Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Presidents and the Constitution: Washington, Adams, Jefferson, Madison and the Barbary Pirates

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students explore the Barbary Pirates of the Mediterranean. In this American history lesson, students read a narrative regarding the conflict between the Barbary Pirates and the United States under the leadership of Washington, Adams,...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Our Country

For Teachers 2nd
Second graders study about being a citizen in a democracy. They also study about the important American symbols and the process for electing the President. Students develop a creative writing story and create a drawing of a room....
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The U.S. Constitution Power Grab Game

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Learners study the powers and limitations of the three branches of the American government. They explain how the system of "checks and balances" protects the individual citizens. They explain how the amendments to the Constitution...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Push/Pull factors in Immigration

For Teachers 6th - 9th
Students explore the push/pull factors experienced by immigrant families. They interview a parent and an American about their family's immigration history. Students write a summary of the interview and compare the push/pull factors of...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Barbara Jordan

For Teachers 4th - 5th
Students examine the contributions made to our country by Barbara Jordan. They read and discuss the books "The Sneetches" and "Building a Bridge," write journal entries, participate in a discrimination simulation, create a class...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Boston Spies' Report on the Redcoats

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students collect information about British actions in Boston and send it by secret message to leaders in Philadelphia.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Patriot Act: What Is the Proper Balance Between National Security and Individual Rights?

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Learners discuss the Patriot Act and are given questions at the end of the lesson to respond to.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Pennsylvania Boxing: Living the American Dream

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Learners reflect on fictional and real boxers from Pennsylvania.  For this history lesson, high schoolers read, reflect and discuss the historical period following World War II and observe the boxers that were famous from...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

VA Statute for Religious Freedom, III

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Young scholars analyze the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedoms and consider its implications. For this governing principles lesson, students explore primary and secondary sources regarding the document penned by Thomas Jefferson.
Lesson Plan
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Post-War Suburbanization: Causes and Interpretations

For Teachers 9th - 12th
In this teaching American history worksheet, students examine a primary source document regarding post-World War II suburbanization. Students discuss their impressions of the document.
Lesson Plan
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The Rise of Islamist Terrorist Groups

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Students analyze the rise of Islamist terrorism. In this terrorism lesson, students listen to their instructor present a lecture regarding the growth of Al Quaeda and other terror groups. Students respond to discussion...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

"Let us Reason Together" Lyndon Johnson, Master Legislator

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Pupils explore the contributions of Lyndon B. Johnson. In this congress lesson, students listen to their instructor lecture on the prowess of Lyndon B. Johnson's legislative skills. Pupils respond to discussion questions connected to the...
Lesson Plan
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Anticipatory Set for Japanese Internment

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Learners simulate Japanese relocation to internment camps after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. They select items to pack that are personally, sentimentally, and financially important to them. They create a Venn diagram comparing and...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Foundations of Our Constitution

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students explore documents that serve as the foundation for American democracy. They, use the Foundations of Our Constitution which consist of three components: (1) a reading with discussion questions, (2) an interactive activity, and...
Lesson Plan
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TV ATTACK ADS AND THE VOTER

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students read about the history of negative political advertisements in U.S. elections. In this politics lesson, students view several ads for opposing candidates and analyze and discuss the content. Students write scripts for candidates...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Indian Removal: The Cherokees, Jackson, and the “Trail of Tears”

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students examine executive power. In this Indian Removal lesson, students listen to their instructor present a lecture regarding the "Trail of Tears". Students respond to discussion questions regarding the lecture.
Lesson Plan
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What Made George Washington a Great Leader?

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers examine the leadership attributes of George Washington. In this George Washington instructional activity, students listen to their instructor present a lecture regarding the leadership of first president. High...
Lesson Plan
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A Hero Betrayed: The Presidency of Ulysses S. Grant

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students analyze the career of Ulysses S. Grant. In this Grant presidency lesson, students listen to their instructor present a lecture regarding the details of Grant's presidency. Students respond to discussion questions regarding the...
Lesson Plan
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Celebrating Martin Luther King Day

For Teachers 4th - 5th
Students examine how Martin Luther King Day is celebrated in the United States. They practice treating others equally and respectfully. They also identify ways in which they can help King's dream of peace a reality.
Lesson Plan
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The Cherokee Removal

For Teachers 11th
Eleventh graders examine the issue of Cherokee removal from the perspectives of Andrew Jackson, members of Congress, and members of the Cherokee nation. They adopt the perspectives and engage in debate over the issue of Cherokee removal.
Lesson Plan
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Reconstruction and the 1868 South Carolina Constitution

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Students, through lecture and group discussion, explore the American Civil War Reconstruction and how it affected the development of the 1868 Constitution of South Carolina. They discuss its impact on South Carolina even today.
Lesson Plan
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Flip Flop Diplomacy

For Teachers 9th
Ninth graders examine the dress of diplomats. In this American Government lesson, 9th graders read an article and answer guided questions. Students participate in a quiz on the reading.
Lesson Plan
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Should America Balance the Federal Budget?

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers analyze the federal budget of the United States. In this national debt lesson plan, students listen to their instructor present a lecture regarding the details of the balancing the federal budget. High schoolers respond to...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Marshall Plan for Rebuilding Western Europe

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students examine the aftermath of World War II. In this Marshall Plan lesson, students listen to their instructor present a lecture regarding the plan to rebuild Western Europe and its outcome.  Students respond to discussion...