Students explore imperialism and why the United States became an imperial power. After reading from their textbook and answering questions, students compare and contrast two political cartoons. They create a bubble map of events...

Eighth graders analyze aspirations and ideals of the people of the new nation, in terms of its physical landscapes and political divisions, and the territorial expansion of the United States during the terms of the first four presidents.

Pupils determine the cause and effect of a historical event. They draw conclusions about statistical data and maps and compose a campaign speech for a Populist candidate. They design a political poster and badge for the Populist Party.

Students are introduced to the political and physical geography of Africa. Using unlabeled place cards, they use maps and other resources to identify the countries on their card. They also answer questions about the area and create a...

High schoolers study the Tibetan situation. In this global issues lesson, students listen to a lecture regarding Tibet, its location, and its ties to China. High schoolers then create political cartoons or write letters to their...

Seventh graders begin the lesson by reading primary sources about the country of Mali. Using maps drawn in the past, they discuss what they can gather about the country from the map and how it has changed over time. They use a graphic...

Students solve time zone problems. In this time zone lesson, students view a time zone map and learn about the 24 time zones. Students are given a worksheet where they compute the time in different areas.

Students trace the development of sectionalism in the United States. They explore slavery, freedom and the Constitution. Students identify influential opponents and defenders of American slavery. They explain different solutions to...

Middle schoolers locate settlements and observe patterns in the size and distribution of cities using maps, graphics, and other information. They explain the processes that have caused cities to grow.

Eighth graders study the people of their community.  In this Geography lesson plan, 8th graders research local history using maps and books.  Students create a timeline of tombstones for deceased residents. 

Eleventh graders explore the reasons for migration to California during the Gold Rush.  In this American History lesson, 11th graders read letters about the opportunities and obstacles people faced.  Students create a map of...

Eleventh graders explore the immigration patterns in the United States.  In this American History instructional activity, 11th graders study the push and pull factors that caused immigration.  Students research one group of...

Students explore the concept of immigration. In this immigration instructional activity, students read literature, analyze photographs, and evaluate political cartoons that reflect feelings about immigration in America during...

Students view a video about the effects of World War II on the map of Europe. They discuss the video and answer questions. They work together to identify accomplishments that best represent American culture.

Pupils explore the role of women during times of war. They examine the various roles that women have played in wars throughout United States history and how they have changed over time. In addition, they role-play presentations as if...

Pupils classify information regarding American involvement in wars. For this classification lesson, students examine the causes of the war in which the United States has been involved, and classify them as mainly political, social,...

Young scholars use maps to locate the countries of Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia. In groups, they compare and contrast the three countries in regard to their culture, morals and values. They read various examples of folktales and write...

Students study the Italian Renaissance, its impact, and origin. In this Italian Renaissance lesson, students study the Renaissance via the ancient civilizations and political geography of various countries. Students study the art prior...

Students complete a matching game based on geographic features of Russia and label a map with these features. In this geography and politics lesson, students identify resources and populations in Russia and complete a T-Chart on a video...

How did the Missouri Compromise, the Compromise of 1850, and the Kansas-Nebraska Act contribute to the growing tensions that led to the Civil war? To better understand the events that led to the Civil War, young historians engage in a...

Young scholars make connections between changes in voting participation and the election of 1828, and describe regional factors evidenced by the voting results of the election of 1828.

Fifth graders create multi-media newscasts based on their knowledge of Civil War battles of the ironclad ships.

Students act as surveyors. In this George Washington lesson, students read transcriptions from Washington's surveying journal and then try surveying skills on their own.

Students, examine The Civil War, from a variety of perspectives and assignments. After taking notes, they can choose from creating a front page newspaper article describing the fall of Fort Sumter, discuss the pros and cons of fighting,...