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Women's History Activator: Eleanor Roosevelt
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A President's Vision
A seven-resource curriculum set presents primary source materials that permits young historians to examine the programs and initiatives advanced by Presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt,...
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A President's Vision: George Washington
Worksheets guide 21st-century learners through an examination of primary source documents related to the presidency of George Washington. The worksheets in the collection allow students to identify the context, meaning, and significance...
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Ben Across the Curriculum: High School
Benjamin Franklin: The man, the scientist, the inventor, the statesman, the legend. A 10-lesson collection introduces high schoolers to the many facets of Franklin’s character. Although developed for the International Traveling...
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The Crisis of American Diplomacy, 1793–1808
The tangled web of the United States’ diplomatic alliances and foreign policy during the French Revolution comes under scrutiny in a three-resource collection. Young historians examine how Great Britain and France challenged both the...
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Franklin’s Fair Hand American Journalism
Scholars know him for his role in the American Revolution, but Ben Franklin was also a journalist and printer. Learners investigate his standards for what was fit to print using primary sources—including writings where Franklin explains...
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Early Modern: Global Interactions
The moment Christopher Columbus's ships touched the shores of a New World, the old world changed forever. But has it been for the better? High schoolers consider the effectiveness, benefits, and drawbacks of the Columbian Exchange with a...
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Native Americans of the Chesapeake Bay: Using Primary vs. Secondary Sources
Discover the rich Native American culture that existed at the time of early European exploration into the Chesapeake region through analysis of several primary and secondary sources.
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Analyzing a Map of the Louisiana Purchase
New ReviewWith the stroke of a pen, Thomas Jefferson roughly doubled the size of the United States. The Louisiana Purchase not only grew the new country, but also it gave rise to the legends surrounding westward expansion and accelerated the...
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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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The Journey to Revolution: Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death
The words of "Common Sense" and Patrick Henry's "Give me liberty or give me death!" speech ring throughout history. Using excerpts from the famous pamphlet and speech, as well as a recorded reenactment of Henry's impassioned delivery,...
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Global Impact of the Columbian Exchange
It's hard to imagine a life without chocolate, popcorn, or even potatoes! And what about pizza or pasta! Class groups research the Columbian Exchange and the positive and negative influences these trade routes had on not only European...
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Early American Settlements
What brought settlers from Europe to North America? By exploring primary sources, such as posters seeking recruits for the new lands, class members take a deeper look at these motivations. To finish, they present their findings to...
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Founding Documents
Teach the class about the predecessor to Declaration of Independence—the Virginia Declaration of Rights. Using the foundational documents, scholars examine the two writings to consider how they are similar and how they are different. A...
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Early American Civilizations
Bridge subjects ancient history and English language arts together with a unit all about the Maya, Aztec, and Inca civilizations. Eleven lessons begin with a read-aloud followed by a whole-class discussion in preparation for practice by...
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Hey, King: Get Off Our Backs!
Young historians explore the reason American colonists were unhappy under British rule. Class members complete hands-on activities and participate in a group discussions to understand why colonists drafted the Declaration of Independence.
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On This Day: Boston Tea Party
Just how did loyal British citizens decide they would vandalize a shipment of tea coming into Boston Harbor in 1773? Using video clips that show the re-enactment of a debate about the Boston Tea Party and experts analyzing its historical...
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On This Day: The Ratification of The Bill of Rights
The cherished rights included in the first ten amendments to the Constitution almost didn't happen! Pupils tour via video a National Archives exhibit on the Bill of Rights, as well as listen to how a modern judge applies them. Once...
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A Clear Signal for Change: Multiple Interpretations and Nat Turner’s Rebellion
Was Nat Turner a hero or a violent criminal? Using primary sources and images that discuss the rebellion of enslaved people he led in antebellum Virginia, scholars consider the question. Then, they create memorials to Turner and...
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Many Bens: Character Revealed in Writing
Benjamin Franklin may be known as a Founding Father, but he was also a prolific writer. Scholars examine his better-known pieces to learn about genre, voice, and early American history. The resource includes options for various...
