Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Cornplanter and the Fate of His Land

For Teachers 7th - 9th
Students explore Chief Cornplanter and his importance as the leader of the Seneca tribe.  In this Chief Cornplanter lesson, students examine how the Seneca land was taken over by the right of eminent domain.  Students answer...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Survey of the Louisiana Purchase in 1815

For Teachers 4th - 12th
Students explore the survey of the Louisiana Purchase by creating their own surveying and mapping techniques such as natural maps, pace maps, and orienting. Other students then try to follow the maps.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Creative Convincing

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Young writers will love examining  Click, Clack, Moo: Cows that Type for examples of good persuasive writing. Generally, when we write persuasive pieces, there are common words we use. Encourage your writers to...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Do I Have a Right To Privacy?

For Teachers 4th - 12th
Students, in groups, explore the Fourth Amendment and their right to privacy. They explore reasonable search/seizure, sanctity of a man's house, right to privacy.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Stamp Act: Virtual Representation vs. Actual Representation

For Teachers 11th
Eleventh graders research and discuss the different points of view of colonists in terms of taxation, as well as how these viewpoints helped lead to the revolution.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

George Washington as Military Leader

For Teachers All
Students will analyze historical evidence including primary sources to evaluate George Washington as a military leader. The reading begins with Washington's understanding of the issues related to military power, continues with his use of...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Federalism

For Teachers Higher Ed
Students become familiar with the Federalist papers and the work of the federal government.  In this federalism lesson, students find similarities and differences between state and federal government.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Bill of Rights Day

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders examine and identify the values and purposes of the Bill of Rights. They complete a class KWL chart, participate in a class jigsaw activity, write and illustrate a book about the first ten amendments, participate in a mock...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Family Life in the Federal Period

For Teachers 11th
Eleventh graders explore the evolution of a small New England town, Deerfield families and diversity of jobs in a town. They also explore how families functioned and how the roles of women changed.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Apotheosis ofGeorge Washington

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students examine the image of George Washington. In this Washington presidency lesson, students use the provided analysis handout to analyze the character of Washington conveyed in several pieces of art and speeches. Students share their...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Understanding the Declaration of Independence

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students identify and interpret the Declaration of Independence and the rights and privileges demanded in the document. They also identify how those rights and privileges have affected our history. Students then research about the...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

President Who? Forgotten Founders and Their Capitols

For Teachers 7th - 11th
Students explore the beginning of the United Colonies that were formed in 1774.  In this history lesson, students discuss the Articles of Confederation and then answer questions about the events surrounding the development of the...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

What Made George Washington a Good Military Leader?

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students list qualities they believe made George Washington an effective military leader. They discuss some difficulties Washington faced as Commander-in-Chief and describe his response to the Newburgh Conspiracy.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Territory and Statehood of Iowa

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders recognize the steps to create a territory, a district and a state.  In this Iowa activity, 5th graders discuss the three capitals and their importance.  Students recognize the key people in the development of...
Lesson Plan
National First Ladies' Library

Building a Federal Town: Washington, DC

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Young scholars create a timeline of the history of Washington, D.C. from 1787 to 1879. Using the internet, they read specified articles about the design of the capital and city of Washington DC. Students write a newspaper article about...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Phoebe The Spy

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders read the book, Phoebe The Spy, by Judith Berry Griffin. They complete comprehension activities, make predictions about what happen next, and create a PowerPoint book report for the story.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Breaking Down the Declaration of Independence

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students examine the Declaration of Independence. In this colonial America lesson, students analyze the three sections of the Declaration and determine the beliefs the founding fathers had about rights.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Native Lands: Indians in Georgia , Losing Ground: Removal, 1802-1838

For Teachers 5th - 12th
Students investigate the removal of the Creek Indians from Georgia. Students read the story of the Creek removal from Georgia, locate sites mentioned on a map, and create a related timeline. Students share their thoughts on the Creek...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Minutemen and Paul Revere's Ride

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders listen to a discussion on the Minutemen and Bunker Hill and learn about Paul Revere's ride. In this Minutemen lesson plan, 5th graders take a quiz on the information and play a Yankee Doodle game.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Different Viewpoints - Loyalist or Patriot

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders use primary sources to study U.S. history and government. In this primary sources lesson, 3rd graders practice gathering information from "eye witness" accounts of history.
Lesson Plan
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Celebrating Benjamin Franklin

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students explore various websites featuring the life and achievements of Benjamin Franklin. They investigate Franklin's roles in colonial society as well as pictures of his various inventions. They view excerpts of historical documents...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

"And That's The Way It Is..." Today in History

For Teachers 3rd - 12th
Students research an event in history from different perspectives. They discuss the characteristics of a nightly news broadcast and create their own based on the history event they researched. They work together to produce this...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Stamp Act

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders write about the Stamp Act and pretend they are being taxed by the British and write how they feel. For this Stamp Act lesson plan, 5th graders view a taxation simulation. 
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Keeping verb tense consistent (Middle, Reading/Writing)

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students improve their personal and academic writing by use of one consistent verb tense.