Smithsonian Institution
Conflicting Voices of the Mexican War
Americans wanted to fulfill Manifest Destiny, and this pattern continued with the Mexican War. The resource specifically teaches about the Mexican War through a variety of exercises including a research project, group work, brainstorming...
National Museum of the American Indian
Fritz Scholder: A Study Guide
In this engaging activity involving close analysis of abstract expressionist art, your class members will not only discover more about artist Friz Scholder's Native American art, but they will also have the opportunity to consider...
Curated OER
Why Is Water So Important to My Community?
Students read and listen to stories and sayings in New Mexico families. Using the text, they discoer the values and beliefs of a culture. They reflect on the meanings of symbols related to water. They discover the importance water has...
Curated OER
Traditional Desert Homes
Students go to a traditional style desert home and then build their own model of a home to scale. In this desert home lesson plan, students conduct their research in New Mexico.
Curated OER
Colonies and Revolution: Comparing US and Mexican History
Students examine the emergence of the United States and Mexico as independent nations. They compare the colonial history of the two countries and discover the emergence of social classes.
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The Mexican-American Influence on the United States
Students examine the influences of the Hispanic groups from Mexico, Cuba and Puerto Rico. In groups, they research the history of Mexico and read excerpts from a book in Spanish to practice their vocabulary. To end the lesson, they...
Curated OER
Hemispheric Harmony
Young scholars express their opinion on issues related to Central America. After reading an article, they discuss the relations between the Presidents of Mexico and the United States. Using the internet, they research a part of the...
Curated OER
Establishing Borders: The Expansion of the United States 1846-48
Students investigate how the United States acquired land after the Revolutionary War ended. In this establishing borders lesson, students use maps to identify territories acquired by the US and the states that later developed. Students...
Curated OER
Examine Economic Factors That Influence Human Migration Along the U.S/Mexican Border
Students bring in their own article about immigration and how it is affecting their community. They summarize their article and brainstorm reasons why someone would immigrate to another country. They discuss push and pull factors.
Curated OER
Four Immigrant Groups: Their Lives and Music
Fourth graders examine the experiences of four immigrant groups. Class members brainstorm a list of misconceptions of those groups and discuss if these perceptions are still present today. Using maps, groups locate the countries of...
Curated OER
Aztec History
Learners explore facets of Aztec history. In this ancient civilizations lesson, students map landmarks in Mexico, read excerpts from The Sad Night: The Story of an Aztec Victory and a Spanish Loss, by Sally Mathews and design concept...
Curated OER
Failed Diplomacy: The Zimmerman Telegram
Seventh graders continue their examination of World War I. In groups, they read a copy of the famous Zimmerman telegram and discuss its effect on Americans. To end the instructional activity, they discuss how public opinion changed...
Curated OER
The Four Corners Region of the United States Cultures, Ruins and Landmarks
Students who live in the inner city are introduced to the four corners region of the United States. In groups, they examine how the region differs compared to where they live and their culture. They develop maps of the area and locate...
Curated OER
Lost on Superstition Mountain
Students review the concept of responsbility and relate it to the own lives. Using the internet, they research the search for gold on Superstition Mountain in Arizona and locate it on a map. They also examine the culture of Mexico and...
Curated OER
Glorieta Battlefield
Students examine how important combat was in Mississippi during the Civil War. They analyze the Battle of Glorieta Pass and soldiers movements and actions during the conflict. They also examine local war memorials.
Curated OER
Art for Protest or Persuasion (Mural Options)
Students examine various murals made for protest or persuasion purposes. Using the artwork, they identify the different types of techniques and media used to make them. They discuss the other types of jobs that had to be completed before...
Curated OER
Capitol Visitors Center
Pupils complete a post-trip discussion after visiting the capitol building in Austin. As a class, they review how soldiers received their allotment of land for participating in the Texas Revolution. Individually, they write a letter...
Curated OER
A Tough Nut to Crack
Students study the origins and background of the pecan. For this agriculture lesson students divide into groups, complete an activity and worksheets.
Curated OER
A Tough Nut to Crack
Sixth graders explore agriculture by examining world geography. In this pecan cultivation lesson, 6th graders identify the history of the famous nut and the impact it has on the U.S. economy, diet and human body. Students define...
Curated OER
ABOUT ALL YOU CAN EAT: Superfoods
Young scholars trace back through time to see how the nutritional value of food consumed was enhanced. In this nutrients lesson students complete several activities that show the mass of food, and its PH value.
Curated OER
Arsenic Contamination: Water Filtration
Students work in groups to design a filtration process that will separate clean water from polluted water. They organize data in tables or graphs and present their findings to the class. Students identify further safety protocols that...