Learners create memorials for lesser known WWII heroes. In this WWII instructional activity, students recognize the efforts of lesser know individuals and groups that contributed to the wartime cause. Learners work in groups to create a...

Students comprehend how the Atomic Bomb affected humanity and ended WWII. They comprehend how the Atomic Bomb affected: scientists, Japanese citizens, and US leaders. Students receive a copy of Hiroshima, Readers Theater Rubiv. They...

Tenth graders explore the events of the Great Depression. They analyze the events and select those most important to contemporary people and the future of the nation. Students create a PowerPoint presentation over the Great Depression.

Students consider the relationship between business and government. In this rural electrification lesson, students read "Battle of the Pole Holes," and then write editorials that address the way that business and government functioned in...

Students groups divide up into 2. One gathers 10 facts about FDR and the other gathers 10 facts about Churchill. On the board, they compile that facts gathered in two separate columns so they can compare and contrast these two men.

Students analyze the problems that have come along with the conservation movement and the fall and rise of the white tailed deer population. In this conservation lesson plan, students see how important the deer were to the Native...

Students study segregation that occurred in the past and that is currently occurring. In this equal rights lesson, students use primary source documents to student segregation of the past. In a culminating activity, students find or draw...

High schoolers study maps to determine barriers associated with the Pennsylvania mountains and the Native Americans.  In this investigative instructional activity students study the routes used by Native Americans, explain physical...

Learners examine the Jim Crow laws and how they impacted the lives of both African Americans and white Americans. They discuss the Civil Rights Movement and how their lives may have been different had it not occurred. Groups...

Learners reflect on fictional and real boxers from Pennsylvania.  In this history lesson, students read, reflect and discuss the historical period following World War II and observe the boxers that were famous from Pennsylvania...

Students research and stage a debate on the question: RESOLVED that the Constitution should be amended to provide for a parliamentary system of government. They debate if a parliamentary system of government might be better.

Students use a brief history of the growth and decline of the anthracite region in the state to create a photograph and map "peak shaped" time line. They practice map and photo analysis strategies to "read" photographs and maps.

Young scholars study life in a coal patch town. In this American History instructional activity, learners read material about life for coal miners and their families. They answer questions, create a poster, and complete a creative...

Students explain how the Civil War and Reconstruction both solved and created problems for our nation. They study how Reconstruction caused a further decline in relations between the North & South and how racism has been and is...

Students research early Indian adaptations in this lesson. They research the different American Indian tribes. They also research and compare the tribes' rituals, daily lives, and their impact on the Europeans who came later to the...

Learners discuss what makes a sports legend. In this Jim Thorpe activity students analyze both the triumphs and tragedies of Jim Thorpe's sports career. Learners then write a letter persuading their representative to name Jim Thorpe the...

Learners explore the concept of bituminous coal and the role it plays within our world.  In this economic and earth science activity, students discover and model the extraction methods with hands-on activities.  Learners also...

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...

Students read a short story on baseball cards and reflect on Honus Wagner's decision to withdraw his card. In this baseball cards lesson plan, students study how children used cards in the 1930's and express their understanding of Honus...

Students explore onomastics. In this baseball history lesson, students create their own team name and explain the name they chose. After choosing a team name students support their choice with revelant reasons and be able to discuss...

Students examine advertising from early to mid twentieth century.  In this advertising techniques activity, students assess the different ways advertisers "sold" the concept of railroad travel.  Students examine a variety of...

Students role play one of the Presidents between 1877 and today. Individually, they use the internet to research the President through official documents, political cartoons and various editorials. Throughout the year, they are asked to...

Students discuss how they get information on important events or activities that occur in the national government today. They evaluate the New Deal, utilizing document analysis worksheets imbedded in this plan.

Students learn vocabulary associated with the Swing Era. They also listen to music from the time period.