Gateway to America

Music can help us to access memories and events in a meaningful way, and Francis Scott Key used specific words to convey what he had seen and felt when writing what would become America's national anthem. Help your class connect to the...

Students investigate America during the the 1800s. In this Social Studies lesson, students examine the Industrial Revolution, Westward Expansion, and other historical events that happened during the 1800s. Students compare and contrast...

Though it occurred almost 40 years later, could the United States have been fighting for their independence again in the War of 1812? Using appropriate primary source material from each of the two wars, compare and contrast the situation...

In this Idaho worksheet, learners match vocabulary words about Idaho to their descriptions. Students match 10 words to their descriptions.

General information about America is covered in this presentation. There are 4 topical slides, our capital, important places, important people and our country's holidays. This PowerPoint would be a great discussion starter or as...

A virtual field trip takes scholars to Ellis Island. A host tours the grounds and interviews three National Park Rangers using questions made by local school children. 

Fifth graders study the immigration station on Ellis Island. Through several activities, they see that immigrants who arrived at Ellis Island came to America from different countries, mostly those in Europe, for a variety of reasons.

Ten stops take scholars on an interactive tour of Ellis Island. Each engaging "stop" comes with a detailed description, two facts, and photos with captions. 

Students research and describe what happens to immigrants coming to America today. It is designed to get students thinking about the similarities and differences in immigrant experiences over the past 100 or so years.

Students examine the history of the United Stated defending the coast line. They also analyze how military technology has changed the way the coasts are defended. They discuss how military expenditures have affected their community.