Students study of the First Amendment, Tinker, Hazelwood and the Colorado Student Free Expression Law. They discuss the ramifications on the student press and recite their memorized First Amendment rights. They discover what can...

Here is an interesting topic. Learners examine the economics that led to the founding of the First Bank of America. They participate in a reader's theater experience depicting the debate between Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson...

Learners examine the contributions of Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson to American Independence. In small groups, they conduct Internet research, read and discuss primary source documents, and complete a chart.

Teach the class about the predecessor to Declaration of Independence—the Virginia Declaration of Rights. Using the foundational documents, scholars examine the two writings to consider how they are similar and how they are different. A...

Today, many young people find it hard to understand why it took over 150 years for women in the United  States to get the right to vote—why there was even a need for the suffrage movement. As they read a series of primary source...

Students create cartograms of populations during 1790.

Students comprehend the purpose, function, origin, and historical development of the electoral college. They evaluate issues of fairness and representation in the electoral process, both individually and through group discussion....

Students work together in groups to examine the suffrage movement in Colorado. They analyze the reasons for and against women's suffrage. They also determine the impact of the movement in Colorado.

Middle schoolers explain the basic positions of the Federalists and the Anti-Federalists. They chart the differences and similarities between state and federal governments. They write a persuasive essay in response to an open-ended...

Fourth graders examine slavery and Reconstruction in Virginia. For this Virginians during Reconstruction lesson, 4th graders research primary sources for the story of William Jasper and other slaves. Students hypothesize how rights...

Learners understand the purpose of the judicial branch of government. In this judiciary lesson, students participate in exercises to understand how the court system works. Learners complete activity sheets to develop understanding of...

In this social studies worksheet, 4th graders answer multiple choice questions about George Washington, early America, natural resources, and more. Students complete 8 questions.

Students explore U.S. history by reading biographical material in class. In this Benjamin Franklin instructional activity, students identify the life of Franklin and the events that led him to become one of America's first heroes....

Students examine the American Revolution and the Articles of Confederation. They, in groups, participate in different activities.

In this social studies worksheet, 4th graders will gain an understanding of nine famous Americans and their accomplishments to society. Students will complete nine fill in the blank statements about each individual.

Students prepare for and learn through a walking tour of Philadelphia. In this history lesson, students support their studies with a field trip. This lesson could be adapted to suit regions with other historic places or museums. 

Plenty of events and attitudes incited the French Revolution. Your class will learn all about the causes, effects, and changes that took place during and after this war. Each slide is put together in an easy-to-follow fashion, with...

Ever wondered why there is a West Virginia but not an East Virginia? The resource answers questions like this one and more as it takes an in-depth and detailed look at the history of West Virginia and how it became a state. Several...

Though the movement for Women's Suffrage stretched over several decades and across two centuries, the final few years were the most difficult hurdle in many ways. Use a document-based question writing exercise to make inferences about...

Vive la résistance! Provide young historians with a list of important people and events during the French Revolution and Napoleonic periods.

The events of the French Revolution from 1789 to 1815 contributed to a drastic change in French leadership, as well as the country's attitude toward wealth and the working man. A timeline lists the main events of the 26-year period and...

Seventh graders discover details about the responsibilities of the 3 branches of government in the United States. In this checks and balances lesson, 7th graders view a SMART Board supported lecture that reveals the jobs of the...

Pupils read the Federalist #10. In groups, they discuss the meaning of each paragraph. Afterward, students write a summary exploring the important arguments of the paper. Pupils explore the historical significance of the document.

Students investigate the meaning of community. In this community lesson, students look at the concepts of civic engagement, civic responsibility, and common good. They determine how a classroom is a community and the need for having...