Whose idea was it to build the Panama Canal? Why was the Isthmus of Panama chosen as the site? What were the challenges? To find the answers to these and other questions, young historians and geographers engage in a scavenger hunt,...

A formidable opponent can shake up the election of an incumbent president. Class members explore the results of the elections of 1912, 1968, 1976, 1980 and 1992 using video clips. A chart helps pupils organize their thoughts and analysis. 

Political ads flood the airwaves each election cycle. An activity including more than a dozen political ads from iconic presidential campaigns helps learners unpack how the sausage gets made during election "silly season." Using the...

The memories of gas lines from the OPEC Oil Embargo linger in the memories of many Americans. A series of video clips—including those from experts on the subject of oil importation, Jimmy Carter addressing the country, and Congress...

The history behind the Iranian Revolution and hostage crisis is long and complicated. The hostage crisis directly affected a presidential election, and it played into Cold War fears of a global crisis. Using video clips of an historian...

How does a former president play a role in defending democracy? Around the world, many groups protest fair and free elections. By challenging issues such as complicated ballots and voter intimidation, the Carter Center works tirelessly...

What should a president do when enemies take Americans hostage in a foreign revolution? Learners take a look at the dilemma through the eyes of Jimmy Carter during the Iran hostage crisis. Primary sources, analysis worksheets, and...

If young historians could ask the president to make one change, what would it be? Budding activists consider this question using letters to Jimmy Carter written during the energy crisis of the 1970s. After they examine handwritten...

While the Iranian Hostage Crisis was a watershed moment, few history classes take on the complex series of events leading up to it. Using declassified documents, including a hostage's diary, young historians create their own reports to...

How much money do you need to survive in your city? Individuals try to answer the question using an economic simulation and primary source analysis. After they create their budgets—and handle some of life's curve balls—young historians...

Your scholars may be familiar with the Marvel universe, but do they know how to read political cartoons? Comics aren't just for kids ... they often convey sophisticated political ideas, and reading them takes practice. A wealth of...

What was it like to travel as an African-American motorist in the Jim Crow era? Learners consider the question as they examine digital copies of the Green Book, which documented places that served African American patrons during the time...

What effect does a president's childhood have on his policies?  Classes consider the question as they examine evidence from Jimmy Carter's childhood experiences with segregation in the second of a 19-part The President's Travels series....

High schoolers examine President Carter's stance on the energy crisis of the 1970s. In this energy crisis lesson, students analyze primary sources that feature the crisis during Carter's term. High schoolers script and...

High schoolers interpret historical evidence presented in primary and secondary resources. For this 1973 oil crisis lesson, students research details regarding President Carter's policies regarding the oil crisis that produced a scarcity...

In this online interactive American history activity, learners answer 12 multiple choice questions regarding the Ford and Carter presidencies. Students may submit their answers to be scored.

In this 20th century U.S. history learning exercise, learners read articles about the Ford and Carter presidencies. Students then respond to 12 short answer questions.