1980s Teacher Resources

Learners examine how breakdancing influenced Keith Haring. They translate a flat image into movement. They breakdance along to music of the 1980's to experience the energy and innovation of that decade. They create flipbooks of their own...

Students examine pop culture of the 1980s.  In this historical time period instructional activity, students view a Smurfs cartoon from the 1980s and discuss its similarities and differences to cartoons today.  Students work in...

Music in the 80s includes the various lyrics and notes of AC/DC. While teaching a unit on the 80s, don't forget to include AC/DC during a discussion on pop culture. There are 10 multiple-choice questions about AC/DC in the 80s on...

Examine economic policies put into place during the Reagan administration. Pupils read an informational passage about the 1980s and the impact of the economic policies. They then respond to seven questions about the text. Consider...

Students examine artwork by Keith Haring, and listen to music popular in the 1980s that influenced him. They develop storyboards, and film music videos for their favorite song.

In this 1980's quiz learning exercise, students answer a set of 10 questions. An answer key and links to additional activities are given. 

Cover the 1980s in your class with a brief informational text and seven related questions. The one-page reading passage includes general information about jobs and skills, population patterns, and the AIDS epidemic. 

It started as a simple sting against low-level corruption, and it ended with the conviction of members of Congress. Class members enter the world of bribery and politics using video clips, including news reports from the 1980s and...

High schoolers identify different genres of music popular in the 1980s. They study musicians of the 1980s examples of the songs that they made popular. They utilize a worksheet imbedded in this plan to categorize the music.

In this U.S. history worksheet, students read assigned textbook pages describing 1980's America and respond to 49 short answer questions.

Students explore the cultural and creative phenomenons of the 1980s. They transform old clothes, model them and reflect on the process. They create a set as a backdrop and present a Fashion Show.

Students explain the content, purpose, and impact of the Tax Reform Acts of 1969 and 1986.

Using political cartoons, scholars analyze the energy crisis of the 1970s and '80s, comparing and contrasting it to current tensions with oil. Display the 6 cartoons (linked) to the class, and demonstrate analysis using the worksheet...

Readers consider comparisons between the Dinka and Nuer tribes in South Sudan, making connections between an informational article about Sudanese tribes and the novel A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park. They annotate the text to help...

Scholars continue making connections between the article "Sudanese Tribes Confront Modern War" and A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park. They talk with partners to discuss how the article helps them understand a character's point of...

Students examine laws that have affected women in history: the 1780's, following the United States independence from England; the 1880's, the time of westward expansion, the silver/gold era, and the coming of the Industrial Revolution.

High schoolers identify President Reagan's domestic and foreign policy, describe America's attitude toward communism, list characteristics which endeared Reagan to the American people, and explain why some Americans spoke out against...

Art and music have been vehicles for statements of civil unrest for hundreds of years. Upper graders critically analyze several pop songs or music movements from the 1980s that exemplify politically charged motives. They...

How do the men of Ghostbusters represent entrepreneurship, the market economy, and government oversight? This video provides unique insight into the risks of startup companies, as well as the foundational features of a market...

British astronomer Sir Fred Hoyle first coined the term the Big Bang in 1950. The theory explains much of what we have observed in the universe, but it does leave some things unexplained. The video discusses the Cosmic Inflation...

The 1980's was an interesting time for the American economic system. This presentation relates the lead to and the effects of Reaganomics, Trickle down economy, and Clintonomics. Embedded links, works cited, and images are included. A...

For this online interactive history activity, learners respond to 15 matching questions regarding the Reagan presidency and 1980's America. Students may check their answers immediately

Students explore cultural trends in the United States in the 20th century and examine the resurgence of some of those trends in today's society.

Students explore life and work of Keith Waring, and create their own "Graffiti Wall" in the classroom.