Curated OER
American Pop Icons
Young scholars analyze art and decide if the images are an attempt to celebrate or criticize American Popular Culture of the fifties and sixties and discuss how successful "Pop Art" mirrored society. Students also discuss the difference...
Curated OER
African Ceramic Portrait Vessel
Middle schoolers create a piece of art inspired by traditional African pieces.
Curated OER
Latino Contributions To American Culture
Students create their own working definition of what it means to be an American. They examine the achievements of Latinos and discuss how the contribution of these Americans have enriched and helped shape American culture.
Curated OER
OCCUPATIONAL OXYMORON: Examining the Circumstances of the Hidden Working Poor
Students use the book, The WorkingPoor, as a basis for this lesson. They state their current understanding of poverty., work in groups to prepare presentations on different aspects of the working poor and give oral presentations.
Curated OER
Views of the American West: True or False?
Young scholars explain that a landscape painting may or may not accurately represent a specific place. They identify techniques that create the illusion of three-dimensional space on a flat surface.
National First Ladies' Library
First Ladies as Activists
Students choose a First Lady of the 20th century to research. Using both print and non-print sources, they identify the cause to which their First Lady gave her name, time, and energy. After researching, they right a press release...
Curated OER
Vincent Van Gogh: A Stroke of Genius
Learners examine the tragic life and career of Vincent Van Gogh. Plagued by madness and depression, Van Gogh nevertheless produced revolutionary works of art that are worth millions today.
Curated OER
Comparing Sparta and Athens
Learners are taught the differences between totalitarianism and democracy. They discuss the historical roots of the democratic tradition. Students are introduced to the term totalitarianism and are told that it is a form of government...
Curated OER
Lewis and Clark: The Language of Discovery
Middle schoolers replicate some of the trailblazing methods of Lewis and Clark on a fifteen-minute "writing journey" through the school or neighborhood.
Curated OER
Animal Encounters
Students use their visualizing and interpreting skills to produce original writings and artwork.
Curated OER
Lesson 2: Maine's Merchant Marines
Students simulate the quarters aboard a ship. They write a letter to Joanna Colcord or Alice Drinkwater that shows an understanding of the experience of being aboard ship, and asks further historical questions about the experience.