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Join, or Die: Reenacting the Albany Conference
The Albany Congress was one of the first attempts at colonial unity. While it was an effort against the French during the French and Indian War, it was one of the events leading up to the American Revolution. Scholars consider the...
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Simple Machines, Ben Franklin and the Technology of the 1700s
Benjamin Franklin was an inventor, and he was fascinated by the mechanics of machinery. Using a fun exploration, pupils examine simple machines from the pre-Industrial era. Then, they must identify and build their own using common objects.
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Franklin’s Philadelphia: Another Point of View
While Benjamin Franklin enjoyed fame and success in colonial Philadelphia, that was not the experience of all coming to the British colonies. Young scholars trace the life of an indentured servant using a scholarly biography and reading...
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What Good May I Do: Franklin and the American Civic Association
Benjamin Franklin may have been a Founding Father of the United States, but he also founded a number of civic associations. Learners explore his legacy using a biographical essay and collaborative activity. After their exploration,...
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Lists to Live By: Developing a Self-Improvement Plan
Ben Franklin was a man with a plan. Learners investigate his plan for self-improvement using excerpts from Franklin's autobiography. Then, pupils develop their own plans and discuss how to sell them to others using the two-session lesson...
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Lesson 2: The United States, France, and the Problem of Neutrality, 1796–1801
While the French Revolution could be considered inspired by the American Revolution, it created thorny problems for the new United States. Should the United States get involved and be drawn into a European drama? Was the US strong...
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Lesson 1: The United States Confronts Great Britain, 1793–1796
After the Revolutionary War, the success of the United States was far from guaranteed. Foreign powers coveted the new land, and Great Britain challenged American sovereignty. Learners consider the challenges facing the new nation using...
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Franklin’s Philadelphia: Another Point of View
The impressive story of Benjamin Franklin, including his rise from a printer’s apprentice to a statesman, color upper-level scholars’ understanding of the possibilities of life in colonial Philadelphia. But not everyone had the...
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Designing Benjamin Franklin: In Search of a Better World
How do you convey someone’s creativity? Individuals answer the question as they design exhibitions to showcase the intellect and genius of Benjamin Franklin. After conducting research, classmates work in groups to try to capture and...
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The Junto Meets Again
Out of the classroom and into the streets! With Ben Franklin’s Junto society as inspiration, learners develop their ideas for improving their communities and put them into action. After analyzing meeting notes to discover what the Junto...
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How Ben Franklin Stole the Lightning
Benjamin Franklin was never an American president, but he is considered a Founding Father because of his innovative contributions to American politics, science, and economics. Learn more about the way Ben Franklin influenced historical...
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US History and Government Examination: January 2018
It's time to test those skills! Assess pupils' knowledge of US history and government with short answer questions, multiple-choice items, and essays. The resource serves as a standardized test that functions well for a final exam....
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US History and Government Examination: June 2017
Ready for a test that uses primary sources as a tool to assess comprehension? Learners answer multiple choice, essay, and short answer questions to demonstrate their understanding of American history.
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US History and Government Examination: August 2017
Developing a test that uses primary sources to assess class members knowledge of the history of the United States is no easy task! Save yourself the time and stress and use a final exam that includes essay, multiple choice, and short...
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US History and Government Examination: June 2018
Ready to test your learners about anything and everything related to United States history and government? The resource uses multiple-choice and essay questions to assess knowledge.
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The Last Roundup
The issues raised by the transitioning of Santa Rosa Island from privately owned to a National Park are explored in a short, poignant documentary that weaves together vintage family photos and videos with interviews with a member of the...
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First Contact Newspaper
Turn scholars into news reporters whose assignment is to cover the goings on in Early America. Your job as editor is to help individuals select a topic and to guide them on their writing journey. Young journalists then draft their...
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The French and Indian War
Sharpen those pencils and get to writing with a series of document-based questions about the French and Indian War. High schoolers focus on maps, letters, and other primary documents from the 18th century before answering writing prompts...
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Stories of America
Class members research a person, event, or time period in American history and then, using Google Sites, create a class web site where individuals embed or link a mock news article, a video, and an original narrative about their subject....
