Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Civil War and Reconstruction

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders investigate the Civil War by researching the state of Virginia.  In this US History lesson, 4th graders identify Abraham Lincoln, James Chestnut and Fort Sumter, and discuss their roles in the start of the Civil...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Frederick Douglas and Abraham Lincoln

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Students discuss the significance of the announcement of the Emancipation Proclamation and the assassination of Lincoln. They analyze how historians use evidence and develop differing interpretations. Students examine historical bias and...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Charging into Battle with Hood's Texas Brigade

For Teachers 7th
Seventh graders study the American Civil War and the contributions of Texans to the war effort. They read first-hand accounts of Joseph Polley, member of Hood's Texas Brigade and discuss his account of his first charge and what emotions...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Songs of the Times: American Concerns in 19th Century Campaigns

For Teachers 11th - Higher Ed
Learners examine campaign songs from the 1840, 1848, and 1860 elections to explore the campaign strategies of 19th century political parties.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Kansas and Nebraska Act

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers use a primary source of a political cartoon to set the context for a lesson. They answer key questions in writing or orally. Students conduct a class discussion about the issue to stimulate higher order thinking skills...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Lincoln and Photography: A Closer Look

For Teachers 5th - 12th
Students compare and contrast the Lincoln portraits using a Venn diagram and included analysis tool. In this presidential photography lesson, students write a journal entry and a letter as if they were Abraham Lincoln. Lastly students...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Lincoln Home National Historic Site

For Teachers 5th - 12th
Students investigate the community in which Lincoln and his family lived and explore how the citizens felt about him. The national issues that inspired Lincoln to act decisively in politics and that propelled him to the White House are...
Lesson Plan
Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History

Gilder Lehrman Institute: History Now: Examining Antebellum Elections

For Teachers 9th - 10th
[Free Registration/Login Required] This high school lesson plan has students look at data from the elections between 1824-1861 and the effect the two party system had on the outcomes.