Curated OER
A Funny Happened on the Way to Monticello
Third graders examine the Journey of Lewis and Clark and how it relates to Thomas Jefferson and Monticello. They read about, discuss and complete worksheet pertaining to the Lewis and Clark expedition.
Curated OER
Seeing Is Believing
Learners research and describe the stories of Thomas Jefferson, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark. They analyze historical sources from different points of view and present an analysis of two historical contexts.
Curated OER
Writing Formal Letters
Help your young writers recognize the importance of composing formal letters. Middle schoolers read letters written by Thomas Jefferson and analyze the components that make it a formal letter. They will then compose their own...
Curated OER
Meet the Corps of Discovery
Students assume the persona of one of the members of Lewis and Clark's expedition team. They research a member of the expedition team, write a first-person introduction of that team member, and share that introduction in a 2-3 minute...
National Endowment for the Humanities
Ratifying the Constitution
Ratifying the Constitution was no simple task. Using primary sources, such as classic writings from the Federalists and Anti-Federalists, young scholars examine the arguments for and against the Constitution. They then decide: Would they...
Curated OER
A New Spin on Letter Writing Lessons
Letter writing lessons can provide a way to introduce students to this important mode of communication.
Curated OER
Judicial Review
Student demonstrate understanding of both sides of the argument between Jefferson and Marshall that led to the strengthening of the Judicial Branch through the creation of judicial review. Unit is comprised of five lessons and fits into...
Curated OER
Jefferson vs. Franklin: Renaissance Men
Students list a variety of interests and achievements of Franklin and Jefferson. They take a position that one or the other's interests and achievements were more wide-ranging or that they were equivalent. They write out their findings.
National Endowment for the Humanities
Who Were the Foremothers of the Women's Suffrage and Equality Movements?
Young scholars complete a unit of lessons on the women who contributed to the early Women's Rights Movement in the U.S. They conduct Internet research, examine images online, develop a list of women, complete a worksheet, and create a...
National Endowment for the Humanities
What Happens in the White House?
Young historians complete a unit of lessons on the functions of the White House. They conduct Internet research, develop a list of activities that take place at the White House, and create a chronological timeline of events at the White...
Curated OER
Models of Chemical Families
A simple activity for introductory chemistry classes is thoroughly explained in this lesson plan. Each individual receives a sealed box containing an unknown object. Inquisitors use indirect evidence to draw conclusions. This activity is...
Curated OER
Periodic Table Lesson Plan
Students describe how elements are arranged on the periodic table. They compare metals, nonmetals, and metalloids based on their properties and on their locations in the periodic table. Students describe the differences between a...
Curated OER
Teaching With Documents Lesson Plan:Launching the New U.S. Navy
Pupils demonstrate understanding of the issues related to the creation and ratification of the United States Constitution and the new Government it established.
Curated OER
Documents of Natural Rights: The Declaration of Independence and The Plan of Delano
Eighth graders analyze the philosophy of government in the Declaration of Independence. As a class, they discuss how this philosophy has caused other revolutions in history and how well it supports our natural rights. In groups, they...
Curated OER
A Recipe For Democracy - The Delicious Taste of Choice
Children can conduct a mock senate after completing these Declaration of Independence and Constitution lesson plans.
Curated OER
Case Studies in Journalistic Ethics - Number 3
Students investigate ethical decision making when using photos in journalism. In this ethics in journalism lesson plan, students read about the ethical use of images in media, discuss recent controversial photos, and look at online case...
Curated OER
Early American Leaders
Students discover what the qualities or characteristics of a leader are by describing the traits of the principal of the school, followed by the leader of the town, state and country. In this leadership lesson plan, students will take...
Curated OER
VA Statute for Religious Freedom, III
Young scholars analyze the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedoms and consider its implications. For this governing principles lesson, students explore primary and secondary sources regarding the document penned by Thomas Jefferson.
Curated OER
Scientists and Statesmen in Early America
Explore the historic and cultural context of the foundations of the United States of America. They identify the political and scientific contributions of early American scientists.
Curated OER
Wake Up King George!
Fourth graders research the conflict between the American colonies and England and write about it. For this America verses England lesson plan, 4th graders read books, watch videos, and have class discussions about this time in history...
Curated OER
A Priceless Collection
Students read and discuss the background of plants, seeds, and gene banks and grow seeds on their own. In this seeds lesson plan, students also use maps to identify seed banks and research plant farmers.
James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation
A Deliberate, Palpable and Dangerous Exercise of Other Powers: James Madison & Homeland Security
This resource uses primary source documents to explore the First Amendment. After reviewing key events of the 1790s, government or US history classes explore Madison's letter to Jefferson regarding the Alien and Sedition Acts. They then...
Curated OER
From the White House of Yesterday to the White House of Today
Students investigate the history of and the current state of the White House. They take a virtual tour of the White House and Monticello, explore various websites, and compare/contrast Monticello with the White House.
Curated OER
Qualitative Examples of Conservation of Mechanical Energy
Instructions for series of six activites, a reading of scientific literature, and a choice of six assessments await you in this physics resource. Well-written plans guide you in guiding your pupils to experiment with levers, pulleys,...