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Blessings of a Free Government: The Louisiana Purchase in 1803

For Teachers 4th - 12th
Young scholars may take part in a multitude of activities listed such as creating political cartoons, comparison papers, and creating a portfolio to reinforce concepts and ideas surrounding the Louisiana Purchase.
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Teaching With Documents Lesson Plan:Launching the New U.S. Navy

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Learners demonstrate understanding of the issues related to the creation and ratification of the United States Constitution and the new Government it established.
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The Great Gatsby: Primary Sources from the Roaring Twenties

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers research the Roaring Twenties. In this 1920's America lesson, students analyze primary sources to develop an understanding of lifestyles and values of the era as they read F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby.
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Civil War Photographs: The Mathew Brady Bunch

For Teachers 7th - Higher Ed
Students examine the photographs of Mathew Brady. In this Civil War activity, students analyse primary source photographs from the Civil War. Students will be able to describe specific events and what life might be like during the Civil...
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George Washington: The President Without Precedent

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students explore time period and events surrounding George Washington's inauguration, demonstrate how Washington set precedent for each action he took as American Republic's new president, and compare and contrast traditions and events...
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Signature History

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Learners review the meaning and application of primary and secondary sources in research. They determine how researchers locate primary source documents before looking at signatures as a validating factor on many primary sources....
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The Immigration Experience

For Teachers 8th - 10th
Learners research the reasons people immigrated to the United States. In this United States history lesson, students explore the causes and effects of immigrating. Learners engage in a role-playing scenario , watch a video, and explore a...
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Family Interviews: The Grandparent/Elder Project

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Young scholars explore key concepts/facts in 20th Century history, develop interview questions, and produce master list of questions that can be used in project. Students then interview grandparent, great-grandparent, or other elder...
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Three Days at Gettysburg

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders discuss why the Battle of Gettysburg was important to the Civil War. In groups, they identify the major events of each day of the battle. They analyze how the battle changed the direction of the war and discuss the outcome.
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Decision -Making by Parliamentarians: Issues and Decision-Making

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Learners, using what they know about what influences a representative's decision-making, solve current issues/problems provided by the teacher.
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The Civil War Through a Child's Eye

For Teachers 3rd - 8th
Students use primary and secondary sources to observe a child's view of the Civil war.  In this Civil War lesson, students understand that different people had different perspectives on the war.  Students recognize the...
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Exploring Community Through Local History: Oral Stories, Landmarks and Traditions

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students explore the history of their local community. In this local history lesson, students analyze primary documents to develop an understanding of the local culture and traditions of their local community.
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Personal Stories and Primary Sources: Conversations with Elders

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students learn from their elders. In this oral and social histories lesson, students analyze primary sources to develop an understanding of the America in which their grandparents grew up. Students conduct interviews with elders in...
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Vocab Grabbing the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students identify concrete and abstract nouns in the preamble to the Constitution, and complete Frayer Model graphic organizers using history and current events as examples of American values. In this preamble lesson plan, students use...
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Old Photographs: Windows to the Past

For Teachers 4th - 7th
Students examine several types of old photographs and compare them to photography today. Students search for historical photographs and draw conclusions about the time period from the subject matter. Students explain how a camera...
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Segregation: From Jim Crow to Linda Brown

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students examine the African American social, economic, and political conditions between 1896 and 1953. In this segregation instructional activity, students analyze primary sources to develop an understanding of the plight of African...
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Orangeburg Massacre

For Teachers 6th - 9th
Students study the Orangeburg Massacre. In this social studies lesson, students discuss the Civil Rights Movement and the protest movements that took place. Students examine the events that led up to the Orangeburg Massacre at South...
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Stand Up and Sing

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students locate historical references in songs. They create music/lyrics to illustrate an historical topic.
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Independent - To Be or Not Top Be - Day 1, Lesson 2: Scavenger Hunt

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders research the thirteen significant events that lead to the start of the American Revolution.
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Indian Removal Act

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Pupils use the Internet to research the Indian Removal Act and write a journalistic article showcasing their findings. They choose from a variety of viewpoints and topics to narrow their focus.
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The Ballot Box Battle

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students practice note taking skills, study the life of Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and write a persuasive letter. They listen to the picture book biography of Elizabeth Cady Stanton and use the information from the biography to write a...
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Skepticism Toward Government

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students explain how the media portrays certain events and its effects on public opinion of government. They focus on Watergate, the Vietnam War, and the Clinton impeachment. They write essays about skepticism promoted by the media.
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The Constitution: Drafting a More Perfect Union

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students analyze the U.S. Constitution.  In this U.S. History lesson, students explore the purpose of the Constitution, as well as who was involved in its creation.
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Bringing the Past to the Present

For Teachers 2nd
Second graders work in pairs and read a primary source artifact. They create a PowerPoint slide that will be part of a "museum" presentation for the rest of their class. Students select artifacts from a group of digitalized artifacts...