1950s Teacher Resources

Teens will get a kick out of this presentation, which provides a glimpse of the consumerism and rising pop culture of 1950's America. They will especially appreciate the discussion of "Teen culture" including the music of Elvis, the...

The threat of a Nuclear attack was very real for people in the 1950s. Share the hysteria, propaganda, and reasons behind this Cold War tactic gone overboard. A great presentation intended to build a context for understanding mid-century...

Students explore 1950's America. In this American history lesson, students research the McCarthy hearings, Civil Rights, war fatigue, and economic issues of the decades. Students respond to discussion questions about topics.

Fifth graders, using HyperStudio or PowerPoint, select the ten most important events that happened in the 1950s.

Learners encounter how to work together as a group to accomplish a common goal. They gain more experience in doing research using library reference materials as well as internet sources. Each group is responsible for making a bulletin...

Students examine the impact of technological advancements on Cold War America. In this 1950's America lesson, students research politics, Cold War society, suburbia, and consumerism during the decade in order to better understand...

Young scholars study the automobile industry. In this cultural history lesson, students explore 1950s America as they view a teacher-created PowerPoint presentation regarding the 1950s. Young scholars research how the automobile changed...

The television and interstate highways both came of age in 1950s America. Scholars use film, text, and discussion to explore how these and other cultural icons shaped the literature of the time. Pupils also create a family history...

Take a closer look at "one of the most important periods of American social history: the 1950s," as well as the type of society that the civil rights movement would endeavor to change. This engaging video begins by detailing the era of...

In this online interactive American history learning exercise, learners answer 11 multiple choice questions regarding 1950's America. Students may submit their answers to be scored.

For this America in the 1950's worksheet, students read about housing, education, entertainment, and the Cold War in the 1950s. Students then answer 5 questions about this time.

In this online interactive American history worksheet, students respond to 8 matching questions regarding 1950's America. Students may check their answers immediately.

For this 1950's America worksheet, students read assigned textbook pages about the decade and respond to 47 short answer questions.

While the 1950s seemed to be a time of peace and prosperity, Sputnik, the Korean War, and the Montgomery bus boycott were symptoms of the turmoil that loomed under the surface. Using documents, class members investigate what these events...

Starting with the election results of Eisenhower over Stevenson in 1952, this presentation features additional maps about the elections of 1956 and 1960, with electoral votes by state. Additional slides detail the Far East (Vietnam,...

Who was Joseph McCarthy and why is his name synonymous with witch hunts? What were the factors that permitted the political repression of the 1950s to flourish? Could the same thing happen today? An intriguing video traces the rise and...

Learners investigate the impact of the automobile on Americans. In this 1950's America lesson, students listen to audio clips, read about Levittown, and explore the Interstate Highway Act from the decade. Learners then discuss their...

In this 1950's lifestyle worksheet, students examine a picture of objects in a 1950's style house. They choose one of the items that they would like to share with their fellow students and tell why in a short answer at the bottom of the...

Sixth graders investigate the impact of popular culture on Americans. In this 1950's America lesson, 6th graders view television clips, listen to audio clips, and  look over fashion photographs from the decade. Students then discuss...

In this historical writing activity, students examine a full color picture of family life in the 1950's. Students write what they think they would like and dislike about living in this time from the viewpoint of the mother, father and...

Learners discuss prior knowledge of American culture during the 1950's. They complete KWL charts, participate in class discussions and view the documentary film Atomic Café. They record their observations from the film.

Eleventh graders examine the cultural mood and politics of the 1950's in the United States. They read a section of their text and take notes, view a clip of the movie "Pleasantville" and discuss societal roles in the 1950's, and listen...

Students explore art of the 1950s. In this art history lesson, students examine works by Kofman, Groky, deKooning, Indiana, Hamilson, and Warhol as they identify the attributes of Abstract Impressionism and pop art. Students...