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Ben Franklin's 300th Birthday Bash
Learners read a story about Benjamin Franklin's 300th birthday and answer vocabulary and comprehension questions about it. In this Benjamin Franklin birthday lesson plan, students explore Mr. Franklin's role as an author, editor,...
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The Cold War at Home
Eleventh graders discover the perspective of Cold War on the American homefront. In this Cold War lesson, 11th graders watch Duck and Cover video segments that instruct citizens what to do in case of nuclear attack. Students discuss the...
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Family Life During the Great Depression
Students practice the skill of photo analysis. In this Great Depression lesson, students analyze photographs from the era and write fictitious diary entries based on the images.
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The Great Depression - FDR and the New Deal
Young scholars consider the role that government should play in economics. For this Great Depression lesson, students analyze New Deal legislation to develop an informed opinion about the public programs and then present their findings...
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Hopi Agriculture
Students discuss the farming practices of the past and present of the Hopi people and discuss the importance of corn. In this Hopi agriculture lesson plan, students also plant their own seeds of corn.
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Exploring Cultural Rituals
Learners analyze images and music of common rituals in America with those of other countries. They use worksheets to compare and contrast the events.
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The Louisiana Purchase
Students take a closer look at Lewis and Clark's expedition. In this Louisiana Purchase lesson, students play an interactive game based on the expedition and respond to questions about the game once they finish it.
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The European Union
Ninth graders construct a timeline depicting the development of the European Union and label and color countries on a map belonging to it. They write essays about how the Union affects the United States.
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Secrets of the Presidents
Students research little-known facts about presidents of the United Statesusing the Internet. They complete a printable technology activity.
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Evaluating the "Save the Indian" Reforms
Students explore the policies of the "Save the Indian" reforms. Working in groups, they review the motives, methods, and effects of the "Save the Indian" campaign of the late 19th century. Through discussion and writing, they form an...
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Getting To Know Famous People
First graders use the internet to research a famous American. Using the information they collect, they write a paragraph noting their accomplishments. They find a picture of the person they are researching or dress up like them to...
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Tolerance: Gender Issues
Students explore why some professions have been gender-dominant in the past. In this instructional activity, students identify some professions that have typically had one specific gender employed in the past, then research that job to...
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The Philadelphia Convention
Eighth graders investigate the conflict over representation that occurred at the Philadelphia Convention. They participate in a class discussion, and in small groups represent a fictional large population state and small population...
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Introduction to a Unit on the 1930's Depression in America
Students view and discuss photographic images of the Dust Bowl by Dorothea Lange. They discuss who Dorothea Lange was and why she took the pictures, the conservational factors that contributed to the Dust Bowl and migrant workers and the...
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French and Indian War Forts
Eighth graders examine the design and significance of the forts of the French and Indian war. Students conduct Internet research in pairs, and complete a questionnaire about the location, styles, and important information about the...
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Chicago Tribune vs. US (1942): When Does Freedom of the Press Go Too Far?
Young scholars define freedom of the press in peace and war time. As a class, they identify the need for the public to be informed, but discuss where the line should be drawn to protect national security. They develop their arguments...
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Past Meets Present
Third graders examine coins to become familiar with architectural structures. In this past meets present lesson, 3rd graders research and complete worksheets on Guam. Students combine their group research into pieces of the pie poster.
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Readers Theatre: Presenting Historical Events Through Theatre
Learners examine historical events. In this lesson on the US Constitution, students engage in a theatrical exploration of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. They also engage in an extensive discussion, complete worksheets and draft...
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Changes in Draft Registration
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.
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A Differentiated Way through Think Dots
Students examine reasons that led people to explore, identify "West" as defined following Revolutionary War, explain importance of finding natural resources, develop time line of dates and events leading up to Lewis and Clark Expedition,...
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What is Government?
Young scholars explore values that unite Americans. In this government instructional activity, students recall the symbols of America and discuss how to create a "Classroom Constitution." Young scholars form rules and write their own...
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The Japanese Military Build-up
Young scholars evaluate the state of Japan's military and their defense strategy under the current Shinzo Abe administration. They watch the film, 'The Raping of Nanking' and read "The Return of Japanese Militarism: Rising Sun" by Joshua...
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Wilson Stands Alone in His Plan for World Peace
Students study the Fourteen Points. They examine motives behind Wilson's Fourteen Points and why most of them were rejected by France. They answers questions concerning primary resources (casualty list and before and after...
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States and Capitals Unit
Fifth graders explore the regions, states, and capitals that make up the United States. Through the five lessons in this unit students locate and name the fifty states and their capitals.