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Remembering Abraham Lincoln
As part of their study of the contributions of Abraham Lincoln, class members design their own memorial for this great president.
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Thomas Jefferson on Shay's Rebellion
After reading a brief primary source document in which Thomas Jefferson comments on the armed uprising of Shay's Rebellion, your young historians will respond to both text-based and discussion questions, and consider the nature of...
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WANTED! Edward Teach, AKA “Blackbeard”
Ahoy there! No need to sail the seven seas to find an exciting lesson on pirates in colonial life. Your little lubbers will learn about the infamous pirate Blackbeard, and then invent their own pirate and create a WANTED poster based on...
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George Washington- Mini Biography
From his role as a British officer in the French and Indian War, to a representative on the Continental Congress, and finally as the first president of the United States of America, offer your learners a succinct and comprehensive look...
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The Lost Colony of Roanoke
In a quick mini-lesson, young pupils act as detectives to investigate the mystery surrounding the "disappearance" of the colony of Roanoke.
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Primary Source Worksheet: “Report on Manufacturers,” Annals of Congress
Invite your learners to take a look at life during the term of United States president George Washington through analysis of an interesting primary source. The document summarizes American manufacturing capacities, as detailed by the...
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Washington’s Farewell Speech
Practice reading fluency with a Reader's Theater performance based on Washington's Farewell Address. The teacher begins by reading a few paragraphs from the address and talking about mood and expression with the class. Groups of five...
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Thirteen Colonies Map Project
How much did the geography of North America play a role in the formation of the thirteen colonies? Lead fourth, fifth or sixth graders on an adventure in cartography. Young historians create a map of colonial America, including major...
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Manners and Mores of Washington's America
Students explore the social policies of early America. In this etiquette instructional activity, students read George Washington's "110 Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior in Company and Conversation." Students identify expectations...
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The Federalist Papers (1787-1789)
An online interactive history quiz awaits your eager upper graders. They respond to 50 multiple choice questions about the Federalist Papers, and then submit their answers to be scored. While the quiz covers some pertinent information,...
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Making a Report to President Washington
Students gain an understanding of some of the challenges the U.S. faced at its birth. They are asked to compose a report on the state of the nation in 1790 (addressed to President George Washington), which includes a narrative, maps and...
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Rights in Early America
Get your historians to hop into someone else's 18th century shoes with a simulation on rights in early America. Each individual gets an identity card, indicating their race, gender, and status (slave or free). Areas around the room are...
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The Settlement of the Chesapeake
Focusing on the Virginia and Maryland settlements in the 1600's, this presentation is a complete and thorough resource during a unit on Colonial America. It includes pictures, maps, and interesting discussion points for you to address...
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King Philip's War
King Philip's War was the crescendo of a violent period between the Pequot and English colonists. Using documents from English settlers, including a contemporary report on the conflict, learners explore the little-known period. They then...
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Boston Massacre
The Boston Massacre was a propaganda victory for those protesting British rule over the American colonies. By using images from Patriots, as well as the testimony of witnesses, scholars consider what may have happened on that fateful day...
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La Mobile: A Case Study of Exploration and Settlement
The Le Moyne brothers, Jean-Baptiste and Pierre, were among the first explorers of the Gulf Coast. Class members read biographical information and journal entries about these men, study maps showing where the settlements they established...
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Christopher Columbus
Take some time to focus on Christopher Columbus, his three ships, the purpose of his voyage, and the new land he discovered. Pay special attention to the included additional materials, they are the real value in this resource.
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The Revolution: Interactive Guide
If you're looking for another resource to supplement your teaching of the American Revolution in United States history, you may want to consider this app. As an interactive textbook, this can afford you opportunities for deeper analysis...
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Articles of Confederation…Well, They Were Trying!
Different currencies, multiple armies, unreliable protection from thieves: class members experience these challenges playing a game that demonstrates life under the Articles of Confederation. After playing the game—which takes them on a...
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The Living Museum: George Washington, the Slave Owner
Eighth graders bring early America to life. In this George Washington activity, 8th graders listen to a lecture about the first president, explore the relationships he had with his slaves, and research the backgrounds of some of his...
