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The Articles of Confederation

For Teachers 8th
The purpose of this instructional activity is to assist students in discovering the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and the foundation for creation of the United States Constitution. Students will investigate the events...
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End of the Line: What Happened to the Blue Ridge Railroad?

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders study the westward expansion and the role of railroad construction to the expansion. In this railroad history activity, 6th graders complete KWL activity for the topic. Students view a PowerPoint about the growth of...
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The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

For Teachers 10th - 11th
Students discuss contemporary situations in which governments mistreat people. They examine real-life instances in which people break the law for what they believe is a higher good. They role play a variety of human rights injustices.
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Japan's Economic Miracle

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students engage in a lesson that discusses the economy of Japan. They conduct research using budgets found on the internet. Then they have group discussions of how the government gets its money for spending.
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Manuelito

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Young scholars research Manuelito's approximate birthplace, his clan lineage, his early upbringing and preparation for defense against enemies. They analyze the factors that brought people west and postulate their understanding of...
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A Dream and an Idea: Searching for a Roadmap to Create a Country

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Students compare and contrast opposing visions of government held by the founding fathers. They evaluate the roles of historical leaders in shaping the U.S. as an emerging nation.
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Change: Just a Matter of Time

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Learners analyze the Declaration of Independence and primary sources to explain civil rights. Then, students write a Declaration of Change to express the grievances of African Americans, and their desire to participate fully in the...
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Is Capitalism Good for the Poor? | No More Slide Rules – The Costs and Benefits of Innovation

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Learners brainstorm a list of the benefits that Americans at all levels of society have enjoyed as a result of innovations in rail transportation/computers/microprocessors. They write a response from President Jackson to Martin Van Buren...
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The Original Layout of the Town of Deerfield

For Teachers 11th
Eleventh graders explain that elements of the early settlement of Deerfield can still be seen in the town layout and in some of the early 18th century houses which survive. They read and analyze historical maps and analyze a drawing of...
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Tobacco Road

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Pupils use court records to learn that tobacco was used a source of currency in early Delaware history. Students choose something in their culture to use as currency instead of money.
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South Carolina's Constitution

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders explore the definition of political culture. After viewing a movie, 8th graders discuss how the political culture of the 1600 and 1700s is reflected in early drafts of the South Carolina constitution.
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Ralph McGill: the "Conscience of the South"

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students view a film, "Dawn's Early Light: Ralph McGill and the Segregated South." As groups of students observe the movie, they list key dates, significant persons interviewed, and cultural characteristics. Upon completion of the movie,...
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The Missouri Compromise of 1820

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students use a map of the Missouri Compromise to explain the geographical changes it brought to the U.S. and why the changes provoked a debate over the expansion of slavery in the U.S.
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Judging Acts

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Pupils research Canada's political history by analyzing the country's constitution. To display their understanding, students write essays.
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A Lesson To Accompany "The First Bank of the United States: A Chapter in the History of Central Banking"

For Teachers 9th - 12th
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...
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A Conservative Era

For Teachers 9th - 10th
In this Conservative Era worksheet, students write definitions for six terms, examine five pairs of sentences then determine which one is false, then link two sets of words together by identifying which historical theme they share in...
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The Mayflower Compact Started It

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students examine the role the Mayflower Compact had in aiding the common good. They analyze the importance of the Compact and what affect it had on the colony. They write a paper summarizing how they interpreted the Compact itself.
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It's In Your Pocket

For Teachers K - 4th
Students examine federal powers. In this U.S. Constitution instructional activity, students explore the powers of Congress to coin money. Students also study the meaning of the symbols on U.S. coins.
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The Road Map & the Middle East

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Will walls help? Read to learn how Prime Minister Ariel Sharon proposes to build walls around Isreal in hopes of isolation from Palestine. Complete an online Webquest, analyze maps, listen to audio clips, answer discussion questions, and...
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Roots of the Documents of Freedom

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Pupils examine and analyze various excerpts from documents of freedom such as Magna Carta and Virginia Declaration of Rights, identify how documents influenced each other, and discuss ideas and rights necessary to build representative...
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The Progressives

For Teachers 8th - 11th
In this Progressive Era worksheet, students review a chapter as they read 10 descriptions identifying who or what is speaking, respond to 4 short answer questions, and explain a historical theme regarding this time period in United...
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Geometry of Democracy

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Learners explore the architecture of New England by identifying geometric shapes.  In this architectural instructional activity, students examine photographs of classic building architecture and use a transparency to trace geometric...
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In His Own Words: James Madison On the Problem of Faction

For Teachers 5th - 12th
Students are introduced to the writings of James Madison and explain why he is often called "The Father of the Constitution". Using primary source documents, they examine his view of the Bill of Rights and what he meant by faction. In...
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Jefferson vs. Franklin: Revolutionary Philosophers

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students cite connections among Franklin's Albany Plan of 1754, his Plan of Confederation of 1775 and the U.S. Constitution and/or the Declaration of Independence. In an essay, they give examples of the philosophical and political...