Curated OER
Westward Ho
Students examine primary sources regarding Western migration. In this Manifest Destiny lesson, students determine why the pioneers moved west and what the trip was like as they examine sources and write journals based on their findings.
Curated OER
History of Immigration From the 1850's to the Present
Eleventh graders study the history of immigration from 1850 to the present. In this American History lesson, 11th graders compare the 1924 and 1965 immigration acts and give a reasoned opinion on each. Students research,...
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Act it Out
Young scholars discuss racial stereotypes. In this racial stereotypes instructional activity, students develop a character from information given to them on an index card. Young scholars give their character a race different...
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Legends and Myths: Trickster Tales
Students work in groups to research the characteristics of various myths and legends. They read tales, illustrate them, record oral storytelling efforts and write an original folktale. Students then invite parents to a dramatic...
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Conjunto Music from South Texas
Students listen to conjunto music and identify the instrumentation. After discussing the the history of South Texas, they examine lyrics of several songs and interpret them. As extensions, students can learn to partner dance to the...
Curated OER
Bless Me, Ultima - 1
Tenth graders consider the importance of setting in the Southwest-themed novel "Bless Me, Ultima". As part of a larger unit, 10th graders research the setting of New Mexico and work in groups to prepare presentations about the region's...
Curated OER
THE MESOAMERICAN MYSTIQUE
Students research, archeology, historical videos, and travel highlights in the northern region of Central America. They identify the various archaeological / historical sites along with a date of probable existence and the title of the...
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Chiapas, Where Is It and Why Should We Care? And What Is the EZLN?
Students research and discuss the Zapatista National Liberation Army of Chiapas, Mexico. They role play the involved parties in the conflict and attempt to debate a peaceful solution.
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Warrior of the Church: St. James on Horseback
Students discuss the life and significance of Saint James. They identify details and features of New Spanish sculpture that make it unique.
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Scenes of Reverence: The Virgin of Guadalupe
High schoolers learn the history of Christianity in New Spain. They learn the story and significance of the Virgin of Guadalupe. They compare and contrast images of the Virgin and religious art to European counterparts.
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African Masks
Fourth graders create three-dimensional paper African masks. They analyze the geographic, political, economic, religious, and social structures of Africa. they discover that masks were worn for various ceremonies.
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Carmen Lomas Garza
Students are introduced to the life and works of Carmen Lomas Garza. In groups, they research the causes and effects of the Chicano movement and view examples of her self-portraits. They identify other artists who were well known for...
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Savvy in Sacramento
Young scholars take a field trip to the state capital, Sacramento. Using the Internet, they explain the physical and human geographic features of the area and discuss interactions between the people of California between the time of...
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Playing the Part of the Potter
Young scholars identify and define horror vacui (fear of empty spaces) and create their own pinch pot vessels with no empty spaces.
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Coming to California
Fourth graders read excerpts from Juan Bautista de Anza's diaries. They analyze the impact of primary sources. They write journal entries for characters in stories they have read during the year.
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California Mission Slide Show
Fourth graders research the details of a California Mission. They design a slide show to present their research.
Curated OER
Celebrate Your Heritage
Young scholars investigate what countries their ancestors originally came from and locate them on a world map. They use a map to plot the ancestral path that has led to their hometown. They create a travel log outlining facts/data...
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Cuentos
Students revise Spanish mystery stories. They sequence the events from a group's mystery story and suggest revisions for the setting. They revise their stories using the suggestions from classmates and describe characters in folktales....
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What is Migration
Learners conduct individual research and participate in discussion be able to identify difference between forced and voluntary migration. They identify if push and pull factors are caused by political, social, economic, or environmental...
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What Was It Like?
Students use the Internet to gather historical facts about the county in which they live. Using the information, they discover how to check it for accuracy and present their findings to the class. They write an essay about the history of...
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The Industrial Revolution
Eighth graders examine the time period of the Industrial revolution in American history. In this American History lesson, 8th graders read the chapter on this time period. Students create a presentation on this time period to...
Curated OER
Changing Landscape at the Fort Vancouver Reserve
Students investigate the international background and consequences of The Louisiana Purchase, The War of 1812, and The Monroe Doctrine. The lesson helps to improve critical thinking skills about American History.
Yale University
Yale the Maya Culture of Mesoamerica
This lesson unit on Mayan culture focuses on Mayan art. It can be adapted to various grades and features classroom activities, student resources, a bibliography, and the like.