Lesson Plan
iCivics

I Civics: Slavery: No Freedom, No Rights

For Teachers 9th - 10th
From the basics about slavery to the attitudes that defended it and the efforts of those who wanted to see it abolished, in this instructional activity young scholars learn about this dark part of America's past.
eBook
Digital History

Digital History: Growth of Political Factionalism and Sectionalism

For Students 9th - 10th
Even as national feeling was rising, there was also the emergence of regionalism in politics and economic though. Read about the interests of the three major sections of the country at this time.
Handout
Wikimedia

Wikipedia: Kansas Nebraska Act

For Students 9th - 10th
Wikipedia offers excellent information on the Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854.
Website
Ducksters

Ducksters: Maine State History for Kids

For Students 3rd - 8th
On this site, kids learn about the history and timeline of the state of Maine including early explorers, Native Americans, English colony, American Revolution, and the Missouri Compromise.
Handout
PBS

Pbs: Bleeding Kansas 1853 1861

For Students 9th - 10th
This site details events surrounding the era known as "Bleeding Kansas" due to the conflict surrounding slavery in what is now Kansas.
Activity
Illinois Institute of Technology

Oyez Project: Dred Scott v. Sandford (1857)

For Students 9th - 10th
This U.S. Supreme Court case dealt with the issues of slavery, citizenship, and property rights. It is detailed with an abstract providing a concise summary and a record of the justices that sat on the Court at that time.
Handout
Black Past

Black Past: Louisiana Purchase and African Americans

For Students 9th - 10th
In this brief encyclopedia article, you find the effect the Louisiana Purchase had on African-Americans because of the new land added to the United States. There is a link to a website that gives additional information about the...
Primary
US National Archives

Our Documents: A National Initiative on American History, Civics, and Service

For Students 9th - 10th
Our Documents is home to one hundred milestone documents that influenced that course of American history and American democracy. Includes full-page scans of each document, transcriptions, background information on their significance, and...
Graphic
Curated OER

Educational Technology Clearinghouse: Maps Etc: United States, 1821

For Students 9th - 10th
A map of the United States and territories in 1821 after the Missouri Compromise, showing the Free States and territories, the Slave States and territories, and the transitional territories at the time. The map is color-coded to show the...
Graphic
Curated OER

Etc: Slavery and Slave Trade, 1830 1850

For Students 9th - 10th
A map of the United States during the period of 1850 to 1850 showing the effects of slavery, the slave trade, and the abolition movement on territorial development. The map uses colored patterns to indicate the areas and phases of...
Graphic
Curated OER

Educational Technology Clearinghouse: Maps Etc: Freedom and Slavery, 1820

For Students 9th - 10th
A map of the United States and territories showing the free areas and areas open to slavery as established by the Missouri Compromise of 1820.
Graphic
Curated OER

Educational Technology Clearinghouse: Clip Art Etc: James Monroe

For Students 9th - 10th
(1758-1831) Fifth President of the United States, whos administration was marked by the Monroe Doctrine, Missouri Compromise, the acquisition of Florida, and delcaring U.S. opposition to European interference in the Americas.