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Studying Photographs
In this early American history worksheet, students examine the provided photograph and then respond to 6 short answer analysis questions about it.
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The Emerging American Identity
High schoolers define what it meant to be an American early on in the nation's history. In this American identity lesson, students examine the noted quotations and determine what was meant by each of the authors with regards to an...
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Salem Witch Trials
Learners consider the implications of the Salem Witch Trials. In this literature lesson, students read Arthur Miller's The Crucible and compare the witch trials to McCarthyism of the 1950's. Learners rewrite scenes from the play using a...
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Alexander Hamilton
In this online interactive history worksheet, students respond to 10 short answer questions about the accomplishments of Alexander Hamilton. Students may check some of their answers on the interactive worksheet.
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The First Years of the Union (1797-1809)
In this online interactive history instructional activity, students respond to 11 short answer and essay questions about the United States between 1797 and 1809. Students may check some of their answers on the interactive instructional...
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Volunteering Requires Freedom of Choice
Students explore ways to volunteer. In this volunteerism and philanthropy lesson, students brainstorm how the early Americans benefited from philanthropy, then discuss how others benefit from our philanthropy and how we choose ways to...
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The United States in 1790
In this geography skills worksheet, learners study the provided map of the United States in 1790 and then complete the provided quiz over the 17 states and territories.
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Grade 11 American History Unit 2 Test 1789-1865
In this early American history activity, learners respond to 25 fill in the blank, matching, and short answer questions about that nation and its leaders between 1789 and 1865.
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The American People, “Creating a Nation”
In this early American history worksheet, learners read noted pages in their textbooks and then respond to 7 short answer questions regarding the U.S. Constitution and its formation.
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Building the State (1781-1797)
In this online interactive history worksheet, students respond to 9 short answer and essay questions about the vision of the Republicans and the Federalists.
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Roots of Women’s Rights Advocacy: Pre and Post Revolutionary War Eras
Students consider the role of women in Revolutionary War America. In this women's rights lesson, students examine photographs, letters, and documents that reveal the role of women at the time. Students create political cartoons or...
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Utilizing Historic Sites for National History Day Research
The National History Day Research program is designed to permit young historians to interview the staff at any historic site. As part of Women's History Month, class members select a site that focuses on the contributions of women. Using...
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American Indians and their Environment
People could take a page in ingenuity and survival from the Powhatans. Deer skins became clothes, and the members of the Native American group farmed the rich Virginia soil and hunted in its forests for food. Using images of artifacts...
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Benjamin Franklin: Master Diplomat for One Last Time
At 81, Benjamin Franklin was the oldest delegate to the 1787 Constitutional Convention, where he exercised significant influence in shaping key elements of how the United States operates. The class examines his role, using “The Scene at...
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Ingenious: Franklin Assembles a Scientific Community
Few Americans have heard of the burgeoning scientific community known as the America Philosophical society, started by none other than Benjamin Franklin. With inquiry, research, and discussion, high schoolers come to understand their...
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Study Guide for The Scarlet Letter
How does or society punish people who break the law? What effect does guilt have on a person's life? In what way does or society demand we conform to certain conventions? Such questions, found in this study guide, are sure to...
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The Early 19c: The Creation of an American Culture
Full of good information and photos from the 1700's to the 2004 election, this powerpoint could be a great resource in a lecture about American nationalism. While the slides require commentary and smooth transitions (as well as a little...
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The Beginnings of Constitutional Government
Students examine excerpts of Thomas Paine's Common Sense. For this early American history lesson, students read Paine's pamphlet and analyze the information according the rubric provided.
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Lesson Title - Letters from Abigail Adams
Eighth graders explore letters written by Abigail Adams to her husband. In this political lesson, 8th graders read letters written by Abigail Adams to her husband, John Adams. Students analyze the letters and discuss their findings.
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Explorers & Early America: Columbus' Journey to Find a Western Sea Route to Asia
Third graders study Columbus and the route he took when he was exploring. In this social science, 3rd graders examine maps, analyze them, compare them to each other, and understand where Columbus wanted to go versus where he actually...
