Students examine the secession crisis of 1861 and the significance of the Confederate attack on Fort Sumter. They read and analyze Lincoln's First Inaugural Address, conduct research, and write an executive memorandum.

Young scholars assess the difficult position and decision Lincoln had to make. They determine that there were many conflicting opinions at that time. They pretend they are at a dinner table together discussing the current events. They...

High schoolers determine whether the American Civil War could have been avoided. In this Civil War instructional activity, students examine primary and secondary sources to prepare to participate in a classroom debate that requires them...

Students, examine The Civil War, from a variety of perspectives and assignments. After taking notes, they can choose from creating a front page newspaper article describing the fall of Fort Sumter, discuss the pros and cons of fighting,...

Students discover why Fort Pickens was so valuable to both the Union and Confederacy, and follow the actions of the military commanders faced with crucial decisions. (National Park)

Students have to decide if they would continue the war from the Union's perspective and how would they go about doing it. Students need to read excerpts from the Congressional Globe to decide their argument. Finally, a poster will be...

From December 20, 1860 to June 8, 1861, eleven states seceded from the Union. Alabama seceded on January 11, 1861. Why did so many white Alabamians want to secede? Why did they believe the South could win the war? These are the essential...

Fourth graders investigate the Civil War by researching the state of Virginia.  In this US History lesson, 4th graders identify Abraham Lincoln, James Chestnut and Fort Sumter, and discuss their roles in the start of the Civil...

Students identify the locations of pivotal American Civil War battles. In this map skills lesson, students label Fort Sumter, Antietam, Vicksburg, Gettysburg, and the Battle for Atlanta on an outline map. The map is not included.

Learners read Scott O'Dell's book, Sing Down the Moon, and answer questions about the forced migration of the Navahos from Arizona to Fort Sumter, New Mexico. They conduct research and describe a tenebrae service and its importance.

Fourth graders study the American Revolution and several key aspects and people involved in it. In this American Revolution lesson, 4th graders study the land grant for British colonists. Students read the 'The Legend of Kate Fowler' and...

Was it the War against Northern Aggression or the War to Unify the Union? Scholars investigate the key battles and strategies of the American Civil War to determine just why the North was victorious in the end.

Fourth graders work with a partner to create a puppet show that demonstrates the condition of the prisoners in Andersonville, Georgia during the Civil War.

Students explore Abraham Lincoln's role as Commander in Chief. In this American Civil War lesson, students listen to an instructor-delivered lecture on Lincoln's leadership and then analyze 8 pirmary documents to determine what Lincoln's...

Young historians examine a memorial sculpture of the first African American regiment in the Civil War, and then compare how the experiences of the regiment are portrayed in letters and poetry, as well as in the motion...

Here is a lesson designed to be an ongoing task for the entire year. Each day of the week, learners must perform research to answer a simple historical question. This particular lesson covers the month of April, but the template...

Students consider the impact of Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation In this U.S. Constitution lesson plan, students read a narrative regarding the move by Lincoln to officially end slavery. Students take notes on the case and respond to...

Students analyze Abraham Lincoln's view of the Civil War. In this American Civil War lesson, students read excerpts of Lincoln's speeches to determine whether he had a dual view of the war. Students respond to discussion questions about...

Fifth graders create multi-media newscasts based on their knowledge of Civil War battles of the ironclad ships.

Middle schoolers examine the clash between the North and the South. In this Civil War lesson plan, students watch segments of the Discovery video "The Civil War: A Nation Divided". Middle schoolers conduct further research...

Fifth graders participate in various activities related to the Civil War. In this Civil War lesson students understand the events and feelings of people during the Civil War by studying primary sources, journal writing, readings, viewing...

Students examine and determine Abraham Lincoln's effectiveness as commander-in-chief during the Civil War. Role-playing as historians, they write essays evaluating Lincoln's performance after conducting Internet research from provided...

Learners research the events that led to the Civil War and the Reconstruction. In this Civil War history instructional activity, students study images of Robert Smalls and research his role in the Civil War. Learners review the South...

Young scholars examine the history of Anti-Semitism in England. In this Jewish history lesson, students discuss the Pyramid of Hate and the Pyramid of Alliance as they discover a brief history of the Jews in England in the last 1000 years.