We found 147 reviewed resources
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The History Blueprint: The Cold War (World)
How and why was the Cold War fought? A carefully crafted, inquiry-based unit covers seven major topics: the roots of the Cold war, decolonization and nationalism, the three-world order, American foreign policy, American domestic policy,...
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Spanish-American War: 1 Day Lesson
After analyzing newspaper articles portraying different perspectives of the explosion of the Battleship USS Maine, your young historians will take a stand on which position is the most believable in both discussion and writing.
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Civics and Citizenship
What is a good citizen? Here is a fantastic unit of ten lessons that will thoroughly cover the concept of civics and citizenship in your class. Examples of activities include learning stations, primary and secondary source analysis of...
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Joe McCarthy and the Red Scare
In the 1950s, how did the Red Scare and the actions of Senator Joseph McCarthy affect the American people? Your young historians will analyze primary source documents on the Red Scare, participate in a "find the Communist" simulation,...
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Roots of the Cold War
When and how did the Cold War begin? To answer this question, you will not find a better-organized, in-depth, activity- and inquiry-based resource than this! Executing best teaching practices throughout, each portion of this inquiry...
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Analyzing an Argument
How do you read non-fiction, informational text? How do you recognize the rhetorical devices a writer is using? How do you determine the tone of such a document? Lincoln’s First Inaugural Address provides a perfect vehicle for learners...
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Vaccine History and Research
New ReviewIt all becomes a matter of timing. Groups use a variety of resources to research the history of vaccines by first creating a timeline of vaccine research using leading scientists' work. Learners read articles to develop a story of the...
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From Dred Scott to the Civil Rights Act of 1875: Eighteen Years of Change
New ReviewWhat do a photo of Abraham Lincoln, a map for the Battle of Antietam, and the Dred Scott decision all have in common? Learners consider the broader question as they examine documents related to civil rights during the Civil War and...
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Evaluating the New Departure Strategy in the Fight for Women's Suffrage
New ReviewWhen women demanded their right to vote, did the Constitution already protect it? The New Departure Strategy in the women's suffrage movement made this claim through court hearings. Using documents, such as transcripts from Susan B....
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Comparing Civil War Recruitment Posters
New ReviewAfrican Americans fought in the Civil War, and they were recruited by both the Union and the Confederacy! By comparing the wording of posters—one directed at freedmen and another to the owners of enslaved people—young historians discover...
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A Petition for the Cotton Gin
New ReviewWhile almost forgotten today, the cotton gin could be seen as one of the causes of the Civil War. The innovation led to more cotton production, which in turn undermined political power balances in the 1800s. Individuals unpack the...
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Abraham Lincoln and Wartime Politics
New ReviewAmericans today lionize Abraham Lincoln, but he was controversial during his presidency for suspending cherished rights and leading the country during a controversial war. Using primary sources such as campaign materials, young scholars...
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On the Eve of War: North vs. South
New ReviewThe North and South had been on a collision course for years. Using primary source documents, including speeches from the American and Confederate presidents, learners consider how the regions were similar and different. Afterward, they...
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The Gulf of Tonkin Resolution and Escalation of the Vietnam War
New ReviewThe Gulf of Tonkin Resolution propelled America's involvement into a bloody conflict—and it was based on a fallacy. Using the resolution and other documents from the Vietnam War, including declassified documents, young historians...
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Ratifying the Constitution
New ReviewRatifying the Constitution was no simple task. Using primary sources, such as classic writings from the Federalists and Anti-Federalists, young scholars examine the arguments for and against the Constitution. They then decide: Would they...
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The Creation of the Bill of Rights: “Retouching the Canvas”
New ReviewWhile the Constitutional Convention lay the foundation of the new government for the United States, the protections given under the Bill of Rights were controversial. Using documents, such as James Madison's and Thomas Jefferson's...
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Empire and Identity in the American Colonies
New ReviewThe American Revolution was born out of a European conflict that spilled over into North America—and the documents prove it! Using primary sources from the era of the French and Indian War, including British plans to try to unite its...
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There is No Such Thing as a Free Lunch - The Economic Lowdown
New ReviewImagine a pizza place offers your school free pizza for lunch. No strings attached, right? Not so, say economists. Using a video from the Fed, young scholars examine the meaning of concepts such as scarcity and opportunity cost to...
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The Battles of the Civil War
New ReviewImages from Gettysburg and Sherman's March to the Sea still haunt the America consciousness. The battles such as Vicksburg and Gettysburg, as well as Sherman's use of total war, still capture the American imagination. Using primary...
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The Matter of the Philippines
New ReviewThe United States won the Spanish-American War, so now what? Young scholars act as advisors to President McKinley and use primary sources to recommend what America should do with its territories. Using a variety of perspectives—including...
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The Spanish–American War
New ReviewThe Spanish-American War propelled the United States to the world stage and helped create the modern super power. Using web-based primary sources and a WebQuest format, young scholars consider the causes and outcomes for the war. Working...
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The Question of an American Empire
New ReviewAs it rose to being the new super power, America had a choice: conquer other nations like its European predecessors, or stay home. Using primary source documents from those thinking about American foreign policy in the late 1800s,...
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The Power of the Majority over Thought
New ReviewWhile Alexis de Tocqueville mourned a lack of "freedom of discussion" in America in the early republic, today's pupils are concerned about peer pressure. Using excerpts of de Tocqueville's writing and discussion questions, scholars...
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“From Time to Time”: Presidents and Communicating with the Public
New ReviewWhile the Constitution requires a "State of the Union" address, it doesn't give many details. In fact, it wasn't until Woodrow Wilson that the periodic update to Congress was given in-person. Using primary sources, recordings and...