Fifth graders explain how the history of the American Indian is affecting them today.

Learners view murals that depict various modes of transportation. They discuss the importance of maps to navigation and create a map. They compare and contrast transportation of the past with modes of transportation used today.

Young scholars discover what a primary-source document is, what different types there were back in 1867, and what newer kinds there are today. They play a form of bingo using printed cards that reproduce documents related to Confederation.

Students describe some of the distinguishing characteristics of rock, folk, blues, and country music. They identify two main musical roots of today's American popular music.

Middle schoolers examine the patriotic songs of the 1940's and compare them to those of today. They identify elements that classify a song as patriotic, listen to several examples and complete Venn diagrams contrasting different examples.

Learners discuss the reasons for having a budget. They create their own personal budget and explain how the bartering system can work for some items today.

Students explore the life of Johnny Appleseed as they create a MediaBlender project of Johnny's journey through the Midwest territory, and compare and contrast items he brought on his journey with items students would bring with them on...

Students recognize the contributions that major Chinese Dynasties have made that we still use today. They replicate and create their own timeline using the major dynasties.

Students examine the advantages and disadvantages of being a very small European country in today's world. They locate each country on a map using the coordinates, discuss the governments of each country, and develop a list of...

Middle schoolers discuss the reasons why people are less likely to take a stand on issues today than they were in the past. In groups, they research the efforts of Kings, Parks and others to end discrimination and racism. They read...

Students investigate their cultural heritage and make observations on how much influence their past has on their current values and lifestyle. They brainstorm a list of things that represent a certain country or cultural heritage and...

Students evaluate the differences between the first draft registration and today's Selective Service form. They explore how changes in American society and culture influence changes in the draft system.

Learners research the countries of their origins and examine life there today. They write family travel logs by interviewing family members about their heritages, and they visit the Xpeditions Website for online resources about their...

Students visit Colonial America in a Time Machine to discover the process that a citizen today must follow in order to make or change a law. Students research the Colonial Era in their Time Machines. Students encounter various government...

Students read and discuss a story featuring aboriginal characters in the past and compare/contrast it to how aboriginals live today. They read and discuss information on the Rabbit and Bear Paws website, develop a list of the aboriginal...

Students read First Nation story, identify values expressed in it and discuss how those values relate to conservation issues faced today. Students then seek out stories relevant to climate change from their own Elders and respected...

Young scholars interpret information from an excerpt of the 1870 U.S. Census and compare that data to economic data they collect about local businesses in their own community. Students then evaluate how closely linked their community's...

Students compare prices then and now. They use the calculated rate of inflation to figure out the equivalent prices today for items sold at the fair and money earned in 1864. They calculate the actual value of a bowl of soup, a dinner,...

Students explore the realities of feeding a family on a very limited budget by comparing the cost of living in the 1930s to the cost of living today. Using primary documents and technology to make the comparison, they identify the impact...

Learners study the historical context of marketing and how it came to be so important in the 19th century. They analyze advertising in the 19th century, 20th century, and today to understand how much or how little has changed.

In this animal worksheet, students use a Venn diagram to compare and contrast a prehistoric creature with an animal living today.

In this Economics/Personal financial literacy worksheet, students use USA Today to find article, photos, charts, or graphics related to events that are affecting the prices of different products and services.  Students answer...

Young scholars examine discrimination and what it was like during WWII and today. In this writing and analyzing instructional activity, students read pasages from Anne Frank's diary and find connections between Anne's life and...

Young scholars research Ghandi's philosophy of Satyagraha. In this Satyagraha lesson, students see how Martin Luther King incorporated Ghandi's "truth-force" philosophy into the Black Freedom Movement. They see how this philosophy is...