Mrs. Robbins' Social Studies Site
The Berlin Blockade
The Berlin Blockade may not take up as much space in the history books as other events of the Cold War, but for the citizens of west Berlin in 1948—and the events to follow between the Soviet Union and the United Stattes—those 318 days...
California Academy of Science
Fresh Solutions: Design Thinking Challenge
How do people transport fresh water long distances to ensure everyone has access to it? The final lesson in the 10-part Fresh Solutions unit encourages individuals to design their own solution, or solutions, to that very problem. Groups...
Society for Science & the Public
Easter Islanders Made Tools, Not War
When studying artifacts, especially tools, how do archaeologists determine what the devices were used for? In what ways might researchers' previous experiences influence their perception of an artifact? An article about researchers'...
Workforce Solutions
A Colony for Lunar Living
Two lessons explore the possibility of living on the moon. First, scholars read various scenarios to identify which careers would best transfer to life in space. Finally, pupils examine a website to locate items made for outer space,...
DePaul University
Bold Plans, Big Dreams, City Progress
Determining which statements represent fact or the author's opinion in an integral part of reading informational text. Encourage seventh graders to read a passage about Barack Obama and the city of Chicago, as well as a passage focused...
National WWII Museum
A New War Weapon to Save Lives
Young historians view and analyze photos and documents from WWII that are related to blood transfusions and blood plasma. A demonstration of correct and incorrect blood donors visually shows the importance of knowing blood...
NET Foundation for Television
1850-1874 Railroads and Settlement
Have you ever wondered how your town was placed where it is? Scholars research the impact the advancement of the railroad due to the passage of the Kansas-Nebraska Act had on the formation of civilization in the Great Plains. Map...
Skyscraper Museum
Changes in a City Over Time
Investigate the growth and development of New York City with the final instructional activity in this four-part series on skyscrapers. Learners first explore the concept of urban growth by looking closely at a series of three paintings...
Curated OER
Pack your Parfleche!
Imagine you are a Plains Indian, a nomad getting ready to follow a herd of buffalo. Now imagine what you would have to pack for your trip. Little ones examine images of a traditional parfleche (packing box), and then create packing lists...
Curated OER
Art: Hovering Helicopters
Learners research the history of helicopters and differentiate between the various models. while observing pictures of helicopters in action, they discuss their unique capabilities compared to other means of transportation. Finally,...
Curated OER
Civil War Essay
Upper graders explore equality by writing an essay. They read the story Pink and Say by Patricia Polacco, and discuss the meaning of the story and its relevance to Civil War events. Learners investigate the five writing process steps and...
Curated OER
Sharing Our Past
Students study and write about local history. In this local history lesson plan, students learn about their local history before visiting a group of senior citizens to discuss what they know. They practice the questions they will ask the...
Curated OER
Fair Haven Community and the Grand Avenue Bridge
Learners use the internet to research the history of Fair Haven, Connecticut. In groups, they are introduced to the socio-economic developments and how the area has grown over time. They work together to create their own bridge design...
Curated OER
Prairie Voices: Plum Grove
Students explore Plum Grove located in Iowa City. In this Iowa history lesson, students listen to their instructor present a lecture on the history of Plum Grove and the leadership of Robert Lucas. Students select assessment...
Curated OER
Riding a Stagecoach in the 19th Century
Students research the differences between traveling on a stagecoach and wagon trail in the 19th century. In this historical lesson, students discover the uses of stagecoaches and wagon trails in the 19th century, then decide which one...
Curated OER
Timeless Totems
Young scholars respond an email from Roger Totem, who is the curator of a new museum opening. students discuss with the art teacher to explain the project and get support. Young scholars, in accordance with the guidelines, divide into...
Curated OER
The Gilded Age & the Progressive Era (1877–1917)
In this online interactive philosophy worksheet, students respond to 7 short answer and essay questions about the Gilded Age and Progressive Era in the United States. Students may check some of their answers...
Curated OER
The Countries of Slave Trade
Students create graphs, routes, and write an essay based on their research of the slave trade. In this slave trade lesson plan, students research the Middle Passage and how slave trade happened in the United States.
Miama-Dade County Public Schools
Ancient Rome
This resource outlines several general activities for a study of Ancient Rome, and includes guiding questions, a handout on the story of Romulus and Remus, and ideas for incorporating mapping and timeline activities into your review.
Curated OER
Transportation and Communication Timeline
Students discuss the growth of transportation and communication technology since 1500 C.E. Individually or in groups, they research lists of developments in the two areas. Finally, students create timelines indicating the development...
Curated OER
Whitewater Canal State Historic Site: A Journey into the Past
Students examine the history of the Whitewater Canal Historic Site. They read and discuss an informational handout, define key vocabulary terms, and complete various math and science word problems.
Curated OER
Grand Celebration! Broadside
Young scholars research the construction and history of the Erie Canal. They answer discussion questions in small groups, draw and label the Erie Canal on a map of New York State, read and discuss a handout, and complete a worksheet.
Curated OER
Headin' West! The Life of a Pioneer
Students explore the life of a pioneer and the relationship between the concept of Manifest Destiny and pioneering. Students complete activities, maps, writing and reading to experience pioneer life. Handouts and worksheets are included...
Curated OER
Bags, Baskets, Bundles, Gourds, and Nets: Ancient and Imaginative Ways for Making, Storing, and Carrying Things
Young scholars explore Mayan culture. In this Mayan world cultures lesson plan, students identify 5 methods by which the Mayan people carried things. Young scholars view several drawings and photographs of these items, then describe how...