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Lesson Plan
Historical Thinking Matters

Social Security: 5 Day Lesson

For Teachers 7th - 12th Standards
Did the New Deal fundamentally shift the role of the American government in the economy? Your class members will examine the interpretations of various historians in answering this question, and use a variety of primary and secondary...
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Lesson Plan
2
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Historical Thinking Matters

Spanish-American War: 5 Day Lesson

For Teachers 7th - 12th Standards
Nine historical documents, an interactive online notebook, and a fantastic opportunity for historical inquiry await your pupils in this 5-day lesson plan. Class members identify and discuss various causes for the Spanish-American War...
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Worksheet
Curated OER

Everyday Documents

For Students 4th - 8th
Almost more of a lesson than a worksheet, this particular resource has learners examine different types of historical documents. There is a historical docment embedded in the worksheet that learners study, and they also bring in...
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Activity
University of California

Tenochtitlán

For Teachers 7th Standards
Behold, the Great Aztec empire! Scholars use primary sources to understand the impact of the Aztec city Tenochtitlan. Academics complete a worksheet and participate in group discussion to understand how Tenochtitlan was a melting pot for...
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Activity
University of California

The Virgin of Guadalupe

For Teachers 7th
A worldly resource focuses on the transfer of goods, ideas, and religion that took place as part of the Columbian exchange. Academics view sources such as text and artwork to help them complete a worksheet. 
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Activity
University of California

Sikhism

For Teachers 7th Standards
How does a new religion start? The informative resource highlights the Sikhism religion. Academics learn how the religion was created and spread throughout the ancient world. Scholars view a series of primary sources and complete a...
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Activity
University of California

Was Slavery Always Racial?

For Teachers 7th Standards
The lesson focuses on slavery in the ancient world and asks academics to decide if it was always about race. Scholars view primary sources, participate in a short discussion, and complete a worksheet to understand how slavery in the...
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Activity
University of California

Influences from South to Southeast Asia

For Teachers 7th
In ancient times, people along trade routes exchanged ideas in addition to goods. Scholars view eight primary sources, such as artwork, to understand how India influenced southern Asia. Academics participate in a short group discussion...
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Activity
University of California

The Mongol Empire

For Teachers 7th
Scholars review eight sources to learn about the impact of the Mongol Empire and their leaders, such as Genghis Khan. Academics learn how the Mongols destroyed states but also increased connections with the rest of the world. To finish,...
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Activity
University of California

Interactions in Baghdad and the Abbasid Caliphate

For Teachers 7th Standards
An interesting resource focuses on the cultures of different peoples that have lived in Baghdad and their interactions. Academics view 11 sources to understand how Baghdad has been home to people of many faiths and cultures throughout...
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Activity
University of California

Bread and Circuses: Rome as a Site of Encounter

For Teachers 7th
An intriguing lesson uses 12 Roman artifacts to explain Roman society and politics. Young historians view images of artifacts and learn how each one represents an aspect of Roman society. Academics also complete a hands-on activity to...
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Interactive
DocsTeach

Uncle Sam and the American Diet

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Uncle Sam wants you to follow the food pyramid! Scholars analyze two images of propaganda posters the government created to promote the food pyramid. Academics complete a worksheet to understand the impact of the campaign and end the...
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Interactive
DocsTeach

The Long Struggle for LGBTQ+ Civil Rights

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Academics analyze 10 primary documents and photos to create a timeline of the LQBTQ+ movement. The activity includes an online worksheet. Scholars also participate in a group discussion to understand the long struggle the LGBTQ+...
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Interactive
DocsTeach

The Life of Dwight D. Eisenhower

For Teachers 4th - 6th
A captivating activity uses images to help pupils understand the life of President Eisenhower. Scholars put the images in chronological order and read the captions to get a better understanding of the war hero turned president. 
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Interactive
DocsTeach

Statues of Christopher Columbus

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Scholars compare statues of Columbus and discuss how each memorial captures his personality. Academics also complete a worksheet and discuss how some people have called to remove statues honoring Columbus. 
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Interactive
DocsTeach

Memorials, Statues, and Monuments to George Washington

For Teachers 6th - 8th
An activity uses images of George Washington's statues to compare how they represent different aspects of his life. Scholars complete a worksheet based on their findings and then share as a group how they would construct a new memorial...
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Interactive
DocsTeach

Memorializing Abraham Lincoln in Washington, DC

For Teachers 6th - 8th
The legacy of President Lincoln continues to endure. Scholars view images of three statues that have been created to honor President Lincoln. Academics analyze the three images and share their findings in a group discussion format. Young...
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Interactive
DocsTeach

Immigration to America: Stories and Travels

For Teachers 6th - 8th
An eye-opening activity uses documents and photos to help academics understand the factors that pushed or pulled immigrants to America. Young historians group photos based on a push or pull factor, then complete a worksheet. Scholars...
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Lesson Plan
Newseum

From the Front Page to the History Books

For Teachers 6th - 12th Standards
Young journalists compare news coverage of four major events with how the same events are covered in historical accounts. The ensuing discussion asks class members to compare and contrast the role of a reporter and the role of a historian.
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Interactive
DocsTeach

Documenting Key Presidential Decisions

For Teachers 6th - 8th
It's match time! Academics participate in an exciting matching game using primary sources. The activity uses documents of key decisions and matches them to the presidents that they are attributed to. Scholars also make a list of key...
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Interactive
DocsTeach

Can you Identify the First Lady?

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Guess Who? The first lady edition! Scholars read documents to figure out the first lady that is being described. The activity focuses on Pat Nixon, the wife of President Richard Nixon. Academics then work in pairs and share their...
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Interactive
DocsTeach

Baseball: A Morale Booster During Wartime?

For Teachers 6th - 8th
How did baseball become America's national pastime? A sports-minded activity explores the importance government placed on baseball to boost morale during both world wars. Academics read letters to understand the importance of baseball...
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Interactive
DocsTeach

American Indian Voting Rights through History

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Vote ... it's your right! An enlightening lesson examines the history of voting rights for Native Americans. Leaners analyze primary documents and place them in chronological order. Academics also create a list of other events that took...
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Interactive
DocsTeach

A Revolution, a Reaction and a Reform: Getting Ready for National History Day

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Get ready for National History Day! A thought-provoking activity focuses on a hypothetical project for National History Day (NHD). Academics review three primary sources to determine if they would meet the criteria for a NHD project....