Curated OER
The Mayflower Story Up-Close and Personal
Learners gain a deeper understanding of what the early colonists experienced in search of a new life in America while giving them a taste of historical methodology. This is an engaging way to assess what your students know about the...
Curated OER
Life in Plymouth - Pilgrim Study Unit
Students write a timeline showing significant events in the Plymouth Colony that occurred between 1621 and 1628. They define and illustrate key vocabulary words which are imbedded in this lesson plan. This simple activity is designed to...
Curated OER
Having a Great Time - Wish You Were Here
Fourth graders explore colonial life in America.
EngageNY
Inferring: Who was John Allen?
Help your learners work with difficult or archaic words. A continuation of lesson two of this module, the plan here focuses on deciphering the Inventory of John Allen, in particular the unfamiliar words that make up much of the list. Add...
Curated OER
Abigail Adams: Integrating Social Studies and Language Arts
Third graders increase reading strategies while learning about Abigail Adams and her role in history. In this Abigail Adams instructional activity, 3rd graders read about the American Revolution and Abigail Adams using all the balanced...
National Endowment for the Humanities
Understanding the Salem Witch Trials
Students describe some of the important elements of life in Puritan New England. They create a timeline of the events of the Salem Witch Trials. They work in groups to explore the concept of multiple interpretations of history.
Curated OER
Indentured Servants
Pupils read the article, "Misery." and take notes about reasons immigrants came to America, their physical treatment on the journey, living conditions when they arrived in America, and benefits at the conclusion of servitude. Students...
Curated OER
Will the Real Ben Franklin Please Stand Up?
Students explore the life and accomplishments of Benjamin Franklin. In this colonial history lesson plan, students research Benjamin Franklin's work as a printer, a writer, a statesman, and an inventor. Students determine what his most...
Curated OER
Land of Milk and Honey: Propaganda and the Colonies
Fourth graders explore the concept of propaganda. In this colonial settlement lesson, 4th graders examine primary resources pertaining to the settlement of North Carolina by colonists. They write a persuasive journal entry convincing a...
Curated OER
The Jamestown Colonies
In this colonial American instructional activity, students read a 1-page selection about the Jamestown Colony and then respond to 5 short answer questions about the selection.
Curated OER
George Washington: Our First President
Students explore the life of George Washington. In this George Washington lesson, students consider the leadership qualities of the first president as they listen to a description of his life and the create responsibility journals.
Curated OER
John Adams
In this online interactive history quiz instructional activity, students respond to 5 short answer and essay questions about the life and accomplishments of John Adams.
Curated OER
Colonial America
Students read the novel, The Witch of Blackbird Pond. In groups, they conduct research using the Internet, encyclopedias, and books to gather information on an assigned colony. The projects are presented to the rest of the class.
Curated OER
Pilgrims in Style
Students explore the Pilgrims and their clothing. They discuss current trends in fashion and complete a Venn diagram comparing the Pilgrim attire to present day clothing and research websites regarding the Pilgrims. After researching,...
US Citizenship and Immigration Services
Thanksgiving 1—Pilgrims and American Indians
The Pilgrims first arrived in America in order to gain religious freedom. Here is a lesson that takes the class on this journey with the Pilgrims, stopping to look at how they got here, who they met when they arrived, and a peek into...
US House of Representatives
Exclusion and Empire, 1898–1941
Often forgotten and written off as the model minority, Americans with heritage in Asia and the Pacific Islands have played an essential role in American history, including Congress. Budding historians reclaim history by researching the...
Curated OER
Jobs in Jamestown
Students research data on Jamestown settlers in order to learn about the daily life and events in the colony. In this investigative history lesson, students work in groups to analyze the results of the Jamestown census. Students take...
Curated OER
Living on a Cotton Farm: Mexican Americans Life In Texas
Seventh graders are introduced to the processes of cotton farming in the early 20th century. In groups, they examine the role of Mexican Americans on the farms and the impact of a boom and bust economy on cotton. They identify the...
Curated OER
Immigration to the Golden Land: Jewish Life in America
Students examine waves of Jewish immigration during three time periods and analyze a variety of primary sources, including letters, memoirs, and laws, to gain insight into both the American immigrant experience and American society...
Curated OER
Jobs in Jamestown
Middle schoolers research occupations of Jamestown settlers using census data, and evaluate the data to show the needs and activities of the colony.
Curated OER
Caught Between Worlds: Frontier Life as Reflected in Captivity Narratives
Students analyze captivity narratives written between the 1600's and 1800's. In this narrative lesson, students think critically about the interaction between Native peoples and the settlers to understand the cultural beliefs held by...
Curated OER
Early Discovery & Settlement (5)
In this online interactive American history worksheet, learners respond to 21 matching questions regarding colonial America. Students may check their answers immediately.
Curated OER
Hunters/Gatherers
Young scholars discuss the ways in which an environment is used to provide the basic necessities of life. In groups, they compare and contrast how different hunter and gatherer groups have used the environment to their advantage. They...