Historical illustrations reveal more than what they are meant to portray. After reading Harriet Beecher Stowe's Uncle Tom's Cabin, high schoolers view a series of illustrations, movie posters, photographs, and book covers that exemplify...

We must remember the past in order to avoid its mistakes. Young historians analyze the importance of historical remembrance using primary and secondary documents, as well as video clips. They then study the creation of a World War...

Can a presidential election cause a civil war? Learners research the events surrounding the presidential election of 1860 in a lesson that explores America's history. Using maps, videos, and primary sources, they uncover, brainstorm, and...

The Soviet Union's decision to block West Berlin from access by the Western allies began an international hostility that extended into the rest of the twentieth century. Class members examine both Harry Truman's and Joseph Stalin's...

Young historians study primary and secondary source materials to try and separate the true story of Pocahontas from the myths, fictional tales, and conflicting accounts of her life.

How can we create a more fair world? Chances are, class members have some ideas! After reading a text about fairness, individuals create skits around the ideas of fairness. Extend the learning and make their presentations a...

Explore the science of space exploration. Pupils consider technological advances in propulsion, communication, power, navigation, and imaging. They select one of these areas and create a timeline of historical progress that contributed...

US Commanding General William S. Rosecrans led the Union soldiers and Confederate Commanding General Braxton Bragg led the rebel army at the Battle of Stones River. Young historians compare how the leadership styles of these two...

Traditions, like the times, are a-changin'. Middle schoolers conduct a close reading of Richard Blanco's poem "América" and consider how Blanco's family approached his suggestions for adopting a new approach to their Thanksgiving meal.

The only way that a heinous act of genocide can succeed is if citizens of surrounding groups and countries turn their backs on those suffering. A thorough language arts module addresses shared central ideas with three separate units,...

Scholars use an Analyzing Images: Slavery in America handout to make predictions from pictures featuring slavery. They then discuss the pictures with partners. Learners further their thinking by close reading The Slave Trade and...

Students examine the lives of important historical figures. Using primary source documents, they develop a list of questions to ask the figure if they were still alive. In groups, they discover information about the other historical...

Students examine facts about history of the Asians experience in America and identify patterns of Asian immigration in the United States. Students develop reasons specific Asian ethnic groups migrated to the United States and predict...

Students explore the impact of world events on past Olympics as a springboard for understanding the cultural, political, and social climate surrounding the 2002 Winter Olympics after the events of September 11, 2001.

Students read and analyze the historic New York Times front pages, and read an article that focuses on the current housing slump and the effect on state budgets. They answer comprehension questions, then in small groups answer questions...

Students listen to and discuss three radio broadcasts that deal with worship in early times. They investigate a wide range of historical sources and piece together evidence of the past, Celtic beliefs and how early people worshiped...

Seventh graders examine historical perspectives. For this historical writing lesson, 7th graders discuss their definitions of history and then discuss perspectives of history. As a culminating activity, students write narrative stories...

In this World History learning exercise, 6th graders identify that ancient Egypt is divided into four sections. They complete a chart where each of the four sections is broken down into specific time periods. Students write the...

Young scholars study the challenges diverse people encountered in the late 19th century American society, how racial and ethnic events influenced America during the Progressive Era, and the conditions affecting employment and labor in...

Students explore cause and effects in American History and developments leading up to the American Revolution. In groups, students are given strips of paper with one historical event listed on each sheet. They place the historical...

Students participate in historical role play about the Plantation of Ulster. In this historical role play lesson, students work in groups to depict the characters of the Plantation of Ulster. They practice and perform a radio program by...

Eighth graders analyze causes of the Red River Rebellion. In this Canadian history instructional activity, 8th graders consider the differing points of view of the groups involved in this rebellion. Students research Louis Riel and Sir...

Students create a timeline of the major events that have happened to their family. In this timeline lesson plan, students put events on their timeline that happened before and after they were born.

Pupils analyze maps and answer discussion questions related to WWI. For this geography lesson, students analyze historic maps to determine causes and effects of WWI in Europe. Pupils read testimonies of Holocaust survivors and label maps.