Lesson Plan
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Defining moments from the past with lessons for a post-9/11 world...

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Learners examine extension ideas concerning 9/11, Defining Moments. They analyze a variety of Supreme Court cases, the U.S. Constitution, Mass Media Interpretations, Racism, Immigrant groups and U.S. geography. Many questions are asked...
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The U.S. Recognition of the State of Israel

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students research the political aspects of the U.S. position in the Middle East, considering, for example, Truman's position in view of the 1948 presidential election. They examine a telegram sent by the Secretary of State, George C....
Lesson Plan
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The Branding of America (And Your State)

For Teachers K - Higher Ed
Students investigate about the origins of some major U.S. brands. They explore local products that stimulate the economy. Students create a map showing where those products originate. Students discover the products that their local area...
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Exploring our National Parks

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students utilize maps/Atlases to find key spatial information, locate U.S. National Parks, characterize the geography of a specific region, and create a National Park brochure.
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Build a U.S. Strategy for Responding to the Crisis in Sudan

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students work together in groups to discover the situation in Sudan. They discuss what problems arise from helping a foreign country. They answer questions and watch a video as well.
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Spanish Influence in the U.S.

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders research the role of the first Spanish conquistadors who explored the now United States. Using the internet, they gather information on different explorers and write a paper about why he is important in American history. ...
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Images of the Parks

For Teachers 4th - 8th
Students explore U.S. geography by completing a research project about the National Parks. In this scenery image analysis lesson, students identify the different national parks in our country and observe paintings and images by famous...
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Region Reality

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders compare and contrast world regions and explore the theme of world regions. In this world geography lesson, 8th graders name regions in the U.S. and mark them on a map. Students discuss the cultural and physical...
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Canadian Symbols

For Teachers 4th - 8th
Students discover the ideals of Canada by analyzing its symbols.  In this Canadian culture lesson, students identify the symbols that established the U.S. as its own nation and compare them to important Canadian symbols....
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Using History to Teach Tolerance: A Ripple of Hope

For Teachers 3rd - 8th
Students investigate the prejudice and racism that has existed in the U.S. for centuries by attending a field trip.  In this equality lesson, students visit the Tolerance Museum and discuss the history of the U.S.  Students...
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Immigrants to Kansas: Why Did They Come

For Teachers 3rd - 4th
Students explore U.S. History by researching Kansas. In this immigration lesson, students discuss the benefits of immigrating to a state like Kansas in the 1800's while writing their thoughts and research in a reporter's notebook....
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Imperialism and Expansion: Part 1

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Young scholars explore the era of imperialism and expansion of the United States. In this American history lesson plan, students play a game regarding the U.S. attempts to expand the nation in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
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U.S. Possessions

For Teachers 9th
Ninth graders research the United States acquisition of the Philippines and their fight for independence. They locate the Philippines on a map and brainstorm how its geography has benefits. They access the Internet and complete a student...
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National Marine Sanctuaries Shipwrecks

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Junior oceanographers access the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary Shipwreck Database and plot the locations of several shipwrecks. Shipwrecks are always an enthralling subject and this activity allows your learners to act as...
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German Energy Conversations

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Young scholars identify and interpret the current German energy mix and trends, as well as to make comparisons and contrasts to that of their own country. They write a two paragraph description of including its likely position in the...
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Personal Stories of the National Parks

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students explore historical information about U.S. national parks using the stories of Edward and Margaret Gehrke as a primary source document. In this United States geography, history, and literacy lesson, students view the diary...
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The Big Circle

For Teachers 2nd - 3rd
Young scholars explore geography by participating in a mapping activity. In this concentric ring lesson, students utilize a poster board, string and markers to identify their current location within the entire world. Young scholars write...
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The Revolving Door: U.S. Immigration

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Learners compare current cultural perceptions of the immigrant experience with ones of the past. They will relate current immigration stories as seen in the PBS documentary "The New Americans" to those of the historical past.
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Study of States in the five U.S. Regions

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders identify the five regions and the states within them. They research a state from each of five regions, then they choose one of those states to do an extensive research report on following teacher guidelines. They work in...
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The Geography of Europe

For Teachers 7th - 9th
Learners examine maps of Europe. In this geography skills instructional activity, students interpret several maps to determine the boundaries of the European Union and respond to assessment questions about the maps.
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Should Voting in the United States be Mandatory? Research Activity

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders research how many voters actually vote in the U.S. and nine other nations. They create a spreadsheet using this information and write a persuasive essay.
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Writing About Outdoor Activities

For Teachers 2nd - 3rd
Students discuss what they like about parks and make a list of different things they like to do there such as swing, run, play ball, ride a bike, or go on a hike. They discover the locations of some examples of National Parks and that...
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The 50 States and its Holidays

For Teachers Pre-K - Higher Ed
Though the format of this ELL lesson is confusing (the standards listed are for plate tectonics, yet the objectives are for American geography and holidays), a teacher could glean some ideas from the main idea. Here, pupils complete a...
Lesson Plan
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This Is America! Flag Collage

For Teachers K - 12th
In a visual essay of their thoughts about "What America Means to Me," kids of any age can create a collage about their country. Originally intended to be created physically, learners could share their projects online by using an...