Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Sectionalism in Early U.S.

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Pupils, divided into three groups, representing the Northeastern, Southern, Western United States. They research these areas in early American history and as a group prepare charts, graphs and reports. They explain their needs and...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

How Ordinary People Can Have an Impact

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Learners identify three or more ways the Federal Government impacts their daily lives and then explore ways in which citizens can influence political leaders.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Depletion of the Buffalo

For Teachers 7th
Seventh graders consider different cultural viewpoints. In this Kansas history lesson, 7th graders examine the depletion of buffalo as a contention point between Native American and European settlers. Students read diary entries to gain...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Examining What Sharing Really Means

For Teachers 6th - 12th
After reading "The Senegalese Miracle" about the degree of sharing the author encounters upon arrival in Africa, class members read Mike Tidwell’s “Sharing in Africa” and compare the two stories. This cultural diversity lesson concludes...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Balance of Power

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students explore the impact of the Federal Reserve Bank. In this central bank lesson, students read specific selections out of their textbooks about the history of the bank and its role in the U.S economy. Students then select 1 of 7...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

George Washington & Civic Virtue: The Necessary Elements of the Republic

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Young scholars examine the character of George Washington. In this George Washington lesson, students read "Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior,"  Washington's First Inaugural Address, and his Farewell Address. Young scholars...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

declaration of Independence

For Teachers 10th
Tenth graders research the Declaration of Independence and its impact. They assemble puzzle pieces of the declaration and create their own declaration of independence including grievances and resolution.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Expansion and Reform: Applying the Declaration of Independence

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students conduct inquiries and research-acquiring, organizing, analyzing, interpreting, evaluating, and communicating facts, themes, and general principles operating in American history. They use the Declaration of Independence to...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Rise of U.S. Business and Industry

For Teachers 11th
Eleventh graders examine the industrialization of post-Reconstruction America. For this 20th century American history lesson, 11th graders listen to a lecture about the industrial age and then conduct their own research to determine the...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Teachings of Confucius

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders study who Confucius was and when he lived. They explain the basic ideas of Confucius, his plan for a good government, and his ideas on harmony in society. They explain the impact of Confucian teachings on contemporary...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Understanding Human Rights Through One Woman's Struggle: Aung San Suu Kyi

For Teachers 10th - Higher Ed
Learners analyze human rights in the international community. For this human rights lesson, students explore the United Nations, and the Declaration of Human Rights. Learners read about Aung San Suu Kyi and watch a video about human...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Storytellers: Pearl Jam "Never Let Truth Get in the Way of a Good Story"

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students analyze the lyrics from a Pearl Jam song and examine the concept of truth in political advertising. They watch the video, "VH1 Storytellers: Pearl Jam," participate in a class discussion, conduct research, and prepare a report...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Thomas Jefferson and the Declaration of Independence

For Teachers 4th - 8th
Students examine readings and symbols to learn about the War of Independence and Thomas Jefferson. In this War of Independence activity, students explore the role of Thomas Jefferson in the Declaration for Independence. Students answer...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Cost of War

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers view a video clip about the cost of war. They discover what goes into paying for a war. They examine the need for a budget in the government. They read a news story about this topic as well.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Comparing the Impact of Multiple Uses

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students study multiple land uses and their effects on one another. They assess multiple land uses in National Forests and Grasslands and evaluate the effects of each use on all other uses. They develop a comprehensive list of human...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

A Changing of the Guard: Traditionalists, Feminists, and the New Face of Women in Congress

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students explore the role of women as Congressional leaders. In this women's rights lesson, students identify and investigate the impact of women representatives and senators in the U.S. Legislative Branch. Comprehension questions, data,...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

UN Conference on the Impact of Civil War on the Common Person

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Students simulate understanding of conflict or civil war they researched, and role play character they developed at model UN conference on the impact of civil war on the common person.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Assessing Quality of Life

For Teachers 11th
Eleventh graders research quality of life indicators for a list of countries looking at such things as infant mortality rate, and gross domestic product. They rank the countries from best to worst regarding quality of life issues.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Citizen Journalism

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students examine the role of citizen journalism, freedom of the press, and the First Amendment. They analyze the results of an Internet survey, discuss the ethics of downloading copyrighted material on the Internet, and write a news story.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Artist Trading Cards: Sharing Unique Perspectives

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students examine inkblot images. In this visual arts lesson plan, students consider perception as an element of art as they partipate in activity that requires them create and analyze inkblot art. Students analyze several pieces of...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Lost Empires of Asia and Russia

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students view a video on the Russian Revolution of 1917. In this revolution instructional activity, students research from the perspective of peasants or aristocracy and create a presentation promoting their side. Students refute each...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

A Bill Becomes A Law

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students discover how a bill becomes a law. For this Legislative Branch lesson, students discuss how a bill makes its way through the House and the Senate. Students author their own bills as well.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Understanding Freedom: Catching "The Spirit of '76"

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders complete activities about colonial history through an examination of art from the American Revolution period. In this history and art lesson, 6th graders define an iconic image, sing the song 'Yankee Doodle,' and analyze...
Unit Plan
Core Knowledge Foundation

Thanksgiving with the Pilgrims

For Teachers K
Teach kindergartners about the First Thanksgiving with a series of lessons about the Pilgrims' journey to the New World. As they practice handwriting, CVC words, reading comprehension, and fun Thanksgiving songs, they learn about what...