California Academy of Science
Poetic Reflections
Poetry is a wonderful way to explore language, express topical understanding, and incite creative thinking. After a trip to the local natural history museum (or zoo), learners write an acrostic or a cinquain poem describing one of their...
Smithsonian Institution
Barn Again! Celebrating an American Icon
How do barns serve as a window to a community's past? Here are a series of lessons on the symbolism and historical context of barns throughout American history. Topics include community-building, in-depth primary and secondary...
Education World
You Are the Historian: Investigating the First Thanksgiving
Students examine the facts and myths that surround the "First Thanksgiving" (the harvest celebration of 1621) at Plimoth Colony. They study the role that historians play in the collection and dissemination of history and use their...
Museum of Tolerance
My Experience with Injustice
As part of their preparation for a visit to the Museum of Tolerance, individuals are asked to write about a time when they witnessed or experienced unjust, biased, or prejudicial treatment. A great way for writers to make a personal...
Curated OER
A Gallery of Mexican Art
Learners tour a virtual gallery of Mexican Art and create a glossary of art terms. They explore the history and culture of Mexico through studying Mexican art. They access websites imbedded in this plan to study the artwork.
National Museum of the American Indian
To Honor & Comfort Native Quilting Traditions
"Native American history leaps boldly off the colorful quilts and patchwork designs." Learners discuss Native American identity and symbolism by reading about a variety of Native quilters and their unique art process, and participate in...
Curated OER
Hispanic World - Spain
Take your class on an electronic field trip to Spain! Visit Cordoba or Barcelona, and run with the bulls (virtually) in Pamplona. Groups search the Internet to find sites that permit them to explore the original Spanish-speaking country....
Curated OER
Using Primary Sources to Study the Holocaust
Engage your middle schoolers with Pastor Martin Niemoller's famous poem that begins, "First they came for the communists." Now that you have their attention, send learners to the various work stations you created to have them explore...
Dick Blick Art Materials
Pop Art Clay Portraits
Create the classic Andy Warhol mass-produced image using clay slabs. Explore the pop art movement using image transfer techniques. This project incorporates art history as well as multiple clay tools. The finished product is an...
US Holocaust Museum
Life in Shadows: Hidden Children and the Holocaust
Hiding in the filth of a sewer, as a child, to avoid capture by Nazi soldiers—sounds scary! Scholars investigate the youngest victims of the Holocaust, the children. They research video clips and written sources from the Holocaust...
Curated OER
Out & About: Ancient Rome
Students consider the accomplishments of the Romans. In this ancient Rome lesson, students take a closer look at Roman contributions to modern society as they visit the suggested museums and their websites.
Curated OER
Out & About: Dinosaurs
Students discover details about dinosaurs in Great Britain. In this dinosaur lesson, students visit selected museums and learning centers online and in person to examine and study dinosaur exhibits.
Curated OER
Orientalism
Students read information about Orientalism, the artists who painted in that style, and study examples of the art. In this art style instructional activity, students read about the periods of Orientalism and the artists who created with...
Curated OER
Montauk Historic Site
Students study the contributions of the Larrabee family. In this Iowa history lesson, students listen to a lecture regarding William Larrabee's governorship and the building of Montauk home.
Curated OER
Seven Wonders of the World: Temple of Artemis at Ephesus: Part 4 of 7
Students explore an ancient wonder of the world. In this Temple of Artemis lesson, students read about the history of the temple, create temple timelines, compose poetry to honor the goddess, and consider the part of the temple that is...
Curated OER
African American Art in the Twentieth Century
Students create a poster and paper describing the importance of African American History Week after a visit to the Phillips Collection in Washington DC.
Curated OER
The Scope of Capital Hill: A Pictorial Tour of the US Capital
Students visit Capital Hill to create photographic story boards that tell the story of the House of Representatives, Senate, and the history of Capital Hill. In the process, students must explain the legislative process, define roles of...
Curated OER
Ancient Cyprus: The Cesnola Collection at the Semitic Museum, Harvard University
Ninth graders review what they already know about ancient civilizations. Before visiting the museum, they complete a pre-test on Cyprus and how trade is important to the island. During the visit, they travel in small groups to examine...
Curated OER
Virtual Ellis Island Museum Unit: Oral Histories
Young scholars conduct oral histories of family members to explore their cultural and ethnic heritage after developing a set of research questions.
Curated OER
Visit a Mesopotamian House
Students compare the homes of people who lived in ancient Mesopotamia to their own and explore how climate, natural resources, and cultural differences may have influenced the differences. The house plan can be obtained from the wed site.
Curated OER
Exploring the History of Canyon De Chelly
Pupils develop a clear understanding of the history of Canyon De Chelly and how this history influences current day events. People groups are studied and students create a time line of settlers arrival to the region.
Curated OER
Historical Events in Utah History
Fifth graders choose a topic they are interested in related to the history of Utah. Using the internet, they research the topic making sure to cite where they gathered the information and take notes. To end the activity, they write...
Curated OER
Culminating Writing Assessment: History
Students reflect on power, privilege, and standing in American society. In this writing skills lesson, students respond to the question, "If you are denied power, privilege, and equal standings with other Americans, how would you respond?"
Curated OER
Swords, Arrows, and Eggs
Students enjoy hands-on learning experiences. In this current events lesson, students may visit the Lulworth Castle, Roald Dahl Museum, Glasgow Science Centre, Salts Mill, or the Sherwood Forest online or in-person to discover details of...