Curated OER
Rollin' on The River - the Hudson River!
Young scholars examine how the Hudson River was important to the development of the United States. They examine the role of steamboats played in the development of the Hudson River Valley.
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Comparing North American Colonies Vs. Britain
Fifth graders practice creative writing by describing events from the Colonial era. In this U.S. History instructional activity, 5th graders identify King George III and George Washington, the roles they played, and the...
Curated OER
Johnny Tremain for the 21st Century
Seventh graders complete a unit of lessons on the American Revolution based on the novel, 'Johnny Tremain.' They define key vocabulary terms, develop a timeline, write a report on a colonial craft, make a colonial flag, and create a...
Curated OER
Change the Face of History
Middle schoolers create and write a "Choose Your Own Adventure" story as they investigate the Revolutionary War. They choose a historical figure who played a key role in the war who meets other influential figures and has the opportunity...
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Ben Franklin the Good Citizen
Students investigate Benjamin Franklin's contributions to society. In this history lesson, students read about Franklin's philanthropic behavior and play a bucket brigade game to re-enact how fires were put out during colonial times.
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Do You Really Know What Wealth Is?
Students examine what it means to have wealth-a concept that turns out to be philosophical as well as economic-and examine the importance of music. They examine the concepts of wealth in Mali and in the United States and consider the...
Alabama Department of Archives and History
La Mobile: A Case Study of Exploration and Settlement
The Le Moyne brothers, Jean-Baptiste and Pierre, were among the first explorers of the Gulf Coast. Class members read biographical information and journal entries about these men, study maps showing where the settlements they established...
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library & Museum
Military Advisers in Vietnam: 1963
How did the beginning of the Vietnam War factor into the Cold War with the Soviet Union? As part of a study of American involvement in Vietnam, class members read a letter address to President Kennedy and his response in which...
Curated OER
Family Life
Learners investigate the lives of families in two different centuries. They compare the 1600's to the 1800's. Students write an essay about the differences and how they developed in history. Special attention is paid to the external...
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Economics During Colonial Virginia
Students communicate their knowledge of life in the Virginia colony. They describe how money, barter, and credit were used. Students observe a United Streaming video on trade. Students complete a review guide and write an essay.
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Images of the New World
Students examine how visual and literary images played an important role in the English colonization of Virginia. They analyze the importance of Thomas Harriot's Report on the subsequent development of English colonial plans for...
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Why were Americans upset with the British Government?
Fourth graders examine the Revolutionary War in New York State. In this experiential hook lesson plan, 4th graders adhere to new rules imposed by the teacher. Students document their feelings and frustrations with being taxed on...
Curated OER
Korean War
Students identify and interpret general information about the Korean War, including important dates, terms, events, and participants. They also identify what the Cairo Declaration was and what military forces, political forces, and...
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Changes In The New Nation: New Beginnings
Students consider the role of American newspapers in the revolution and plans for new government. In this early American history instructional activity, students determine how communication provided by newspapers contributed to the...
Benjamin Franklin Tercentenary
Benjamin Franklin and the Long Struggle for Independence
Students explore U.S. history by reading biographical material in class. In this Benjamin Franklin lesson, students identify the life of Franklin and the events that led him to become one of America's first heroes. Students complete an...
Curated OER
Searching for a New Home
Students investigate pilgrims. In this pilgrim lesson plan, students read the book If You Sailed on the Mayflower and identify the path from England to Holland on a map. Students write in a journal about how they would feel if they were...
Curated OER
The Arrival
Students construct classroom rules. In this philanthropy lesson, students investigate The Mayflower Compact made by the Pilgrims and use it as a guide to form their own classroom rules. Students work in small groups.
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Freedom to Worship
Fifth graders read the biographies of seven colonists and determine their position on the freedom of religion. They conduct a panel discussion of seven personalities and debate the religious freedom in America.
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Know Your 13 Colonies
Seventh graders study the thirteen colonies. In this American History lesson, 7th graders analyze the historical origins and economic development of each colony. Students create an original flag for a colony that reflects the...
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Three Young Pilgrims
Fifth graders study the story of the voyage of the Mayflower told from the view point of the three Allerton siblings who were on board the ship. The book tells of their voyage across the Atlantic and their first year here on the North...
Curated OER
Massacre or Street Fight? A Study of Images Relating to the Boston Massacre
Fifth graders examine how the merchants of the city allowed the economy to flourish. Using primary sources, they discover how international trade helped to develop the United States. They also identify the role of Elias Hasket Derby, a...
Curated OER
Through The Looking Glass
Students examine the time period of westward expansion. In groups, they use the internet to research the reasons why people moved west during the 1800s. They write their own narratives playing the role of a member of a pioneer family...
Curated OER
John Lawson's Emigration Impact: Short Essay
Students review John Lawson's writings to discover the impact they had on emigration to America. Using the writings, they analyze the influence of them and review the early settlement of the colonies. They write their own essay sharing...
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The History of Thanksgiving Day
Third graders study the history of Thanksgiving. In this holiday lesson plan, 3rd graders read about the history of Thanksgiving, complete vocabulary activities, and write a journal entry from the point of view of someone who lived...