of 1858
Students examine the transcripts of the 1858 Lincoln-Douglas debates and create a platform for each candidate in the 1858 Senate race. They utilize the candidates' arguments to explore the historical and political impact.
National Endowment for the Humanities
NAACP’s Anti-Lynching Campaign in the 1920s
Students investigate the anti-lynching campaign of the NAACP in the 1920's. In this human rights instructional activity, students prepare for and participate in a simulated debate of the Dyer Anti-Lynching Bill that was presented to...
Federal Reserve Bank
Natural Disasters: From Destruction to Recovery
What are the major economic implications, both good and bad, of natural disasters? Discover the effect that natural disasters can have on labor market conditions, capital, household incomes, and opportunities for reconstruction in local...
Curated OER
The Role of the Judiciary in a System of Separation of Powers and Checks and Balances
Students review concepts shown to them in a telecast on the role of the judiciary in a system of separation of powers. After reading an article, they work together in groups to complete a chart on checks and balances. They also discuss...
Curated OER
Understanding Tax: Your Role as a Tax Payer
Every adult should know that it is their responsibility to help fund public goods and services by paying taxes. Help young people get a handle on the history, evolution, purposes for, and reasons why they should pay taxes too.
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History of the American West
Ninth graders research early mining in California. They study the "placer method" for mining gold, which is surface mining that does not involve tunneling. They examine what it was like for the early miners to pan for gold with...
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Cartoons for the Classroom: Oil Spill Perspectives
In this current events worksheet, students analyze a political cartoon about the BP oil spill and respond to 3 talking point questions.
PBS
African-Americans in the American West
Secondary learners explore the westward movement of African Americans. Segmented into four time periods, the lesson plan provides an overview of how African Americans experienced westward expansion. Learners view PBS specials on the...
Curated OER
Native Species Restoration and its Impact on Local Populations
Students watch video clips of ecosystems and answer questions relating to them.
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What if the Mormons had not come to Utah?
Fourth graders use critical thinking, evaluation, and geography skills to find alternative locations that Brigham Young could have taken the Mormons to settle.
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United Nations Mini-Unit
Students demonstrate the ability to develop questions and ideas to initiate and refine research. They demonstrate the ability to conduct research and to answer questions and evaluate information and ideas. They design World Peace Flags.