Curated OER
The Mayflower Compact
Eighth graders investigate historical documents of the United States by reading the Mayflower Compact. In this U.S. History lesson, 8th graders analyze the wording of the original Mayflower Compact of the first U.S. settlers and...
Curated OER
Houdini Report
Young scholars write a biography after thy have found facts from the Houdini website. They complete a report using the organizational trait. Students use the internet to complete their fact sheets on Houdini. They discuss organization...
Curated OER
Let's Cook
Learners practice converting measurements into metrics. In groups, they translate a recipe from English into German and convert all measurements into metrics for the recipe. They examine the difference between United States and metric...
Scholastic
The Rise of Railroads: California
Railways are an integral part of the history of California. Using a timeline format, class members connect major historical events to the rise of the railroads and their impact on the state. Activities include a mix of independent and...
Heritage Foundation
The Powers of the Executive
Are executives as powerful as they sound? High schoolers find out about the US president and executive branch. A variety of activities include scaffolded reading sections, research assignments, and collaborative group work.
Curated OER
The Great Depression and Everyday Life
Examine everyday life during the Great Depression, as well as the effects if the Depression on American population, society, and economy. Learners write who, what, where, when, and why summaries of a person who relocated to California...
Curated OER
The Red Badge of Courage: A New Kind of Realism
Is it possible to tell a true war story? Tim O’Brien says that fiction is for “getting at the truth when the truth isn’t sufficient for the truth.” To get at the truth about war, class members examine primary source materials from the...
Curated OER
American Flag History
Young historians explore US culture by investigating the US flag. They will use their textbooks, prior knowledge, and sources provided by the teacher to research the history of the American flag. They will design and create a trading...
Curated OER
Let Me Tell You About My State
Students develop an awareness of the concepts of the United States through the Amateur Radio communication services by verbally sharing information about their state such as cultures, current events, geography, history and much more.
Curated OER
Geological Development of Indiana and the Movement of Peoples Across the State
Fourth graders examine the geological development of the state of Indiana. Using the internet, they interact with the United States Geological Survey. They identify earthquake zones and energy resources in the state. They work...
Curated OER
Edible Resource Maps
Third graders work in groups to create an edible resource map showing locations of at least five resources in the United States. Students research on the internet different regions and the resources that are found in those areas. They...
Curated OER
Comparing Ethnic Groups
Eleventh graders explore the relationship between the United States and the Native Americans from after the Civil War to the early 1900's. They evaluate the actions of the United States towards Native Americans and compare the actions to...
Curated OER
Role Playing The Civil War
Students are divided into the Union and Confederacy of the Civil War and write a report and create recruitment posters for both sides. In this Civil War lesson plan, students then discuss each side and why they thought what they did.
Curated OER
Meet Our Presidents Bulletin Board
Students randomly draw presidents' names and conduct research for a written report on their chosen president. They color portraits of their president to accompany their reports.
Curated OER
Influence of Union and Confederate Resources in 1860 on the Civil War
Eighth graders compare/contrast population, railroad mileage, manufacturing plants, and industrial workers between the Union and Confederate States in 1860; students analyze effects of the resources of the Union and Confederate Forces on...
Curated OER
Studying the States!!!
Pupils explore the fifty states of America. They also learn the capitals and locations of the states. They also study the population, mottos, flags, and interesting historical facts about each state.
Curated OER
What Does 'Post Racial' Mean, Anyway?
Eighth graders explore where they personally stand on a post-election continuum, spanning from euphoria to despair. In this American History lesson, 8th graders read and discuss an article immediately following the election and a...
Curated OER
You Ain't Whistling Dixie
Seventh graders complete a unit of lessons on the Civil War. They identify the factors that led to the Civil War, develop and perform a skit, research and write a report, or create a replica of art from Civil War period.
Curated OER
The Atomic Bomb Dilemma
Students examine consequences of using atomic bomb in light of resulting peace, distinguish between fact and opinion and analyze sources to recognize bias and points of view, and assume role of reporter, critic, cabinet member, or...
Curated OER
Unit Plan Template
Use this U.S. History unit plan as a template for creating your own! Simply download the resource and edit the text fields with your own customized unit plan. This is a great jumping-off step, especially for newer teachers.
Curated OER
What About Us? Women in the Civil War
Students research the role of women in the Civil War. In this Civil War unit, students research the role women played during the war. This unit includes eight different activities including vocabulary, writing prompts and a literature...
Curated OER
Special Report: Flood of the Great River
Students work together in groups and role play the role of television crews. Using the internet, they research specific events of the Mississippi River flooding and report their findings to the class from different angles. They are to...
Curated OER
China: Commodities Consumption
Students examine the changes that have occured in China's economy. They identify areas of competition between the United States and China. They use the internet to gather more information.
Curated OER
The Disappearing Honeybees: Tracking Honeybee Decline
Students practice graphing and other math skills to track number of honeybee colonies present in United States since 1978, discuss major crops that are dependent on insect pollinators, and examine reasons for decline of United States...