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Abraham Lincoln

For Teachers 5th - 7th
Students, in groups, use the Internet to research Abraham Lincoln. They role-play the part of a newspaper journalist and write an article about him.
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The Kanaka Village at Fort Vancouver: Crossroads of the Columbia River

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Young scholars study the interaction between Native American and European cultures in the Pacific Northwest in the 1800s. They focus their study on the Hudson's Bay Company and Fort Vancouver.
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LBJ-- Escalation in Vietnam and Domestic Programs

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders investigate the Vietnam War. In this Vietnam War lesson, 8th graders research the escalation of the war during Lyndon Johnson's presidency. Students also explore the domestic programs that Johnson promoted. Students...
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Pearl Harbor vs September 11 Attack

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students compare and contrast the events of the Pearl Harbor Attack and the attack on September 11, 2001 by examining the similarities and differences between these two events.
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Discovering Unusual Facts about U.S. Presidents

For Teachers 7th - 8th
Students research information on the Internet about past presidents. They verify answers using an encyclopedia and generate a report regarding the accuracy of electronic information sources.
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Is Capitalism Good for the Poor? | No More Slide Rules – The Costs and Benefits of Innovation

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Learners brainstorm a list of the benefits that Americans at all levels of society have enjoyed as a result of innovations in rail transportation/computers/microprocessors. They write a response from President Jackson to Martin Van Buren...
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Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka

For Teachers 12th
Twelfth graders explore desegregation as it occurred at various stages in United States history. They specifically chronicle the role of South Carolina in the desegregation case of Brown v. Board of Education.
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Corps of Discovery

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students assess their knowledge of the Corps of Discovery through a written pretest, follow the journey of Lewis and Clark on the internet, record data on events, dates, places, people, animals, distance traveled, and geographic...
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What Does 'Post Racial' Mean, Anyway?

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders explore where they personally stand on a post-election continuum, spanning from euphoria to despair.  In this American History lesson, 8th graders read and discuss an article immediately following the election and a...
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The New Deal

For Teachers 8th - 11th
In this 1930s American history worksheet, students study the New Deal as they write 10 vocabulary terms that match 10 definitions, rewrite 4 false statements as true statements, and explain 2 historical themes regarding this time period...
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The Great Depression - FDR and the New Deal

For Teachers 8th - 10th
Learners consider the role that government should play in economics. In this Great Depression lesson plan, students analyze New Deal legislation to develop an informed opinion about the public programs and then present their findings to...
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Abraham Lincoln: Our Man for All Seasons

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Students analyze perceptions of slavery during the Civil War era. For this Abraham Lincoln lesson, students research Internet and print sources regarding Lincoln's view of slavery. Students also compare pro- and anti-slavery political...
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Fighting for Democracy, Fighting for Me

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students explore the contributions of African Americans, Japanese Americans, and Mexican Americans in World War II. In this World War II lesson, students research Internet and print sources regarding the...
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Religious Revival: The American Response to the Cold War

For Teachers 11th - 12th
Learners examine the impact of religion on the Cold War. In this Cold War lesson, students analyze speeches delivered by Lenin, Truman, and Graham regarding the role of religion in society. As a culminating activity, learners are tested...
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Experiencing the Civil War

For Teachers 11th
Eleventh graders examine the Civil War.  In this American History lesson, 11th graders investigate the causes, effects, and the lives of people during the Civil War.  Students develop a research paper using various...
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FDR Fireside Chat

For Teachers 11th
Eleventh graders examine the purpose of Franklin D. Roosevelt's chats.  In this American History lesson, 11th graders collaborate with their group members on becoming an expert on a specific chat. 
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Social Life in the 1950's and Domestic Politics and Policy

For Teachers 11th
Eleventh graders examine the cultural mood and politics of the 1950's in the United States. They read a section of their text and take notes, view a clip of the movie "Pleasantville" and discuss societal roles in the 1950's, and listen...
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European Union Simulation: The European Council

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Students participate in a simulation of the European Council in which they debate issues and adopt resolutions. After a lecture on the institutions of the European Union and the policymaking process, students choose a country to...
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Putin: 'No way back' from democracy

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Imagine a meeting between President Bush and Putin. Get your class thinking about global awareness, democracy, and totalitarian modes of government. They examine how two leaders approach major governmental issues and run their countries...
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Teaching with Poster Art: World War I Posters

For Teachers 5th - 12th
Students interpret historical evidence presented in primary resources. In this World War I lesson, students examine World War I posters. Students investigate the use of propaganda strategies in the posters and discuss the visual metaphors.
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Could the Civil War Been Avoided Through Compromise?

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students determine whether the American Civil War could have been avoided. In this Civil War lesson, students examine primary and secondary sources to prepare to participate in a classroom debate that requires them to compromise to avoid...
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"I Have a Dream"

For Teachers K - 3rd
Students examine the role Martin Luther King Jr. played in America's history and what life was like in the 1960's. They watch and discuss an online video about the childhood of Martin Luther King, Jr. and the holiday enacted in his...
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Ben Franklin and the Rising Americans

For Teachers 6th - 9th
Students prepare for and learn through a walking tour of Philadelphia. In this history lesson, students support their studies with a field trip. This lesson could be adapted to suit regions with other historic places or museums. 
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The American Flag

For Teachers K - 5th
Students examine the history and origin of the United States Flag. They identify each symbol and discover the proper way to display it. They discuss how the flag itself has played a part in recent events.