National First Ladies' Library
The First Great Awakening
Connecting social studies and American literature, students study the Great Awakening and draw comparisons between its impact on England and on parts of Colonial America. They research the lives and experiences of people who lived during...
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The Battle Over Reconstruction: The Aftermath of War
Students explore public sentiment regarding Reconstruction. In this Reconstruction lesson, students analyze primary sources for evidence of the political, social and economic stability of the U.S. following the Civil War. Students...
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Going by the Rules
Students examine George Washington's Rules of Civility. In this George Washington lesson, students investigate how rules influence people, and the roles of citizens in America. Students will discuss and reword rules and work in...
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Living Without Technology
Students identify how technology has made people's lives easier. In this technological advancements lesson, students live without modern machines in their homes for 24 hours and speculate about what life in America 100 years ago must...
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1968 – A Generation in Revolt
Tenth graders compare and contrast the revolts that took place around the world in 1968. In this global studies instructional activity, 10th graders research the youth revolts that took place in Paris, Prague, and Chicago in 1968 and...
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Why People Get Tattoos: Practice Exercise
In this sentence completion exercise, students complete each sentence by choosing from a selection of endings. Students must match the beginning of the sentences to the end.
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Social Studies: Chinese Migration to America
Students examine human migrations and hypothesize why Chinese immigrants came to the Pacific Northwest. In groups, they research reasons for the migration and record them on a Venn Diagram with general migratory reasons. Students...
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Central And South America And Their Ancient Civilizations
Fifth graders listen to lectures on the ancient civilizations of the Aztecs, Incas and Mayans. They construct a mask base and then decorate it in thirds with symbols meaningful to each of the three cultures being studied.
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Uninsured in America
Students understand some of the problems faced by the uninsured through data collection and explore possible sollutions for those problems.
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Hispanic Immigration: America in the Year 2000
Young scholars investigate the underlying reasons for immigration, focusing on five major trends: political, economic, family, career and educational. They examine the immigration of Spanish speaking groups.
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America's Civil Rights Movement, Activity Ten
Learners identify a wrong in their own community and act to correct it. They reflect on the intersection fo the Civil Rights Movemnet with a social justice project.
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America Responds to Terrorism
Students discuss truths and myths dealing with the subject of terrorism.
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Say It Loud!: A Celebration Of Black Music In America - Lesson 5
Students identify many genres of Black music. They listen to examples of black artists playing songs of social concious, then identify issues that are addressed by today's Black artists.
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Christmas Traditions in America
Students access a variety of Christmas tradition themed websites. They complete Christmas themed story starters and math problems. They read well known Christmas poems and stories.
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GNP simulation using foods in the Americas
Learners gain a better understanding of world food supply, the impact of inequality of the distribution of wealth, and get a taste of traditional foods.
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"Bill's Run" Lesson Plan: What Do People Want from Politicians?:
High schoolers evaluate various methods of sampling opinions, consider the role of polling in elections, and consider the role of media reporting in the outcome of elections. They also gain skills they can use to analyze and evaluate...
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Say It Loud!: A Celebration Of Black Music In America - Episode 3: Can I Get A Witness
Students identify many genres of music that influenced gospel and study examples of gospel music. They explain that gospel music is sacred and is usually performed with sincerity, dignity, and passion with vocal improvisation.
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Work And Resistance In America
Students investigate the history and events that surround the industrial revolution. They conduct research using secondary sources. They look reflectively at the history in order to build an idea of how the arts could have influenced the...
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We the People
Students show how the meaning of the Preamble is reflected in current American culture. They collect images and/or sounds from media sources that represent, symbolize, or explain each phrase in the Preamble and create a media...
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Forests for People
Students devise and conduct a survey at their school to discover what the students like to do in forests. They then plot the results in a line-graph. Students research the various things threatening forest life.
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Say It Loud!: A Celebration Of Black Music in America - Episode 3: Can I Get A Witness: Lesson 2
Pupils watch a video on spiritual music, then engage in a discussion about the artists and styles mentioned in the video. They discuss vocal improvisation, and engage in a call and response to "This Little Light Of Mine.'
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Inside the Vault-Employment Growth in America: What Determines Good Jobs?
Young scholars examine employment growth and the economy. After a teacher lead discussion, students explore types of jobs and their correlation with education level. Job qualifications for both high-paying and low-paying careers are...
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The History of Ethanol in America
Sixth graders explore and examine the production of biofuels from the 1850's to the present. Included in their research is Henry Ford, ethanol, World War I and prohibition. They explain the importance of grains and grasses for the...
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"Last Man Standing" Lesson Plan: What Do People Want from Politicians?:
Students evaluate various methods of sampling opinions, consider the role of polling in elections, and consider the role of media reporting in the outcome of elections. They gain skills they can use to analyze and evaluate media...