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Alamo
Students access a variety of Alamo and Mexican-American War related resources on the Internet. They take a 360 degree virtual tour of the Alamo site, view photos and timelines, read first-person accounts, and view the flags from the...
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The Election of 1844
Briefly detailing the goals and issues within the Polk election and presidency, this presentation can help your students to bridge their knowledge of American politics and issues prior to the Civil War. It includes photographs of Polk,...
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Nos Creemos Americanos: Braceros in History and Song
Mexican folk songs offer an authentic look at WWII immigrant workers. This study of the U.S. Bracero Program sets historians up with context information so they can write their own corrido. The class reviews themes and formulas of...
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Lincoln's Spot Resolutions
Students take a closer look at historical relations between the United States and Mexico. For this Texas annexation lesson, students examine primary documents authored by Zachary Taylor, James Polk, and Abraham Lincoln to consider why...
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Fighting for Democracy, Fighting for Me
Students explore the contributions of African Americans, Japanese Americans, and Mexican Americans in World War II. In this World War II lesson, students research Internet and print sources regarding the...
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World War II Erupts Chapter Review
In this World War II worksheet, students review a chapter as they write 10 vocabulary words that match 10 descriptions, eliminate 4 false sentences, and identify 2 themes from the history of the World War II era.
The Alamo
A Lesson in Citizenship
What does it mean to be an American citizen? Lieutenant Colonel Commander William Barret Travis believed that it meant honor to country first—even above one's own life. Middle and high schoolers read his final letters from the Alamo that...
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Manifest Destiny and the Power of Perspective
Pupils examine the concept of Manifest Destiny and the United States. They analyze the Mexican War from the perspective of the Mexicans and the Indians. They write an essay about these different perspectives.
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Manifest Destiny and the Commercial Conquest of the United States
Students examine the role of commerce in the United States to help fulfill Manifest Destiny. They write commercials that could have been used by the Mexicans or Americans during the Mexican War.
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Mexican and American Views of Texas
Students study the territorial status of Texas in 1830, 1840, and 1846 and interpret an historical timeline. They develop a general statement of Mexican and American views of Texas.
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Could the Civil War Been Avoided Through Compromise?
Students determine whether the American Civil War could have been avoided. In this Civil War lesson, students examine primary and secondary sources to prepare to participate in a classroom debate that requires them to compromise to avoid...
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Remember the Alamo
Eighth graders comprehend how the siege of the Alamo and the Texas revolution laid the groundwork for the United States-Mexican War. They discuss how westward expansion led to Texas Independence. Students complete the "Remeber the...
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Native Americans: Thematic Timeline
In this Native American history learning exercise, students follow the provided directions to create their own interactive timelines featuring resistance struggles of the tribes.
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History of Immigration From the 1850's to the Present
Eleventh graders study the history of immigration from 1850 to the present. In this American History lesson, 11th graders compare the 1924 and 1965 immigration acts and give a reasoned opinion on each. Students research,...
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American West: Lawlessness and Violence
In this American West activity, students read about the reasons for lawlessness and violence in the American West. Students learn about geographical factors, political factors, economic factors, social factors, values, and attitudes.
Roy Rosenzweig Center for History and New Media
Yankee Doodle: How Has It Changed over Time?
Grab your feathers and your hat! And perhaps some macaroni! It's time to investigate the evolution of "Yankee Doodle Dandy." Groups do a close reading of sheet music covers, lyrics, and even YouTube videos to see how this political song...
Constitutional Rights Foundation
Guest-Worker Program
The U.S. Guest-Worker Program and the H-2A visa are the focus of a social studies activity. First, class members assume the role of advisors who must present the president with four proposals that would amend the visas given to...
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Cinco de Mayo
Learners investigate the Cinco de Mayo holiday. They discuss the history of Cinco de Mayo, listen to the Legend of the Mexican flag, color a worksheet of the Mexican flag, and create a class coat of arms.
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Lincoln's Spot Resolutions
Students examine the controversy and varying points of view leading up to the 19th century Mexican War. They research examples of anti-war movements throughout history and write editorials about their findings.
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The Gulf War and its Consequences
Students study the historical background of Desert Storm/Desert Shield. They determine that not all Americans were in favor of the Gulf War and examine the Gulf War Syndrome. They discover that another possible cause pertains to...
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Learning Landscapes
Fifth graders analyze a landscape depicting Yosemite during the time of the Wild West. They compare their perceptions of the West from film and television to this representation. They observe the use of scale and color to depict size and...
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History of Immigration through the 1850's
Students research the history of Immigration. In this World History lesson, students explore European immigration then specifically focus on ways African Immigration was different. Students then divide into small groups and...
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Baltimoreans in the California Gold Rush
Eleventh graders explore the reasons for migration to California during the Gold Rush. For this American History lesson, 11th graders read letters about the opportunities and obstacles people faced. Students create a map of...
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Revolutions Around the World
Revolutions are an interesting and informative way to study world history.