Curated OER
A Famous Signature
Young scholars study important historical figures. In this United States history lesson, students trace the signature of John Hancock using cotton swabs, glitter, and various art supplies after discussing the historical...
Benjamin Franklin Tercentenary
From Ben’s Pen to Our Lives
What would Ben do? Jumping off from the pseudonymous letters Ben Franklin fooled his older brother into publishing when he was still a teenager, young literary lovers dive into acting, writing, and addressing a local issue with wit and...
Curated OER
What Your Signature Means to You and Others
Students discuss significance and value of writing their signatures on various documents, recall times they have signed their names, and demonstrate understanding that signatures are important representations of people, and symbols of...
Curated OER
Civic Oration Topic Planner "A Great Time in American History"
In this report planning worksheet, students prepare to write a 3-5 page report about one great time in American History. Students choose a topic, answer 4 questions to help in planning the report and take this form home for parental...
Curated OER
How were European nations capable of dominating the African contintnt?
Help your class determine why European was able to dominate the African continent. They read 5 excerpts, each related to a reason why Europe colonized Africa. Then they answer 4 critical-thinking questions.
Curated OER
How Were European Nations Capable of Dominating the African Continent?
Primary source documents provide a realistic context for pupils to explore. Included are 5 experts relating European ideals and methods for colonizing and controlling the African continent. Middle schoolers answer 4 critical-thinking...
Curated OER
The First "Colored" World Series
Students utilize reading and listening skills in order to discover the key issues in American history and Black baseball history. Students investigate the beginning of the Negro Baseball Leagues and its signature historical baseball...
Curated OER
Compass Rose: Dance and Quilt
Fourth graders identify the cardinal directions by listening to a song entitled, "Stand," and by reviewing the lyrics to that song. They notice the cardinal directions that are posted around the classroom. They perform the motions as...
Curated OER
Abraham Lincoln's Young Years
Third graders explore the life of Abraham Lincoln. They read and discuss the life and times of Abraham Lincoln. Students write three sentences about an important part of the life of Abraham Lincoln. They edit and revise their sentences.
Curated OER
Oceans
First graders examine how the earth is covered with more water than land. They toss an inflatable globe around the classroom, and each time a student catches the ball with two fingers, they tally whether the fingers land on water or...
Curated OER
Spin Cycle
Students explore the concept of "spin" and discuss how politicians use spin to sway public opinion. A leading American politician is selected and talking points that exemplify the main idea of this lesson are shared with the class.
Curated OER
Models of American Citizenship
Third graders investigate the concept of American citizenship by pretending to time travel. They travel back in time to visit the eras of Thomas Jefferson, Hellen Keller, Harriet Tubman, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and community heroes....
Curated OER
The Bill of Rights and You
The right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The lesson explains what the Bill of Rights is and how it applies to everyday life, like freedom of speech or the right to a jury trial. Young historians complete hands-on...
Curated OER
"Evening Bells"
Fourth graders sing "Evening Bells" while the repeat sign and double bar in the music notation. They listen and dance to a Viennese waltz. They locate the Danube River.
Curated OER
Government
Second graders run for various offices. They dress up like a politician, pretend to be running for an office, and tell the students why they should vote for him/her. They explain why it is necessary for a community to have a government
Curated OER
The 1980s Series - Breakdancing
Students examine how breakdancing influenced Keith Haring. They translate a flat image into movement. They breakdance along to music of the 1980's to experience the energy and innovation of that decade. They create flipbooks of their own...
Curated OER
Advertisements
After a discussion on advertisement and observing different ads, students will work in small groups to create an advertisement for a lemonade stand. Students will learn the importants of knowing the target audience, product, and catchy...
Curated OER
Thanksgiving Traditions
Everyone celebrates traditions in different ways. Young writers share the ways their families celebrate Thanksgiving with a journal writing prompt and discussion activity.
Curated OER
Images of the American Revolution
Students analyze several documents as they research the Revolutionary War. They evaluate documents and examine them for bias and perspective. They use their research to write monologues from the point of view of a famous Revolutionary...
Curated OER
American Indians
Fourth graders explore the American Indians and the music from their culture. They discuss the music of American Indians and compare that music with the music that we listen to today. Students create rainstick and perform their own...
Curated OER
Career-Language Connection
Pupils participate in a layered curriculum unit about careers. The activities are varied and include the following: Using the Internet, research the career you've chosen to find out the job responsibilities, salary range, and education...
Curated OER
History Of The American Flag
Fourth graders investigate the concept of the American Flag. They conduct research using a variety of resources and answer questions to create the context for the information search. Then students use the information to have class...
Curated OER
Responsibility
Second graders explore the concept of responsibility and the rights and responsibilities of citizens in their school and community. They brainstorm about the word responsibility, develop a list of how people make friends, and make a...
Curated OER
States On A Map
Third graders locate the states of Main and Kansas on a map. In this state location lesson plan, 3rd graders read the book Sarah, Plain and Tall and discuss what states she traveled through.