National Endowment for the Humanities
Lesson 3: What Happens in the White House? A Timeline
Working in groups or individually, learners study images of important events that occurred at, or directly affected, the White House, and share their findings of a specific event. They then post the image of their event on a timeline of...
National Endowment for the Humanities
Lesson 2: What Has Happened in the White House?
Working in small groups, or individually, learners are given images of events that took place at the White House. They study the image and research that time in history to better understand how the White House has been affected by...
National Endowment for the Humanities
What Happens in the White House?
Young historians complete a unit of lessons on the functions of the White House. They conduct Internet research, develop a list of activities that take place at the White House, and create a chronological timeline of events at the White...
Curated OER
How and Why Has the White House Changed?
Students examine changes the White House has undergone in the past two centuries. They view and discuss online images and designs, compare diagrams, read information from various websites, and answer discussion questions.
Curated OER
How Was the White House Designed?
Young scholars examine how the initial design of the White House was chosen. They analyze various designs, explore websites, list the characteristics of each design and compare them, and answer discussion questions.
Curated OER
From the White House of Yesterday to the White House of Today
Students investigate the history of and the current state of the White House. They take a virtual tour of the White House and Monticello, explore various websites, and compare/contrast Monticello with the White House.
Curated OER
A President's Home and the President's House
Students examine the differences between the White House and Monticello. In small groups, they complete a virtual tour, complete a graphic organizer, take notes during the tour, and identify activities taking place at the White House.
Curated OER
Every Day Is Presidents' Day at the White House
Students explore the history of the White House and the role of the president. They explore the White House Historical Association website, answer questions, create a drawing of the Oval Office, and take an online quiz.
Curated OER
White House Havoc
The president of the United States must be able to keep a cool head in moments of crisis to lead his or nation out of the darkness. A history instructional activity encourages learners to study the ways various presidents have handled...
Curated OER
From the White House of Yesterday to the White House of Today
Young scholars take a close look at the design of the White House and some of the changes it has undergone. They also reflect on how the "President's House" has been and continues to be used. They give specific examples demonstrating how...
National Endowment for the Humanities
Lesson 1: What Is the Purpose of the White House?
Pupils view images of presidents working and living at the White House. They list activities that take place at the White House and discuss the many purposes of the building.
Curated OER
Picturing First Families
Learners complete a variety of activities as they study Washington, D.C., the Presidency, and George Washington. They take a virtual trip to Washington, D.C., and visit the National Portrait Gallery, the White House, and the Library of...
Curated OER
Keys To Our House-the White House
Students explore the history of the White House from four different perspectives: as a symbol, a public and private place, technological advances, and changing needs. They take a virtual tour of the White House and explore its history....
Curated OER
Keys to Our House-The White House
Students explore what it means to be an American citizen. Students investigate the history of the White House from a variety of perspectives: as a symbol, a public and private place, and changing needs.
Curated OER
My Own Oval Office
Students research the White House and find out the importance of the Oval Office to the history and government of the United States. They find pictures of the Oval Office and the Presidential seal. Students find out about security...
Curated OER
The White House or Bust: How Americans Elect Their President
Students explain the presidential duties and who is eligible to run for president. In this The White House or Bust article, students complete a map of the electoral college. In addition students analyze historical campaign posters....
Curated OER
From the School House to the White House
Students recall visits to museums, then read a news article about a museum exhibit that shows what U.S. presidents were like during their childhood. In this U.S. history and current events lesson, the teacher introduces the article with...
Curated OER
Pets are Popular with U.S. Presidents
Students discuss their pets and read about pets that have lived in the White House. In this current events lesson, the teacher introduces the article with a vocabulary activity and pet survey, then the students read the news article and...
Curated OER
Eighteenth-Century Slave Codes
Students explore slavery by reviewing the written laws intended to keep African Americans subservient. For this U.S. slavery lesson, students analyze a time-line of the history of African Americans. Students discuss the patterns of the...
Annenberg Foundation
Becoming Visible
The television and interstate highways both came of age in 1950s America. Scholars use film, text, and discussion to explore how these and other cultural icons shaped the literature of the time. Pupils also create a family history...
Curated OER
Women in the White House
Eleventh graders explore the role and impact of recent First Ladies through research and family interviews, then work in groups to present a documentary portrait to the class.
Children's Museum of Indianapolis
Anne Frank: Facing Hatred, Daring to Dream
The stories of Anne Frank, Ruby Bridges, and Ryan White illustrate the power of children to make a difference. The three lesson in this must-have resource are designed to inspire young people to make a difference in their world....
Smithsonian Institution
The American Presidency: Grades 4-6
An interesting unit explains the American presidency from the campaign trail all the way to the role of the president. Historians participate in discussions, create posters, conduct Internet research, and more to gain an understanding of...
Curated OER
The 1932 Election: A Turning Point in History
Students discuss the presidential election in 1932. In this U.S. history lesson, students compare and contrast the differences between the Hoover administration and the administration of FDR. Students work in groups and present the...