Lesson Plan
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Benjamin Franklin Tercentenary

Ingenious: Franklin Assembles a Scientific Community

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Few Americans have heard of the burgeoning scientific community known as the America Philosophical society, started by none other than Benjamin Franklin. With inquiry, research, and discussion, high schoolers come to understand their...
Worksheet
Curated OER

Breaking News English: Map Shows Chinese Discovered America

For Students 5th - 10th
In this English worksheet, students read "Map Shows Chinese Discovered America," and then respond to 47 fill in the blank, 7 short answer, 20 matching, and 8 true or false questions about the selection.
Worksheet
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K12 Reader

Colonization: for Gold, God, and Glory

For Students 4th - 5th Standards
Colonization, cartography, and circumnavigation. After reading a short article about early explorations, kids use the information provided to answer a series of comprehension questions.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

It’s a Big, Big World

For Teachers 5th - 6th
Students examine the role of the explorers. In this explorers and conquistadors, students create word puzzles (Wordles) regarding the time period in history. Students conduct research regarding a particular explorer and create foldables...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

American Literature: An Oblique Introduction

For Teachers 11th
Eleventh graders research journals and periodicals of different accounts of Columbus and Latin America. They examine indigenous civilizations and design their own curriculum based on the information they have gathered.
Writing
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Oklahoma State Department of Education

Narrative Prompt

For Students 8th Standards
Reading about history is nothing like experiencing it firsthand. Encourage your eighth graders to do the next best thing with a historical narrative prompt, in which they describe the experience of a first-time traveler on the...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Pilgrims: The First Americans

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders become familar with the pilgrims and first Thanksgiving through essays about important people of the time.  In this Thanksgiving activity, 5th graders choose an important figure from the time of the Pilgrims and write...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Explorers of the New World

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Learners research explorers and explore how exploration affected the Western Hemisphere; students demonstrate competency in using multimedia encyclopedia and information software, and present PowerPoint presentation to class with two...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Maps and Legends by Micheal Chabon

For Teachers 8th - 10th
Students read an essay to improve language skills and understanding of American culture for ESL teachers. In this American culture lesson, students read the essay 'Maps and Legends' by Michael Chabon and complete various activities to...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

"Julie of the Wolves"

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders research life in Alaska and compare life there to their lives in this lesson. They read "Julie of the Wolves." They research through the novel and other reference books facts about the Alaskan climate and geography. They...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Like Comparing Bison and Fish

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders study the development of North American Indian cultures by looking at how geography impacted their development. They write a five paragraph essay comparing the Plains Indians and the Clatsop Indians.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Who am I?

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students practice their writing skills by creating a character sketch of themselves. After viewing portraits, they select one personality trait and put their own picture into the painting of their choice. They include a conversation with...
Primary
University of Maryland

Early Americas Digital Archive: Discovery of the Beautiful Empire of Guiana

For Students 9th - 10th
The complete text of "The Discovery of the Large, Rich, and Beautiful Empire of Guiana" by William Penn.