Curated OER
The Art of Nonviolence: Martin Luther King, Jr., Gandhi, and Concepts of Nonviolence in Indian Art
Young scholars make connections between nonviolent ideals and art. In this visual arts lesson, students discuss the successes of the American Civil Rights Movement and discuss Gandhi's influence on the movement. Young scholars then...
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Gandhi's Salt March, A Simulation
High schoolers examine Gandhi's Salt March. In this peace and tolerance lesson, students discuss the Salt Tax Levy that was imposed in India. High schoolers then debate how the Indian National Congress should have handled the issue.
Curated OER
The Makings of a Great Leader: The Childhood of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
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Students examine why Martin Luther King, Jr. is considered to be such a great man, by listening to the many anecdotes about his experiences. In this Martin Luther King, Jr. lesson, students read the story about Ruby Bridges and...
Curated OER
Youth Participation in Nonviolence
Students explore the use of nonviolent resistance. In this social justice lesson plan, students listen to their instructor present a lecture on Mohandas Gandhi and Martin Luther King, Jr. as well as the Apartheid Movement in South Africa.
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I Have A Dream
Learners create a reader response essay as they react to the I Have A Dream speech made by Martin Luther King. For this Martin Luther King lesson plan, students read the speech, fill out a Civil Rights movement sheet, have discussions,...
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Jackie Steals Home
Students read articles relating to Jackie Robinson's breaking of the racial barrier in professional baseball. This leads to a deeper exploration of racism in the United States. They use a variety of worksheets imbedded in this plan to...
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Collars, Curtains and Kings: Exploring the History of Lace
Students design to explore the world of objects as related to lace. Students will create a lace mural highlighting what they learn about the world of lace. Students brainstorm ideas via the internet websites.
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The Freedom to Fight
Young scholars study the African American troop experiences in the Civil War. In this American history lesson, students examine primary and secondary sources regarding the experiences and contributions of African American soldiers who...
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Rationalizing Race in US History
Students consider the classification of people. In this race studies lesson plan, students examine the concept of race as it relates to U.S. history and trends. Students research racial discrimination and prejudice in order to support...
Smithsonian Institution
For Land's Sake: George Washington as Land Surveyor
Students discuss the importance of land ownership and the purpose of land surveying in the eighteenth century. They interpret a transcript of an eighteenth-century land survey. They survey and area of land. They create a written or...
Curated OER
With Liberty and Justice for All
Students examine the role of Supreme Court justices. In this judicial branch lesson, students consider the civil rights and civil liberties as they investigate Minersville School District v. Gobitis (1940) and West Virginia State Board...
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Thomas Jefferson's Library: Making the Case for a National Library
Young scholars examine the need for a national library. For this Library of Congress lesson, students analyze primary sources to investigate the persuasive techniques that Thomas Jefferson used in a letter meant to show his support of...
Curated OER
Finding Our Way Home: Immigration to the United States, 1815-1860
Students break into families of 4 members. They brainstorm issues that they would encounter as an immigrant family by creating a web. Students are given roles to research focusing on that perspective: father, mother, grandparent, and child.
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Boston Spies' Report on the Redcoats
Students collect information about British actions in Boston and send it by secret message to leaders in Philadelphia.
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The Declaration of Independence: From Rough Draft to Proclamation
Young scholars discover the purpose of the Declaration of Independence. In this colonial America instructional activity, students compare the original draft by Thomas Jefferson to the final draft of the Declaration of Independence.
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Literature: Esperanza Rising
Young scholars read and discuss the book, Esperanza Rising. After analyzing and identifying the novel's structural elements, they examine working conditions for migrant workers in the 1930s. As part of the lesson, students in groups...
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What is History? Timelines and Oral Histories
Students consider how we learn about the past and discuss how the framing of history is always done by the person who is telling it. They construct a personal and class timelines, compare two or more accounts of the same event and record...
Curated OER
Lincoln Theme--Gettysburg
Fifth graders explore the significance of the Gettysburg Address. In this United States history instructional activity, 5th graders listen to a Gettysburg Address recording and look at photos of the battlefield. Students discuss their...
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Build the Tallest Building
Students examine the design and construction of skyscrapers. They use the internet to research information about different types of skyscrapers. They create their own building and defend it to the class.
Curated OER
Major Holocaust Themes in Elie Wiesel's Memoir, Night
Students read accounts of children during the Holocaust and read Elie Wiesel's "Night". Using the internet, they share ideas and discuss topics with peers across the nation. They examine the role of the individual in the Holocaust and...
Curated OER
School Bill of Rights
Students study the Bill of Rights. As a class, they create a "School Bill of Rights," with amendments. Students discuss the difference between rights and responsibilities and examine Supreme Court decisions dealing with the first ten...
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The Battle Over Reconstruction: The Aftermath of Reconstruction
Students examine the Reconstruction Era. In this American history activity, students explore the condition of the United States following the Civil War as they read statistical data. Students analyze the Reconstruction policies to...
Curated OER
Dwellings - The Message of Houses and Their Contents, 1780-1820
Eleventh graders explore how architectural styles of the times reflected the economic status and taste of the individuals who owned the houses and how changes in the landscape and in material wealth reflect changes in technology and in...
Curated OER
Exploring Heroism
Students examine the concept of heroism in this instructional activity, through personal reflection, group activities and a thoughtful analysis of the documentary, HEROES OF GROUND ZERO. They explore their own understanding of what it...