Curated OER
Rules, Resistance and Repeal: How the Stamp Act Was Repealed
Eighth graders examine the causes of the American Revolution. Participating in activities, they discover how it would have felt to be taxed without representation. They identify an object from a museum and discuss how it might have been...
Curated OER
Declaration of Independence
Eighth graders explain the meaning of the Declaration of Independence. They view a political cartoon of the period, then do a writing assignment for homework. They write about how they would feel if the British were calling them traitors.
Curated OER
Consumer Culture in the 1950s: New Shopping Centers and Advertising trends
Students examine the effect of suburbs on American cities. They identify the changes the cities had to face after people moved elsewhere. Using primary source ads, they compare them with contemporary ads and discuss what can be found out...
Curated OER
Consumer Culture in the 1950s: New Shopping Centers and Advertising trends
Eleventh graders analyze the cultural and social aspects of the 1950s. Using primary source documents, they work together to determine what society was like. They use that information to write an essay about how their information...
Curated OER
Mastering the Document-Based Essay Question
Students use a primary source document from the Civil War period of history in order to derive meaning for an essay question. The essay is based completely on the document with no other research to support the content.
Curated OER
Learning About Japan Through Its Kites--Intermediate
Learners read various readings on two kit making sessions. They locate places and human spatial patterns using a map. Students design in two dimensions using line to create details.
Curated OER
Ask an Expert-Grade 5-8
Students conduct oral histories about water in their community. They interview community members, create a class oral history journal, and record their findings on a school website, in the school or public library, or in another...
Curated OER
Vietnam and the Long-Term Effects of War
High schoolers examine an image of civilians affected by the Vietnam War. They research and discuss the reasons the Vietnam War began, why America became involved, and what some of the long-term effects of this war have been.
Curated OER
Ukiyo-e
Pupils investigate and examine ukiyo-e, or Japanese woodblock prints, from the Edo period (1615-1868) in Japan and use this gained knowledge to compare Japanese culture to American societal trends.
Curated OER
The Great Fire of London
Pupils explore the effects of an out of control fire. Using textbook and Internet research, students gather data concerning the Great Fire of London. They present their research findings in a creative, visual manner to their classmates.
Curated OER
Colonial Research Fun
Learners review the characteristics of the thirteen colonies. In groups, they use the internet to research one of the colonies more in depth and answer questions about it. They develop a newspaper or travel brochure to share the...
Curated OER
VA Statute for Religious Freedom, III
High schoolers analyze the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedoms and consider its implications. In this governing principles instructional activity, students explore primary and secondary sources regarding the document penned by Thomas...
Alabama Learning Exchange
Would you fit in with the Cherokees?
Students use this activity as an introduction to the unit on Cherokee Native Americans. They discuss and research Cherokee dress and homes and identify difference between the Cherokee and the individuals in the class.
Curated OER
The Decisive Victory: Philadelphia and the Winning of the War for American Independence
High schoolers examine primary documents and apply their knowledge to describe them. For this primary document analysis lesson students interpret sources and evaluate roles of foreign allies.
Curated OER
"Disapproved": Censorship of Film in Pennsylvania
Students analyze primary source documents of the 1920s to find the roots of film censorship and understand Pennsylvania's leadership in this movement. They analyze government censorship documents that banned a film in Pennsylvania and...
Curated OER
150 Years of Abolition in Pennsylvania
High schoolers study the struggle for abolition in Pennsylvania starting with the Quakers first protest through the burning of Pennsylvania Hall. They conduct research using primary source documents.
Curated OER
The Growth of Islam
Seventh graders gain insight into the daily lives of Muslims and to develop empathy for them by studying the Islamic world and creating presentations.
Curated OER
Is Seeing Believing?
Pupils study different photographers who started the concept of battlefield photography. In this media activity students explore how to "read" a photograph and relate the use of photography during the Civil War to current use today.
Curated OER
The ABC's of Artifacts
Students create their own ABC book about artifacts. In this artifact lesson, students read ABC History Mystery and review the artifacts pictured in the book. They create their own ABC book with each student working on a letter.
Curated OER
US Presidential Election Process and the Campaign Trail
High schoolers campaign for president. In this presidential election instructional activity, students discuss the process of electing presidents, write their own campaign songs, research a campaign train schedule, and create campaign maps.
Curated OER
Digging Deeper: Mission San Saba
Seventh graders review their prior knowledge on the Spanish mission system in Texas. Using the internet, they examine the motives of the Spanish to establish missions in Texas, specifically the Mission San Saba. They research the reasons...
Curated OER
Reading Images: Maconaquah
Students examine a portrait of Maconaquah and compose a list of things they observe about her. They look at her age, clothing, jewelry, and her emotions based on her facial expression. Conclusions are drawn as they "read" the pictures...
Curated OER
On the Edge and Under the Gun
Students brainstorm ideas related to gun control and share with the class. in this gun control lesson, students research teacher approved websites related to gun control. Students write a paper in groups on a self selected topic related...
Curated OER
Altoona Horseshoe Curve: A Vital Link
High schoolers explain the significance of the Horseshoe Curve. For this railroad instructional activity students reconstruct elements of a German plot to destroy the Horseshoe Curve.