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People behind the Civil Rights Movement
Students identify the people actively involved in the Civil Rights Movement. In this United States History lesson, students watch the video "Eyes on the Prize" then participate in a class discussion about the video. Students also...
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After the Fact
Students investigate summaries of the "9/11 Report" and examine questions relating to its findings in a fishbowl discussion. They reflect in writing on how they wish the outcomes of this report would be resolved and how these outcomes...
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To War Or Not To War?
Seventh graders research the political, societal, and economic factors of World War I, World War II, and the 2001 war against terrorism. They participate in class discussions, write journal entries, and conduct Internet research. ...
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Elements of Civilization
Students create their own ancient civilizations based off of topographical maps of Egypt, Mesopotamia, the Indus Valley, and the Yellow River. In this social studies lesson, students are assigned one topographical map to use to create...
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How Did the Progressive Party affect American Society
Ninth graders explore the political views of the Progressive Party. In this U.S. History instructional activity, 9th graders read the "LaFollette Platform," then share their thoughts of the reading in a class discussion. To conclude the...
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What Is an American?
Students explore different backgrounds of Americans. In this lesson, students discuss how people in the United States may come from a different background, yet have similar values and beliefs. After the class discussion,...
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Is FEMA a Natural Disaster?
Students develop an understanding of FEMA and reflect about the consequences of a natural disaster. In this natural disaster lesson, students are asked specific questions after reading several stories. After class discussion...
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Susan Boyle's at No. 1 - 'I Dreamed a Dream'
Middle schoolers reflect on the overnight success of Susan Boyle, a contestant on "Britain's Got Talent." In this lesson, students read a short history of the rise of the star, then complete numerous activities that reinforce their...
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Civic Virtue in Democracy
Students identify and describe characteristics of civic virtue. Following a class discussion, they create their own definitions of civic virtue. They write essays based on their own definitions and formulate conclusions on the state of...
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"When They Came for Me, There Was No One Left to Speak Up" - Exploring Personal and Collective Responsibility in WWII
Students examine the underlying meaning of the phrase spoken by Pastor Martin Niemoller in 1945, "When they came for me, there was no one left to speak up." In this World History instructional activity, students share in a class...
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Free India: Resisting British Rule in India
Students explore the impact of nonviolence during Gandhi's Free India movement. In this World History lesson, students complete several activities including research, class discussions and a multimedia project, all centered around...
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Seals: From the National To the Local
Third graders investigate official government symbols by completing a scavenger hunt. In this U.S. Government activity, 3rd graders participate in a scavenger hunt in which they locate seals or logos in their community....
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Hitler's Fatal Gamble
Learners consider the differences between totalitarianism and democracy. In this comparative politics lesson, students will read a handout describing the major components that comprise totalitarianism and democracy, then they will...
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The Mayflower Compact
Fourth graders explore the events leading up to the Mayflower Compact. In this government lesson, 4th graders have a teacher-led class discussion on the importance of government, then complete a worksheet on the topic.
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Where is the Trail? The Journey of Lewis and Clark
Middle schoolers explore the trail followed by Lewis and Clark on their journey across the United States. For this United States History lesson, students complete several activities to establish the Lewis and Clark Expedition, including...
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Harry S. Truman - Campaign of 1948
Students establish the major events leading up to the election in 1948. In this U.S. History instructional activity, students research details about Harry S. Truman, then they participate in a class discussion about him so that...
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Chile's Trapped Miners
Students read an article on trapped miners in Chile. In this social awareness ELL instructional activity, students read the details about how 33 miners had to be rescued in Chile when they got trapped underground. Activities that...
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WWI Through the Film, Foot Soldiers
If your historians are watching the History Channel documentary, Foot Soldiers during their WWI unit, this plan has some simple recall questions and one referential/debate question ("What was the worst part of the war?") to ask after...
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History of Christmas Carols
Students write the lyrics to their own Christmas carol. Through discussion and lecture, students become aware of the history of two Christmas carols. They memorize the lyrics to carols and perform them in class. Students use their...
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Digitizing History: Exploring moments in time through Web design
Students create a website based on a history unit they have just completed. In this web design lesson, student analyze qualities of an effective website and create an architectural design for the home page and connecting pages. Students...
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Cataracts of the Nile Reviewing Egyptian History
Middle schoolers investigate and answer questions about the people, places, and events of ancient Egypt and their contributions to world civilization. In small groups they participate in a game answering review questions about ancient...
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Conquering History
Young scholars explore examples of ancient warfare and discuss the various uses of ancient military technologies. Students investigate the origins of biological and chemical weapons and create a classroom exhibit depicting technology and...
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History of Ancient Rome Lesson Plan
Students examine the history of ancient Rome. In this ancient Rome lesson, students examine primary sources regarding Rome's growth from a republic to an empire. Students discover details regarding the emperors of Rome.
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Dinosaur! Fossil Rush: Tale of a Bone
Explore 1870s when a "bone rush" led to amazing discoveries, as fossil-hunters risked life and limb in their quest for dinosaur remains. The class uses the attached visual encyclopedia to prep for a discussion on early paleontology. Two...