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Becoming A Nation p.1
In this early America worksheet, learners use the 11 words in a word bank to complete a crossword puzzle about the colonies and Revolutionary War.
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From a New Nation to a Divided Nation
Quiz your students or prepare them for the big exam with this presentation. Included are 24 multiple choice questions related to Early American Government, The Colonial Period, Westward Expansion, and State Formation.
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The Federalist Era ( 1789-1800)
Focus on early American history with this set of 14 short answer questions, all related to the Federalist Era. George Washington, James Madison, and the US Constitution, what could be better than that?
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A Salute to Flag Day
Use Flag Day as a learning opportunity for your classroom. Collect a variety of books and other resources on the subject of the U.S. flag. Have pupils conduct independent research at home and come to class prepared to share some fun...
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Jamestown Colony: Who Will Survive the English Invasion of Jamestown?
5th graders will receive a brief overview of the interactions between the English, Colonists, and Native Americans during the Early Colonial Period. This presentation includes thoughtful discussion questions, images, and a link to a...
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The Embodied Presidency
Eighth graders discover details about Thomas Jefferson's life. In this early American history lesson, 8th graders view a PowerPoint presentation that outlines some aspects of Jefferson's life. Students research the life of slaves at...
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Remember the Ladies
Eleventh graders examine Abigail Adams's influence on her husband. In this women's rights activity, 11th graders read letters written by John and Abigail Adams to one another. Students complete a document analysis sheet after they have...
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Thirteen Colonies Word Jumble
In this American colonies worksheet, students unscramble the letters in 20 words to spell vocabulary pertaining to the thirteen original colonies. There is a word bank provided.
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Ben Franklin and the Origins of American Diplomacy
Students study the origins of American diplomacy. In this early American history instructional activity, students research Ambassador Ben Franklin's missions to England and France on behalf of the United States. Students share their...
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Jamestown
Seventh graders examine life at the Jamestown settlement. In this colonial America lesson plan, 7th graders visit the noted Web site to analyze artifacts from the settlement. Based on their findings, students write descriptive pieces...
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American Colonists Protest Song
Learners explore the role of protest songs. In this early American history lesson, students research the acts passed by the British that angered colonists. Learners then listen to protest songs from contemporary American history prior to...
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The First Years of the Union (1797-1809)
In this online interactive history quiz worksheet, students respond to 50 multiple choice questions about early American history. Students may submit their answers to be scored.
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Fourth Grade Social Studies
In this social studies worksheet, 4th graders answer multiple choice questions about George Washington, early America, natural resources, and more. Students complete 8 questions.
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Social Studies: Vocabulary
Build vocabulary and have a class discussion. Use this PowerPoint to illustrate concepts of Early American History, including, Bill of Rights, Supreme Court, elections, and the Constitution. Note: Each slide has only a single vocabulary...
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The War of 1812
Seventh graders investigate the War of 1812. In this early American history lesson, 7th graders read a handout about the war, watch video clips, and complete written exercises that complement the reading and video clips.
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America: 1763-1776
In this online interactive history worksheet, students respond to 10 short answer and essay questions about the United States between the years 1763 and 1776.
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Building the State (1781-1797)
In this online interactive history activity, students respond to 50 multiple choice questions about the early American nation between the years of 1781 and 1797. Students may submit their answers to be scored.
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Interpreting Quotes From Native Americans and European Americans
Students examine the relations between Native Americans and European Americans in the late 1700's and early 1800's. In this Native American history lesson plan, students read and analyze quotes from Atiatoharongwen, Tecumseh, Thomas...
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Chapter 2 – The US From 1789 to 1815
In this U.S. history worksheet, students read assigned textbook pages about the country from 1789-1815 and respond to 36 short answer questions.
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The Early Republic (2)
In this online interactive American history worksheet, high schoolers answer 10 multiple choice questions regarding the history of the early country. Students may submit their answers to be scored.
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Putting It All Together: Early American History 1776-1812
Students view the reverse side of state quarters of those states that entered the union before 1812 and make predictions about what the symbols mean to each state. They complete a worksheet during a lecture describing the symbols and use...