Curated OER
Territory and Statehood of Iowa
Fifth graders recognize the steps to create a territory, a district and a state. In this Iowa activity, 5th graders discuss the three capitals and their importance. Students recognize the key people in the development of...
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The Death Penalty
Students examine the controversy surrounding the death penalty in the United States. In this current events lesson, students research the history of the death penalty as well perspectives on the topic. Students interview others about the...
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The Weather Page-Comparing Data
Students examine weather patterns in the United States. In this weather instructional activity, students use a United States map to identify high and low temperatures in two states. Students compare the data and record their findings...
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Do You Really Know What Wealth Is?
Students examine what it means to have wealth-a concept that turns out to be philosophical as well as economic-and examine the importance of music. They examine the concepts of wealth in Mali and in the United States and consider the...
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Rivers And Capitals
Students become familiar with the use of GIS for research and become aware of the importance of rivers to cities. They also analyze the placement of cities and learn the names of rivers in the United States.
Curated OER
Design a Coin
Young scholars research a state and then design a quarter for it. They use dough or foil to create the coin! students explore state quarters that have already been issued by the U.S. Mint. Their quarter is for a state that hasn't had one...
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Resources and Trade Flow
Students plan for a service project. In this service instructional activity, students determine the materials they will need to complete their service project. Students discuss possible trade flows into the United States.
Curated OER
Postcards from California: A Unit on Geography, Social Studies, History and California's Resources
Fourth graders examine patterns that influence population density in the various regions of California. The unit's three lessons utilize graphic organizers for the interpretation and presentation of data.
Center for History Education
Guatemalan Coup of 1954: How Did the Cold War Influence American Foreign Policy Decisions?
Was it all about the bananas—or the fear of a communist threat? Young historians use a history lab to examine documents from the American-led 1954 Guatemalan coup. Using graphics, government documents, and speeches, they examine the...
Curated OER
Cambodian New Year
Learners compare and contrast the New Year celebration in Cambodia to the celebration in the United States. They mathematically determine the amount of beans added to the "mountain" during the three day celebration.
Curated OER
An "Unconstitutional" Act? The Suspension of the Writ of Habeas Corpus
Students explore the implications of habeas corpus. In this Civil War lesson, students analyze the writ of habeas corpus by Lincoln during the war. Students examine primary sources from Lincoln and Chief Justice Taney. Students design...
Curated OER
The Stock Market: Risks & Rewards
In order to better understand the US economy, learners read and interpret stock market price reports. They define profits and explain the role of profits in the American economic system for both firms and individual investors. Several...
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Our First Families
Students complete a variety of activities in which the Washington Post Newspaper is used to reinforce concepts pertaining to the history of the Washington, D.C. area.
Curated OER
The Final Question
Students analyze their own feelings about the death penalty before considering court cases involving the death penalty. They determine what their definition is of cruel and unusual punishment, and analyze how different states handle the...
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Fed Up!
Students explore the significance of the Federal Reserve in the United States economy by defining key economic terms through the presentation of skits and the creation of a student book.
Curated OER
1950's Popular Culture
Pupils gain a basic understanding of Capitalism and Communism, the ideologies that fueled the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War.
Curated OER
The Origins of the Cold War, 1945-1949
Students investigate the early years of the Cold War and the origins of containment. Both supporters as well as critics are probed to examine the differences that emerged in the months following the end of the war in Europe. This unit...
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Introducing Industries
If you are looking for a way to explore Michigan's resources, physical features, and more, this lesson is for you. After discussing Michigan and the Great Lakes, learners fill out a graphic organizer identifying the state's natural...
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The Early Tensions of the Cold War
Students uncover the roots of the Cold War. In this Cold War lesson, students research the political philosophies of the Soviet Union and the United States during the era as they define key vocabulary and discuss government systems....
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The Meat-Packing Industry in Chicago During the Progressive Era
Students examine maps showing the hog and corn distribution of the United States. In groups, they research the reasons why Chicago became the natural hub for meat-packing processing in the United States. They examine changes in...
Curated OER
California Poppy Postcards
What a great lesson! Learners discuss California history, including the state flower, the poppy, and then engage in an art activity. For the activity, they learn about value, shading, layering, blending etc. to produce a realistic...
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U.S.-Cuba Relations
Students study the history of United State/Cuba relations. In this diplomacy lesson, students research selected websites to gather information regarding various topics of significance between the U.S. and Cuba since 1868. Students...
Global Oneness Project
The Nature of Happiness
The U.S. Constitution states that the pursuit of happiness is an inalienable right. The United Nations' Global Happiness Index ranks countries according to the happiness of its citizens. As part of a discussion of the nature of...
Curated OER
Educational Complacency Will Make U.S. Feel the Pain
Twelfth graders examine the educational system in the United States in reference to the job market and available expertise. For this Current Events lesson, 12th graders read an article and discuss their opinions with the class.