The ripple effect from one small event can impact many others. Young historians research the ripple effect World War II had on decolonization in the second installment of an eight-part series. Through primary and secondary documents as...

Students create a timeline of the major events of the Cold War and explain their effect on Canada. They utilize a worksheet and a website imbedded in this plan which guide their research and presentations.

Students determine who is responsible for the start of the Cold War. In this Cold War instructional activity, students conduct their own research about the evolution of the war and write essays that reveal their opinion on how the war...

Students research the positions of civil defense and nuclear disarmament during the Cold War era. They participate in a class debate to support a given position.

Students analyze the main themes of President Bush's UN Speech and discussion of the NewsHour report on the Iraq Debate. In this debate lesson, students answer pre-listening questions and view a transcript of the speech. In groups of two...

Learners interpret historical evidence presented in primary and secondary resources. In this Korean War lesson plan, students examine and analyze primary sources regarding U.S. involvement in the Korean War.

Students comprehend how the United States became involved in what one historian called the quagmire. Students identify and analyze the importance of the Tet Offensive in turning American public opinion against the Vietnam War. Students...

Learn more about the Grand Alliance with a scaffolded lesson plan that includes four activities. Class members use primary sources to complete a map exercise, understand the goals and objectives of each individual nation, and participate...

If you are planning a unit on military history that includes a comparison between the Vietnam War and the Iraq War, this resource may be useful. It lists possible sources for pupils to use to complete the graphic organizer which prepares...

Bilingual education, voting rights, and Congressional redistricting come up often in the news. Explore these topics from another view—the perspectives of Hispanic members of Congress. Activities include an article with comprehension and...

Does history really repeat itself? Encourage your middle and high schoolers to answer this age-old question by reading the attached articles on the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962 and the Iraq Crisis of 2002. How similar or different are...

Students research how the development of the atomic bomb affected people in World War II, participate in a debate about the bomb's use, and investigate how it has affected people's lives since 1945.

Students analyze the Bush Doctrine and its effects on foreign policy. In this foreign policy lesson, students read and discuss the Bush Doctrine. Students research and debate on whether or not the Bush Doctrine should be part of U.S....

Eleventh graders role play as participants in a NATO meeting focused on inviting a number of independent republics from the former Soviet Union to become members of NATO. They represent their countries after researching them.

Students research the repercussions of the development of the atomic bomb.  In this history lesson, students read, reflect and discuss nuclear warfare and how it affected the population when it was introduced, as well as how it...

Students examine the Cold War roots of the recent debate over the construction of United States and Russian missile defense shields. They begin by reading and discussing the article, Putin Says Russia Would Counter U.S. Shield.

Students explore American foreign policy regarding the war in Iraq. In this Iraq debate lesson, students examine videos and documents about the pros and cons of keeping American troops in Iraq.

This is an excellent resource for US history classes, especially AP history. After learning some background on the Marshall Plan, the class, divided into two groups, researches opposing positions on this aid program. Groups read and...

Students investigate the goals and methods of the House Un-American Activities Committee and offer an opinion regarding whether their investigation of Hollywood was justifiable.

Ninth graders study the unique and economic and political model of modern day People's Republic of China. They make an effort to determine if the unique brand of socialism with a market-type economy as currently practiced is ...

Students explore espionage. In this current events lesson, students research various Web sites for information about the history of spy work, Anglo-Russian relations, and spy gadgets. 

Young scholars prepare a briefing book highlighting important twentieth century events in Europe. The book lists and explains the major events of the twentieth century that caused separation and unification in Europe.