Curated OER
Thomas Jefferson
Students explore the accomplishments of world leaders. In this Thomas Jefferson lesson plan, students list the accomplishments achieved by Jefferson and read his epitaph. Students then write epitaphs for recent world leaders or celebrities.
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Thomas Jefferson and the Declaration of Independence
Students examine readings and symbols to learn about the War of Independence and Thomas Jefferson. In this War of Independence lesson, students explore the role of Thomas Jefferson in the Declaration for Independence. Students answer...
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Bush Plans Hit on Drug Use
Students explore the topic of drug abuse. In this health journalism instructional activity, students read the USA Today article titled "Bush Plans Hit on Drub Abuse," respond to discussion questions regarding the article, and complete an...
Curated OER
Lincoln's Birthday
Students in and ESL classroom discover and discuss the importance of Abraham Lincoln and why we celebrate his birthday.  They study vocabulary associated with Abraham Lincoln.
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A Penny for Abe
Students explore Abraham Lincoln through stories and poems. They also explore him being on the penny.
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Being Me in the Face of Adversity - Americans Who Stood Up for Their Beliefs
Students identify important Americans from the colonial, revolutionary and slavery periods who are noted for standing up for their beliefs in the face of peer disapproval. They identify the importance of music in motivating and...
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Four Famous Faces
Fifth graders examine the South Dakota Quarter Reverse and identify the images on it. They discuss the accomplishments of the four presidents. They create coins of four people in their school. They arrange bags of plastic coins by their...
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Show Me Economics
Students identify the penny as a copper coin worth 1 cent.  They discover information found on the penny:  President Lincoln's face, Lincoln Memorial, date, and location of minting.
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American History Research with Visual Timeline
Fifth graders research from a Washington, D.C. landmark, write a three page paper, then create a project depicting their topics to go on a time-line.
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Introduce Vocabulary: Kindergarten Count to 100
During read-aloud of Kindergarten Count to 100 by Jacqueline Rogers, children listen for context clues about vocabulary that includes the words "first," "second," and "third." I love the way vocabulary development skills are integrated...
Curated OER
Introduce Vocabulary: Kindergarten Count to 100 (Rogers)
Combine counting and vocabulary in context using Jacqueline Rogers' Kindergarten Count to 100. Suggested words for this text are: first, fountain, salute, second, and third. By introducing the terms before reading the text,...
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Blessings of a Free Government: The Louisiana Purchase in 1803
Young scholars may take part in a multitude of activities listed such as creating political cartoons, comparison papers, and creating a portfolio to reinforce concepts and ideas surrounding the Louisiana Purchase.
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Abraham Lincoln
First graders explore famous people in America.  They read and discuss a story about Abraham Lincoln.  After the class discussion, 1st graders create a web of important events in the life of Abraham Lincoln.  Finally, students write...
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Agriculture and the Government
Students study the government's involvement in the U.S. A's food production and make connections relating to farm programs. For this historical agriculture lesson, students read content and research significant information....
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U.S. Mint Releases New Jefferson Nickel
Students share their knowledge of Lewis and Clark, then read a news article about the redesign on the U.S. nickel to commemorate Lewis and Clark's expedition. Introduce the article with a discussion and vocabulary activity, then students...
National Endowment for the Humanities
Lesson 2: The United States, France, and the Problem of Neutrality, 1796–1801
While the French Revolution could be considered inspired by the American Revolution, it created thorny problems for the new United States. Should the United States get involved and be drawn into a European drama? Was the US strong...
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History of the Masons
Students are divided into groups and follow directions of their group leaders and complete a worksheet while on site.
National Endowment for the Humanities
The Monroe Doctrine: A Close Reading
Students identify specific passages in the Monroe Doctrine to events in early U.S. diplomacy.
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Jackie Steals Home
High schoolers read articles relating to Jackie Robinson's breaking of the racial barrier in professional baseball. This leads to a deeper exploration of racism in the United States. They use a variety of worksheets imbedded in this plan...
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Introduce Vocabulary: Happy Birthday, Martin Luther King (Marzollo)
Looking for a vocabulary lesson relevant to MLK Day? Try this reading comprehension idea designed around Jean Marzollo's biography Happy Birthday, Martin Luther King. Go over new terms (freedom, justice,...
Curated OER
The First American Party System: Events, Issues, and Positions
Learners identify factors which lead to the development of the Federalists and Democratic-Republicans. They examine the writings of Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton as well. They discuss what elements are needed for an orgainized...
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It's In Your Pocket
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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It's in Your Pocket
Students examine American coins. In this American currency lesson plan, students study how American money came to be as well as the responsibilities of the U.S. Mint. Students discover details regarding American coins and design their...
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A Look at Race in America Using Statistics
Eleventh graders explore the issue of racism in America.  In this American History lesson, 11th graders analyze charts and graphs on blacks and whites in America.