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The Bozeman Trail
Eighth graders are introduced to the Bozeman Trail. Using the internet, they research the trail to discover the forts located on its path. They must also locate and label landmarks on a map using symbols they create. They answer...
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Immigration in Massachusetts, 1880-1920
Students, in groups, research immigration in America at the turn of the century. They put together a series of original written essays, letters, newspaper columns, etc. that show what it was like to live as an American citizen and as an...
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Exploring the Unknown with Lewis and Clark: Forts and Native Americans
Fourth graders research the expedition of Lewis and Clark and the forts they lived in during their journey and the Native Americans they encountered. In pairs they conduct Internet research, complete a WebQuest, and write a research...
National First Ladies' Library
Leeches and Spiders and Toads, Oh, My! The Emergence of Modern Medicine
Students explore the basic ideas and beliefs about medicine in the 18th and 19th centuries. They write a news account to be published in a "medical journal" developed by the class. Each "article" in the journal should be dated...
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The View
Students explore the structure and purpose of Op-Ed pieces in the newspaper. They then write Op-Eds from the perspectives of United States presidents on important issues of their day.
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Chesapeake and Ohio Canal
Pupils use maps, readings, drawings, plans and photos to research and the importance of canals in the early industrial economy of America. They consider the development of the Potomac River Canal and research early transportation methods.
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Edison National Historic Site
Students use maps, readings and photos to research and describe how Thomas Edison created the first modern laboratory complex. They simulate the process of invention and consider how technological advances have affected their own...
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American and Patriotic Symbols
Students study the concept of symbolism. Many students know what the
different patriotic symbols are, but they do not know why these things
symbolize patriotism. They identify classic American symbols, explain why they are symbols and...
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War Expectations
Young scholars determine what they think Americans currently expect regarding warfare and its cost in human lives and examine the sources of these expectations.
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Washington/Lincoln Compare and Contrast
Students examine the lives of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. Using the information, they complete a Venn diagram discovering what the two men had in common. In groups, they review a timeline made in an earlier lesson and view a...
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Geometry in the Heavens
Ninth graders access a star worksheet and determine properties of polygons. In this investigative instructional activity students complete a worksheet and discuss myths.
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Jobs in 1860 and Today
Students compare occupations during the 19th century with the 21st century using information from 19th century census information.
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Supreme Court Rulings
Become familiar with the constitution and amendments with an in depth opportunity to utilize media center resources. Groups of students focus on an amendment then make a presentation to the class.
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Groups Coming to America
Fifth graders use text or other references to locate different types of information about the Mayflower and pilgrims. They create a presentation for lower elementary classes about the Pilgrims.
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Money and Banking
Twelfth graders explore real world investing and the effects of day to day decisions on their financial futures.
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OLYMPIC SHADOW BOXES
Students, in groups, use library reference materials to research an Olympic sport and create a visual display/shadow box to represent it.
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I've Got News For You!
Students explore their hometown newspaper for ideas. They create their own classroom newspaper.
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Latin America and the Caribbean in the Classroom: The Economy and Trade
Learners use the internet to gather information on daily exchange rates. They calculate the exchange rates between two countries by role playing they are going on vacation to these destinations.
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Searching the Attic
Learners investigate an attic or basement to "discover" family artifacts. They develop a grid map using string, create a naming system for the grid, and analyze items of interest.
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Getting the Word Out: From Gutenberg's Press to Zines
Students examine the effects of Gutenberg's printing press on the world. Using this information, they create their own Zines or internet magazines about a social issue of their choice. They share their magazine with the class for...
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Investigating the Mammoth Mystery
Fourth graders go on a virtual dig to find out where the mammoth bones found in a rural U.S. county came from. They determine whether the bones were created by humans or were they the actual remains of mammoths who walked the area during...
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European Exploration
Fifth graders use their research information to design their explorer slide using PowerPoint after observing the teacher's model. They design the first slide as a team coming up with a title, slide 2 should give background, slide 7...
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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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George Washington
First graders gain background knowledge about George Washington. They visit a website to find out additional information. Students create a web on chart paper of his important events, write a non fiction book about hima nd share their...