Learners interpret historical maps and locate territories annexed by the United States in the 1840. In groups, they research the war with Mexico over Texas from both perspectives and answer on a worksheet about expansion.

Young scholars examine the phases of westward migration in the United States during the 19th century focusing on the incentives that led many African Americans to make the move.

Young scholars explore how the United States recovered from the Great Depression.  In this history instructional activity, students research a chosen program that was implemented by Franklin D. Roosevelt, then create an...

Students explore and compare and contrast the migrations of African Americans in the United States in the decades before and after the Civil War.

Eleventh graders explore the concept of the spoils system. In this presidential history lesson, 11th graders examine Andrew Jackson's Inaugural Address as well as a letter to him from Mary Barney in order to gain an understanding of the...

Every major concept, key term, and definition that an AP US history student should know for a test prep session and the big exam is right here in this comprehensive, well-organized study guide. 

The Mexican-American War created social borders—not just physical ones. Scholars learn about the effects of the Mexican-American War on the people living in the borderlands using text excerpts, maps, and partnered activities. Academics...

Don't miss this fantastic comprehensive lesson plan on the Lewis and Clark Expedition, packed with instructional guidance, worksheets, map work, informational texts, and secondary source materials.

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

What is a natural resource, and what resources did the Lewis and Clark expedition seek? After reading an article on the mapping of the west, learners get into small groups to discuss the important natural resources of the period. They...

Seventh graders identify the major events before, during and after the Civil War. In groups, they use the events to create a timeline and research the figures and places involved in their specific event. They present their information to...

Eighth graders explore the role of Jefferson Davis and his leadership of the Confederacy during the Civil War. They examine the command system used in the Confederacy and analyze the effectiveness of the command system.

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...

Young scholars complete a variety of activities that go along with the study of and possible fieldtrip to Raton Pass and Glorieta Battlefield on the Sante Fe Trail in New Mexico.

Young scholars research, design and advertise a homestead community. This is an extensive lesson with a variety of ativities and learning experiences.

Eighth graders select their own plot of land in the Backcountry to settle in the 1700s in SC.  Students first find a point for settlement and sketch out the best route from the Lowcountry to arrive at the point.  They...

Students explore the concept of Manifest Destiny. In this Westward Expansion lesson, students discuss the impact of Manifest Destiny on different groups of people who inhabited the West. Students create journals about...

Second graders use a minimum of three maps of Kansas developed during the 1800's. They plot five major settlements that developed near water sources. Students brainstorm reason settlements may have developed near water sources.

Students explore the debates over American slavery and the power of the American federal government for the first half of the 19th century and how the regional economies and political events produced a widening split between the states.

Middle schoolers examine the way that many place names in Arkansas came to be. By looking at Arkansas highway maps, they find names that come from the characteristics of each of the state's six geographical divisions. This interesting...

Students prepare for a visit to the West Virginia State Museum. In this West Virginia history instructional activity, students research the individuals whose leadership impacted the state. Students create multimedia projects featuring...

Students trace the development of sectionalism in the United States. They explore slavery, freedom and the Constitution. Students identify influential opponents and defenders of American slavery. They explain different solutions to...

Students research the various territory acquisitions in United States history and create an annotated map that tells the history of U.S. expansion. Working in small groups, students outline the land acquisitions and purchases made by...

Students understand that the Industrial Revolution began in England, spreading to the rest of Western Europe and the United States and with it came an increased demand for raw materials from the Americans, Asia, and Africa.