The 1920s: The Rise of Consumer Culture

Learners explore the concept of cultural globalization. In this global issues lesson, students read and discuss the linked Web articles about world cultural issues and the dominance of the American market. 

Augment a unit on the traditions and legacies of Native Americans with an informational packet. With pages that detail the tribal origins of commonly used words, a list of ways that Native American customs influenced American democracy,...

Young learners discover how the Sioux and Assiniboine tribes preserved native culture through the making of traditional dresses, identifying the resources used to make the dresses and discussing behind the meaning behind some American...

Approach multiculturalism with this rich series of activities that will introduce your learners to the concept of culture by closely examining the behaviors, practices, and art of three distinct peoples—the Highland Maya of Guatemala,...

Music and culture are intimately linked. Ask your learners to find connections between jazz and the culture of the 1920s though a jigsaw activity and writing assignment. All pupils read one of three articles and get together in mixed...

A 13-minute audio guide begins the second activity of a unit on Zora Neale Hurtson's Their Eyes Were Watching God. Once they have listened to the guide and read Chapter 1 of the novel, kids discuss the story as an example of oral...

Why do cultural misunderstandings happen? What causes stereotypes, and what is dangerous about them? After viewing some possible explanations to these questions provided by young adults around the world, your learners will discuss how...

In what ways do immigrant cultures influence American culture? Young historians explore cultural diffusion and diversity in the United States, and interview peers to discuss shared and unique cultural experiences.

The history and tradition of the samurai are analyzed as cultural norms that changed to reflect the times. The class will examine sets of samurai armor and clothing to describe how their role changed over an eight-hundred year period....

Looking at art is the first step to analyzing it. And, if you can analyze art, you can analyze anything. Kids examine several pop art pieces that represent consumerism in modern culture. They discuss multiple facets of each piece and...