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Under the Spell of Spiders
Learners examine spiders. In these spider lessons, students will view spider images and live spiders to determine physical characteristics, habits, and habitats. Learners will examine fantasy and folklore about spiders to create and...
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Publisher Skills Assessment
Students complete a technology integration project using Publisher. In this technology lesson, students use Publisher to create magazine activities for the American Revolution, indigenous cultures, California missions, colonization, and...
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Wax Museum
Sixth graders put their research skills to work. In this Revolutionary War lesson, 6th graders research a famous figure from that era. Students use the information gathered to prepare for a wax museum experience.
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Muses of Independence
Eighth graders explore the entertainment options in colonial America. In this colonial life activity, 8th graders watch a movie about colonial music and arts. Students then respond to questions regarding the movie and also respond to 1...
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The Origins of American Government
Students create an advertising campaign to persuade the Founding Fathers to adopt a particular political philosophy. Working in groups, they conduct research about a certain political philosophy. Students create a pitch to be made to...
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Patriots and Loyalists
Fifth graders take a clear stance on the Revolutionary way by choosing the side of the patriot or loyalist. They compare and contrast the positions of both the loyalists and the patriots using a graphic organizer. Using the information...
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Media and War
Students investigate how written media and word of mouth helped foment rebellion during the Revolutionary War. They compare and contrast that with the role of the news media in the war in Iraq focusing on cause and effect relationships.
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Trekking Across America
Students evaluate the impact of transportation on society, the economy, communication, and travel. They complete an inquiry project about modern modes of transportation, and compare transportation of the 19th century to transportation...
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Newspaper Time
Eighth graders complete a newspaper article as a part of their exam review for the Revolutionary War. Using information gathered over the course of the unit, 8th graders create their own newspaper reflecting the facts and ideas of the...
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Revolutionary Idea
Students take a field trip to watch a reenactment of the Revolutionary War. In groups, they participate in the same daily chores as the soldiers and examine the contributions of the colonies. To end the lesson, they eat a typical...
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In the Footsteps of West Virginia
Students prepare for a visit to the West Virginia State Museum. In this West Virginia history lesson, students research the individuals whose leadership impacted the state. Students create multimedia projects featuring the individuals...
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Art and Politics
Students analyze the work of three artists whose art work illustrates important political and social events. In this art analysis instructional activity, students analyze the art of Jasper Johns, Charles Moore, and Andy Warhol. Students...
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The Declaration and Beyond
Students are explained that they are going to use a part of Thomas Paine's 1776 pamplet Common Sense as a starting point for exploring about argumentation, or persuasive writing. They are given a copy of the excerpt. Students discuss...
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Mary Ann Patten: Clipper Ship Heroine
In two groups, students research the history and current building of clipper ships. In this inquiry lesson, students present information and compare and contrast the technological revolution with the development of clipper ships....
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History of the Masons
Students are divided into groups and follow directions of their group leaders and complete a worksheet while on site.
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Age of Enlightenment
Studnets compare example of primary documents that have shaped U.S. government and our Constitution.
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What Makes a Hero?
Here is a well-designed lesson inviting learners to consider the qualities of a hero. They describe the lives and deeds of national, state, and/or local heroes. This is a thoughtful lesson, which is part of a sequential group on heroes....
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U.S. History Timeline
Fifth graders complete a timeline activity in which they outline the events from explorations to the early Colonial era. In groups, they discover an overview of the events that lead up to the signing of the Declaration of Independence. ...
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Exploring George Washington's Leadership
Learners examine primary documents to determine whether or not George Washington was an honest leader. In this presidential history lesson plan, students evaluate Washington's leadership prior to and during his presidency. Guided reading...
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Memorial Day Shoebox Parade
Learners examine the history of U.S. conflict and Memorial Day. They conduct research, develop a timeline of U.S. conflict, and create a shoebox Memorial Day parade to commemorate veterans and soldiers.
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Washington Irving in Context
High schoolers examine the various roles Washington Irving had in his lifetime. Examining the situation in Europe and the United States, they are encouraged to relate Irving's experiences to different events. They examine themselves in...
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Uniform Design
Students investigate the military by examining their uniforms. For this design lesson, students analyze the military uniforms from different locations and time periods. Students create new ideas for current military uniforms.
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Loyalist? Ghosts of the Hudson River Valley
Students examine how national events effect them in New York. They examine case studies about individuals who represent different groups in society.
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Art Reflects Life
Fifth graders use the Internet to view collections of famous artists throughout the eighteenth century America. Using the artwork, they identify the themes that portrayed America as the land of opportunity. They record their findings...