In groups, 8th graders read different documents and answer questions on the Civil War period. Students read documents by Thoreau, Stowe and Frederick Douglas.

Young scholars investigate the facets of the New Deal. In this Great Depression lesson plan, students research primary documents to explore the pros and cons of the New Deal legislation. Young scholars respond to 1930's newspaper...

Students write from varying perspectives in the American South about the civil rights movements in the 1950s. In this civics instructional activity, students view video clips and take notes. Students discuss the film and listen to a...

Eleventh graders discover the impact of advertising in 1920's America. In this 20th century history lesson, 11th graders complete KNU charts as they research marketing techniques that were used during the decade to promote consumerism.

Pupils view a PowerPoint presentation on the Michigan Supreme Court Historical Society's Civil Rights and/or the Native American Rights. They write a reaction paper and prepare for a class discussion. They work in groups and discuss...

High schoolers interpret the Second Amendment. In this U.S. Constitution lesson plan, students examine the right to bear arms as they compare 2 Michigan Supreme Court cases and discuss their personal interpretations of the amendment.

Eleventh graders examine events leading up to and during the Vietnam War. They research assigned topics utilizing interviews, Powerpoint presentations, timelines, and collages in their presentations.

Students research the Temperance Movement and create a persuasive project. In this Temperance/Prohibition Movement lesson, students research online and discuss the arguments for the movement. Students read a pamphlet and create an...

Students answer preview questions about different terms to describe African Americans. In this Black Nationalism lesson, students listen to background information on Marcus Garvey, then read an editorial by Garvey on the Return to...

Students compare 2 preseidental speeches. In this presidential agenda instructional activity, students compare and contrast a Lyndon B. Johnson speech with a George H. W. Bush Speech. 

Eighth graders consider the plight of migrant farmers during the Great Depression. In this historical perspectives lesson, 8th graders watch the film based on Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath and then discuss the conditions the characters...

Students research Colonial America. In this Colonial Times lesson plan, students view the PBS Colonial House Interactivewebsite and create a timeline of important events during the Colonial period. Students print and share their timelines.

Eighth graders explore historical records. In this cemetery mapping instructional activity, 8th graders analyze local community data as they examine gravestones and read epitaphs. 

Learners examine civil rights. In this civil rights lesson, students research human rights issues of United States history. Learners then discuss their research findings and write Bill of Rights statements for the topics they researched.

Learners examine the status of free blacks in Illinois and slavery in the U.S. They read and analyze primary source documents, answer and discuss questions, participate in a group discussion, and present the group's findings to the class.

Eleventh graders explain how the islands/countries contributed to Japan's war effort. They study the concept of location and determine how natural resources were a large factor in Japan's trade.

Students read and explore the themes of the book The Eighty Yard Run. For this literature lesson, students discuss their observations and predictions. Students develop their own story which is similar to that of The Eighty Yard Run.

Students investigate the Trail of Tears. For this United States history lesson, students identify the reason for removing the Cherokee Nation and role play a modern day situation similar to the Indian Removal Act. Students reflect their...

Eleventh graders investigate different Supreme Court decisions. In this Civil Rights instructional activity, 11th graders research and read the decisions of specific court cases. students write a short essay describing the effects of...

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...

Sixth graders examine historical artifacts. In this Industrial Revolution lesson, 6th graders discover how modern conveniences are connected to innovations of the Industrial Revolution era. Students interview adults about technological...

Eleventh graders develop an understanding of the Dust Bowl. In this 1930's America lesson, 11th graders respond to questions regarding the songs and literature about the era. The primary sources should be gathered by the instructor.

Students examine the types of foods eaten after the Civil War. They create their own cowboy style menu.

Students respect and appreciate the challenges people faced during World War II. They develop the different perspectives on race during WWII. Students develop that the nation's actions may not exemplify a nation's stated ideals. Students...