Civil War Trust
Civil War Play
Raise the curtain to a class play that depicts the Civil War through both factual information and literary devices. The performance showcases the Battle of Antietam (Battle of Sharpsburg) and brings attention to women's roles, as well as...
PBS
Historical Perspectives: Coming Home from War
What do the homecoming experiences of soldiers who fought in WWII, Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan reveal about the politics and culture of the US during the time period of each war? Young historians view The Way We Get By, which tells...
Curated OER
A Fair Trade
Young scholars examine a piece of art to find objects and symbols used by the artist. In this visual art lesson, students look at Jaun Quick-to-See Smith's, "Trade Canoe for Don Quixote." They look for symbols and items that show the...
Rockefeller Archive Center
Understanding Mass Media News
In an age of fake news and photoshopped images, it is vital that 21st century learners development the skills they need to evaluate mass media and assess its validity. A great way to launch such a study is with a carefully crafted lesson...
Curated OER
Underground Railroad- People Get Ready...There's a Train a Comin'
Students learn about the Underground Railroad. In this Civil War and slavery lesson plan, students discuss how successful slaves would be moving around at night, learn the secret vocabulary used for escape routes and review background...
PBS
Family History: Treasure Troves
It's time for show and tell! Scholars investigate historical artifacts to determine what secrets they reveal about the time periods they represent. They then research their own personal artifacts, as well as those from World War I.
National First Ladies' Library
What Does It Mean to Give Your Time?
Students identify and consider what it means to sacrifice time and effort in helping others. Then they decide areas where their help may be needed, and pursue this area in the local community. Students also search the World Wide Web to...
Curated OER
Bridges for All
Students describe how the brave word of one female Quaker served as a lifeline for fugitives before the Civil War. In this research lesson, students research several examples of the philanthropic work of individuals and organizations...
Curated OER
Coming On Home Soon
Students explore the role of women during World War II. Through a reading of the book "Coming On Home Soon" students gain insight into the ways women helped the war effort. Research and writing activities help support their point of...
Curated OER
Conscience and Public Service
Students study conscientious observers (COs) in the Civilian Public Service (CPS) during World War II. They explore how the media sources influence public opinion and policy makers, and complete a writing assignment about the topic.
Curated OER
Bridges for All Lesson 1: Fighting Chance (1850-1877)
Students study how a Quaker woman, Laura Smith Haviland, served as a lifeline for fugitive and freedmen during the American Civil War era. They research other philanthropic organizations and the associate vocabulary of this era.
Curated OER
Battle of Stones River
Students will read the story "Battle of Stones River" and define a set of vocabulary words. In this Civil War lesson, students complete a fill-in-the-blank vocabulary activity after reading the story and defining the words.
Curated OER
Unscramble the Words: Civil War on Sunday
In this historical word scramble instructional activity, students unscramble ten words about Civil War on Sunday. A word bank is provided. The historical event this refers to is not clear.
Curated OER
Recruiting a Few Good Citizens
Students write persuasive speeches to recruit soldiers for a Civil War company. In this Civil War U.S. history and writing lesson plan, students work in groups to create a recruiting poster and write a speech to persuade soldiers to join...
Curated OER
Letters Home
Students read a short biography of Jacob Early, a member of the Ohio Volunteer Infantry in 1862. In this Civil War instructional activity, students rewrite a letter written by him, editing for spelling, grammar and punctuation. Students...
Curated OER
Philanthropy in Michigan? Civil War Lesson 1: What is Philanthropy?
Students determine the meaning of philanthropy and find examples of it in Mary Francis Shura's, Gentle Annie: The True Story of a Civil War Nurse. They discuss act of philanthropy that they have personally witnessed.
Curated OER
Ethnic Groups in World War II
Students discuss the contributions of various ethnic groups during World War II prior to visiting the George Bush Gallery of the Pacific War. After the visit, they interview veterans about prejudice during the war or listen to a guesst...
Curated OER
Introduction to The Diary of Anne Frank
Get a glimpse of Anne Frank's years in hiding with this activity, which introduces The Diary of Anne Frank. Readers complete a journal entry about how they would keep themselves occupied if they were forced into hiding (without personal...
Curated OER
Rise of the Revolution
Ninth graders explore the French Revolution. In this French Revolution lesson, student research citizen action and public policy during the war. Students write essays regarding their research findings.
Curated OER
The Mission of the Red Cross
Students explore and discus the mission aims of the International Committee of the Red Cross. They draft a letter about the work of the ICRC to the US Secretary of Defense which includes personal opinions on:
the mission of the Red...
Curated OER
The Battle for San Juan Hill: Santiago, Cuba, July 1, 1898
Eleventh graders design and create a poster, advertising for recruitment of volunteers to serve with Teddy Roosevelt in the 1st Volunteer Calvary Regiment. Students create a historical newspaper front page, from the time period, which...
Curated OER
The History and Poetry of In Flanders Fields
Students examine the inspiration for the John Mc Crae's poem, In Flanders Field. They study sonnets and the use of tetrameter before discussing is considered to be a sonnet although it does not follow the pattern. They discuss the...
Curated OER
All Quiet On The Western Front
Students create a poem on the subject of war. In this All Quiet on the Western Front lesson, students create poetry using phrases or lines that they brainstorm during a pre-writing session. Students enhance their poetry with sensory...
Curated OER
Telegram from Senator Joseph McCarthy to President Harry S. Truman
Students research the McCarthy hearings to determine the following: time frame of hearings, how they were broadcast, how the press reacted, and how the American people reacted in light of the Korean Conflict and the Cold War.