Fourth graders take a field trip to a mill, identify the parts of a mill, what was produced there, and what types of occupations were associated with a mill. They write an essay detailing the reasons they would or wouldn't like to have...

The Declaration of Independence was published in 1776. The Declaration of Sentiments and Resolutions, modeled after the Declaration of Independence, was drafted and read by Elizabeth Cady Stanton at the Seneca Falls Convention in 1848....

While a woman didn't invent the parasol, three women received patents for their improvements to the original design of umbrellas. In the first of a two-part series on inventive women, class members investigate the patent system to...

Students explore inventions that have been created since the nineteenth century.

Students explore how technology has slowly changed the world, starting in the 18th Century.  In this United States History lesson, students work in teams to complete numerous activities that compare and contrast life before and...

Fifth graders examine significant events in Post-Civil War America. In this Post-Civil War lesson, 5th graders investigate the important events after the war in 19th century America. They read primary source documents about six topics...

Students analyze the role and impact of technological innovation in the late 19th and early 20th century. They evaluate manuscripts, sound recordings, and motion pictures to construct historical meaning. Students observe the connections...

Students examine 19th century newspapers, a last and testament, and census manuscripts to analyze the Irish and German immigrant communities in the 1850s and 1860s. They write a letter from the perspective of an Irish or German immigrant.

Students identify two American industrialists within the United States during the second half of the 19th century. They use specific examples, compare and contrast how these two industrialists were successful in their market. Students...

Students evaluate the impact of transportation on society, the economy, communication, and travel. They complete an inquiry project about modern modes of transportation, and compare transportation of the 19th century to transportation...

Students study the building of the Brooklyn Bridge and the inventions of Thomas Alva Edison. They design an infomercial to sell a product or a service for an invention. They create an invention that improves the world and write an...

Students analyze historical data. They explore the context in which it was created. They develop skills in historical analysis.

Students use maps, readings and photos to research and describe how Thomas Edison created the first modern laboratory complex. They simulate the process of invention and consider how technological advances have affected their own...

Students research the events that were taking place in the U.S. during the time period when the SS Central America sank, and explore the adventurous, innovative, and individualistic traits that often define the American spirit.

Students conduct research and present their findings in a persuasive manner. Then they work in groups to enhance the development of cooperative work skills. Students also present their findings through persuasive skills in writing and/or...

Eighth graders examine the role of technology. In the Civil War instructional activity, 8th graders look at the advent of photography and determine the impact of photography on the Civil War.

Students explore the basic ideas and beliefs about medicine in the 18th and 19th centuries. They write a news account to be published in a "medical journal" developed by the class. Each "article" in the journal should be dated...

Learners examine reasons why people migrated west. They describe how the geography of the U.S. changed in the 19 th century and design a PowerPoint presentation to convey factors for westward expansion.

Students interpret historical evidence presented in primary and secondary resources. In this technological advancements instructional activity, students research and share information regarding technologies and inventions featured at the...

Students explore scientific discovery while watching a video. They, in groups, are to research a scientific invention and present their findings to the class.

Students reflect upon the causes and effects of light pollution in the night skies. First, they read articles provided and then do worksheets that are provided. They work in groups to discuss their conclusions.

Students explore the consequences of light pollution. They consider benefits and drawbacks of technology in order to acquire informed attitudes on the various technologies and their social, cultural, economic, and ecological consequences. .

Young scholars examine working conditions during the Industrial boom. In this Industrialization activity, students analyze primary sources in order to chart the responsibilities of workers in industrial jobs.

Students use the Archival Research Catalog to complete assignments and activities about Lewis Hines and the National Child Labor Committee.