Smithsonian Institution
Affirmation, Assimilation, and Acculturation: Middle School
Latin American culture is deeply embedded in American culture as a whole. From the Latin rock scene in San Francisco to the hip-hop world of New York, Latin American artists have influenced every genre of modern music. Learn about the...
Curated OER
EU and Turkey
Should Turkey be admitted to the European Union? Before debating this question, class members research the background and stated purpose of the EU, read articles of Turkey's bid to become a member of the EU, and the concerns other...
Curated OER
Immigration Unit
Third graders develop an appreciate for the various cultures that are present in their local community. Through reading and research, they explain how various culture came to live in their area. At the conclusion of the unit, 3rd...
Curated OER
Mosaic America: Paths To The Present
Seventh graders study the ideologies of life, values, love, peace and struggle of African Americans, Latinos and Native Americans as citizens of the United States. Authors and artists are used as tools to open the eyes of the students...
Curated OER
The Statue of Liberty: Unveiled in 1886
The Statue of Liberty, a great monument beckoning the masses to our shores for over 100 years. This presentation provides facts about the history, size, composition, and symbolism behind our lovely lady liberty. Tip: Show this PowerPoint...
Curated OER
Immigrants & Community
Learners examine how different groups of immigrants contributed to the growth of specific communities. After reading a novel, they keep a journal on the important elements found and create a map of the community portrayed. Using the...
Curated OER
Graphing Data on Ellis Island
Third graders use data to make a bar graph. In this graphing and social studies lesson, 3rd graders use data about where Ellis Island immigrants came from to complete a bar graph on Microsoft Excel.
Curated OER
The New Immigrants
Students determine what lures immigrants to the Pittsburgh area. They conduct interviews to compare the experiences of new immigrants to the area to those of previous immigrants.
Curated OER
Ellis Island
Students explore immigration. In this U.S. history immigration lesson, students complete and read a mini-book about Ellis Island.
Curated OER
California's Golden History: 1848-1880
Using a variety of online resources, learners study life and society in California during the gold rush. They use a map to identify area where gold was located, explore pre-selected websites, describe mining practices, and create an...
Curated OER
Letters from Rifka
Students read Karen Hesse's book "Letters from Rifka" and explore how it presents the experiences of a Russian immigrant to America. They research and write reports on the experiences of various immigrants from different cultures, keep...
Curated OER
When Jessie Came Across The Sea
Young scholars engage in a study about immigration by using children's literature. They conduct research about the immigrations to New York City in the past and the current status. Students conduct class discussion about Ellis Island and...
Curated OER
New Movements For Social Justice: The Latino Struggle for Equal Rights
Learners examine myths and stereotypes about Hispanic immigrant groups. They appreciate and share the strengths of their diversity and view films that challenge ideas about education and cultural values. They explore the Latino Rights...
Curated OER
A New Society Project
Ninth graders examine the social and political movements of the Gilded Age and Progressive Era. In this American history lesson plan, 9th graders work in groups to form their own society and laws. Students make a diagram of their town...
Curated OER
History and Government of the United States
In this U.S. worksheet, students take notes in a graphic organizer as they read several passages, then answer four comprehension questions.
Curated OER
Ellis Island: The "Golden Door" to America
Students write a narrative from the perspective of an immigration inspector or European immigrant. In this Immigration lesson, students read an online history of Ellis Island and evaluate its significance by writing answers to discussion...
Curated OER
Big Apple, Here We Come
Students role play the role of immigrants coming to America for the first time. They complete an imaginary trip with their family and must rent a car and make seven stops along the way. They calculate distances and use maps to...
Curated OER
Ellis Island Online
Students research their ancestors by visiting a number of online resources. They read personal immigration stories and begin creating their own family tree.
Curated OER
Ragtime: 1880-1920
Build an understanding of the social, economic, and cultural changes that were incited by the American Industrial Revolution. Learners will research the historical context of the Ragtime Era, and compose an oral presentation in the...
City University of New York
Urban Politics: Machines and Reformers
Take a trip to the turn of the twentieth century with a resource about industrialism in America. With primary source documents and focus questions, learners think about the ways that government groups and organizations paved the way...
Carnegie Library
Creative Writing: Middle School Lesson Plan
Enhance a unit on historical fiction with an engaging writing lesson. Learners bring the Industrial Era to life as they compose their own historical fiction pieces based on primary source images of Pittsburgh steel workers.
Smithsonian Institution
Comparing Confederate and Union Soldiers
The Civil War, a war that divided a nation. Comparing and contrasting the Confederate and Union soldiers is not always an easy task, but the eighth of 15 resources makes it easy to teach the concepts. Exercises include watching videos in...
Curated OER
The Brief American Pageant: American Life in the Roaring Twenties
Your lecture on the Roaring Twenties in the United States could use these two graphs. The first graph details the annual immigration and Quota Laws from 1907-29, and compares them to the McCarran-Walter Act of 1952. The second graph...
Curated OER
Mystery State #22
In this mystery state worksheet, students answer five clues to identify the state in question. They then locate that state on a map.