Curated OER
The Making of Our First President
High schoolers investigate George Washington's military career. In this George Washington lesson, students research the contributions of Washington the colonial military and then write editorials about his accomplishments for a mock...
Curated OER
Slavery in Virginia
Fourth graders assess primary sources to analyze the effects plantation life and slavery had on Colonial Virginia. They study the issues of slavery, rural life, movements, colonization and revolution. Each student makes predictions,...
Curated OER
Modern Day Pilgrims
Students examine the similarities and differences between modern day immigrants and pilgrims. They listen to stories, discuss their ancestors' origins, and create a native costume for a paper doll for where their ancestor is from.
Curated OER
Jamestown Scavenger Hunt
Students identify and share Primary Sources in Early American History by Janey Levy. Then they discuss the usefulness of using primary sources in uncovering the past. Students also research original documents from Jamestown to complete...
Curated OER
Good Brother, Bad Brother
Students are exposed to the writings of John Wilkes Booth. They discover that fanaticism is not just a modern phenomenon. They examine four periods in American history when treason was at issue.
US Citizenship and Immigration Services
Thanksgiving 2—The Pilgrim Story and My Immigrant Story
The tradition of the First Thanksgiving is really a story of immigration. Connect the feelings and customs of the early Pilgrims to the experiences of the immigrants in your class with an introduction to the 13 colonies, the Mayflower,...
Curated OER
Life in Ancient Ghana, Mali, and Songhai
Students study the ancient African kingdoms of Ghana, Mali, and Songhai. They brainstorm what they know about ancient African kingdoms before investigating the trade and barter situations, and researching one of the kingdoms for an oral...
Curated OER
Thomas Jefferson and the Declaration of Independence
Students examine readings and symbols to learn about the War of Independence and Thomas Jefferson. In this War of Independence lesson plan, students explore the role of Thomas Jefferson in the Declaration for Independence. Students...
Curated OER
Exploring Pioneer America
Fourth graders research pioneers who had a strong influence on westward expansion. In this westward expansion lesson, 4th graders write an essay about four pioneers and an interview script about one. Students work in pairs to present...
Curated OER
American Immigration Past and Present
Young scholars simulate a Commission hearing in which the class attempt to arrive at an immigration policy; individual essays by each student; and, if time permits, individual or group projects based on some aspect of America's...
Curated OER
Art of Cynicism
Students analyze selected pieces of art and infer how they reflect a sense of disillusionment, and/or cynicism in American society in the aftermath of the Vietnam War and Watergate scandal. Then they identify and place cultural attitudes...
Curated OER
Who Started World War I?
Students debate which power was responsible for the outbreak of World War I. In this cause and effects lesson, students research the causes of the outbreak of World War I on ProQuest in preparation for a (limited) reenactment of the...
Curated OER
Three Centuries of Child Labor In America
Fifth graders investigate the history of child labor that is found in America. They use a variety of resources to conduct research. Students create cause and effect arguments using the information that is found. They also compare and...
Curated OER
Unite These States
Students explore the historical events and people associated with the 13 colonies. The geographic locations of the 13 colonies and ultimately, of all 50 states are investigated.
Curated OER
Students Working in Local Historic Preservation
Students develop an appreciation of history as they volunteer their time in historical museums. In this historical perspectives lesson, students work with valuable local documents as they aid the staff of selected local historical...
Curated OER
Religious Expression in Public Schools
Students explore religious expression in the United States. In this religious freedom lesson, students read a handout regarding Religious Freedom Day and other handouts regarding religious expression in public schools. Students complete...
Curated OER
Committing to Nonviolence: A Lesson from Viva La Causa
Young scholars examine the social change movements of the American 20th century. For this nonviolence lesson, students research the work of Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Caesar Chavez. Young scholars compare and contrast...
Curated OER
Aquarium Bill of Rights
Students review the Bill of Rights on Aquademics and list the rights that are guaranteed to United States citizens. In groups, they role play the role of important leaders whose rules would make a difference for the lives of fish in...
Curated OER
The Fugitive Slave Law and Migration
Students examine the Fugitive Slave Law as a motivating factor for slaves to emigrate outside the United States. After discussing the relationships between fugitive slaves and North American and Caribbean countries, they write essays...
University of Georgia
University of Georgia: Rare Map Collection: Colonial America
An extensive collection of original maps drawn during the colonial period of United States history.
PBS
Pbs Learning Media: Primary Source Set: Colonial Religion
A collection that uses primary sources to explore religion during the Colonial period of United States History.
PBS
Pbs Learning Media: Primary Source Set: Cross Cultural Colonial Conflicts
A collection of primary sources which explores cross-cultural conflicts during the Colonial period of United States history.
Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History
Gilder Lehrman Institute: Ap Us History Study Guide, Period Two: 1607 1754
[Free Registration/Login Required] Advanced placement U.S. History learning module on the emerging colonial and native societies between 1607-1754. Resources for students include video, essays, timeline and primary source documents.
Library of Congress
Loc: Thomas Jefferson Timeline
This detailed timeline describes Thomas Jefferson's life, spanning the colonial period, the American Revolution, and the early Republic. You will also find maps and written documents within this collection.