Curated OER
An Orderly Wagon Train Migration
Sixth graders work in small groups to organize a wagon train for a trek westward. They determine leadership responsibilities and rules needed to make a successful trek.
Curated OER
Westward Expansion
Students examine how the events that took place during the time of the Westward Expansion affected the pioneers and Native Americans through the seven lessons of this unit. Enhancements in transportation over time are also a part of the...
Curated OER
The Freeman School: Building Prairie Communities
Students examine this one-room school in Nebraska and consider the important role it played in the community during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. They compare their educational experience with those of rural students of...
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SIXTEEN TONS
Students explore a variety of music related to the coal mining industry and organized labor which can be integrated into the study of Colorado History, American Labor History, and a study of immigration.
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Social Studies: The Black West
Students assess the influence of African Americans in the western United States from the sixteenth century to the present. They examine the Black-Spanish heritage, slavery and freedom on the frontier, along with African American...
Curated OER
Fort at No. 4 History
Students examine the history of Fort No. 4 in New Hampshire before visiting the site. They identify key events and people that occured at the fort as well. They complete questions and teach them to their group.
Curated OER
Cartoons for the Classroom: Dark Voice
In this current events activity, students analyze a political cartoon by African-American Oliver Harrington and respond to 3 talking point questions.
Curated OER
Today's Specials
In this healthy heart nutrition worksheet, students substitute heart-healthy foods for the high cholesterol choices shown. The purpose is to encourage nutritious choices.
Curated OER
Who Says Plants Can't Move?
Students discover how plants spread their seeds using other plants and animals. In this plant lesson, students role play different plants and how their seeds travel. Students then have a class discussion to ensure their understanding.
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Context Clues
Learners review and discuss what context clues are and then read six sentences and paragraphs and circle the correct context clue for each one.
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Prairie Settlement
Students make a decision for site selection for a farm during the 1840s in the Midwest. They build research and writing skills by recording the information used for analysis in a chart and as diary entries.
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Narrative History - Hypertext Dialogues
Students create scripts about California settlers. The document reflects the settlers' fears, expectations, and realizations.
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Memorials and Meaning
Young scholars explore the Civil War. In this Civil War lesson, students collaborate to research the war. They examine Matthew Brady photographs that inspire them to create a memorial to honor those who served in the Civil War.
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Newspaper Carrier Day
In this newspaper carrier day worksheet, learners read or listen to the passage, then match phrases, fill in the blanks, choose the correct word, unscramble words and sentences, write discussion questions and conduct a survey.
Curated OER
"Who Am I?" - Quiz #2
In this "Who Am I?" quiz worksheet, students examine the 12 clues regarding noteworthy scientists born between 1452 and 1951. Students identify the scientists and click on links to check their answers.
Smithsonian Institution
National Museum of American History: Our Story: Life in a Sod House
Imagine moving into a house made out of sod that you and your family had to build in the middle of a prairie! Find great information and activities that will help you understand how it felt to live on the prairie.
Oklahoma Historical Society
Oklahoma State University: Encyclopedia: Jesse Chisholm
This brief biography discusses the life of American pioneer Jesse Chisholm, who blazed the Chisholm Trail.
PBS
Pbs: American Experience: Amelia Earhart
This documentary film traces the life of aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart, the first woman to attempt to fly solo across the Atlantic. A preview and other information about the film project are available here.
Nebraska Studies
Nebraska Studies: Pioneer Children: Games, Toys, and Recreation
Learn about the lives of pioneer children whose families moved to Nebraska during the period of Western Expansion. Topics include toys, games and other activities for enjoyment.
Smithsonian Institution
National Museum of American History: Themes: Auto Safety Pioneers
Since the 1970s, Americans have witnessed an amazing number of safety improvements in automobiles and the driving environment. Seat belts, air bags, safer fuel tanks, the Jaws of Life, and driving while intoxicated (DWI) campaigns are...
Curated OER
National Park Service: Adeline Hornbeck and the Homestead Act
This Teaching with Historic Places lesson effectively depicts the life of a pioneer woman and ways in which the Homestead Act impacted her life. The site includes lesson plans, inquiry questions, and photos that may be used in covering...
Other
American Foundation for the Blind: Anne Sullivan Macy
A biographical overview of the life of Anne Sullivan Macy, devoted teacher of Heller Keller and a pioneer in the education of the visually impaired which earned her the nickname "miracle worker". Learn about her through her own letters,...
National Endowment for the Humanities
Neh: Edsit Ement: Life on the Great Plains
A detailed lesson plan that explores "the concept of region and how culture and experience influence the perception of regions." Site provides many excellent websites for students and teachers to explore during their study of the Great...
Other
Brigham Young: An American Hero
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints gives an overview of the life of Brigham Young, his accomplishments, and his conversion to Mormon faith.