Smithsonian Institution
Latino Expression
How much of your daily life is influenced by Latin American music? Take a listen—the answer may surprise you! High schoolers keep a journal to note any instances they see Latino culture represented, including the media, their school, and...
Curated OER
Migration and the Spirits of Life
Students study the Mexican traditions for the Day of the Dead. For this Mexican traditions lesson, students study monarch butterflies and learn about the role that the mariposa plays in the Day of the Dead. Students learn about...
Curated OER
Theobroma Cacao "The Food of the Gods"
Sixth graders research the history of chocolate and write short answers to provided questions. They read about the Mayan and Aztec civilizations and the Spanish conquest.
Curated OER
The Eagle Has Landed: Aztecs Find a Home
Pupils examine the Aztec civilization in what is now Mexico. Using a map, they locate the empire and explain the legend of the founding of Tenochtitlan. They explore the symbols on various Mexican flags and what they meant to the Aztec...
Curated OER
American Indian Reservation Controversies
Young scholars interpret historical evidence presented in primary and secondary resources. In this American history lesson, students research the reservation controversies of the 1870's. Young scholars use problem based...
Curated OER
Esperanza Rising
Learners explore foreign cultures by reading a story in class. In this Hispanic history lesson plan, students read the story Radio Man by Arthur Dorros and identify the times discrimination is used in the story. Learners discuss labor...
Curated OER
The Lewis and Clark Expedition
Students study westward expansion. For this US history lesson, students describe the adventures and hardships faced by the explorers known as Meriwether Lewis and William Clark. Students write a report to the President about...
Curated OER
Fells Point's Role in Shipping and Trade
Eighth graders examine the trade and military advantages of ships built in Fells Point. In this American History lesson, 8th graders analyze primary sources. Students create an encyclopedia of Fells Point.
Roy Rosenzweig Center for History and New Media
Yankee Doodle: How Has It Changed over Time?
Grab your feathers and your hat! And perhaps some macaroni! It's time to investigate the evolution of "Yankee Doodle Dandy." Groups do a close reading of sheet music covers, lyrics, and even YouTube videos to see how this political song...
Curated OER
Las Tejanas
Fourth graders recognize that the Tejanas were Texas women of Spanish-Mexican origin who contributed to the history of Texas. Students read and research the Tejanas women, complete an essay about a day in the life of a Tejanas woman ,and...
Curated OER
Memorial Day Shoebox Parade
Learners examine the history of U.S. conflict and Memorial Day. They conduct research, develop a timeline of U.S. conflict, and create a shoebox Memorial Day parade to commemorate veterans and soldiers.
Museum of Tolerance
The Pursuit of Democracy and Diversity: The Trial of Pro-Social Injustice in Historical Documents and Accounts
Class members investigate The Indian Removal Act of 1830, U.S. Theft of Mexican Territory Timeline, and President Abraham Lincoln’s letter to Horace Greeley, 1862, and then conduct a mock trial of each of these documents to determine...
Hildegard Center for the Arts
Mardi Gras Masks
Laissez les bons temps rouler! Create your own festive Mardi Gras masks with a lesson that provides background information on the celebration and instructions about constructing the masks.
Curated OER
Hanal Pixan
Learners research the culture of Mexico. In this Mexican culture lesson, students view a PowerPoint presentation about the culture of Mexico and the learners take notes. Students write an essay about what they have learned.
Curated OER
Tejana Military Members in World War II
Seventh graders discover who the Tejanas were and how they contributed to World War II. In this World War II lesson, 7th graders listen to their instructor discuss who the Tejanas were prior to researching the contributions of three of...
Curated OER
Colored Pencil Repoussé
Artists employ a basic metalworking technique by embossing lines and textures into a soft metal. They look for examples of embossed metals in historical and contemporary examples. This fascinating process has been used by many cultures...
Curated OER
Lincoln, Patriotism and Protest
Eleventh graders explore arguments surrounding Abraham Lincoln's opposition to the Mexican War. They compare the arguments surrounding Lincoln's opposition to war with those surrounding war protestors during the Persian Gulf War in 1991.
Curated OER
The Study of the Spanish-Speaking People of Texas: Overcoming Adversity
Young scholars examine the photographs of Russell Lee and identify the obstacles faced by Mexican-Americans in Texas during the early and mid-20th century. They discuss the ways they overcame these obstacles and relate it to obstacles...
Curated OER
Comparing Pancho Villa and Emiliano Zapata
Students research the Internet to find and record information from biographies of Pancho Villa and Emiliano Zapata. They create graphic organizers that provide visual comparisons of the Mexican Revolutionaries.
Curated OER
the World Rushed In: "Who Are These People? And How Came They Here?"
High schoolers discuss the struggles Californians dealt with regarding diversity brought about by the Gold Rush. They participate in a variety of creative, original activities and projects designed to reinforce the idea of historical...
Curated OER
Manifest Destiny--a Simulation
Students participate in a simulation activity to help them explain the attitudes involved during the Manifest Destiny period in American history. It provides a clear demonstration of territorial disputes.
Curated OER
Aztec Floating Gardens
Aztecs created amazing hydroponic gardens called Chinampas, to grow their crops. Learners in grades k-7 engage in four mini-experiments to understand just how amazing floating gardens are. Tip: A perfect way to bring science into your...
Curated OER
Civil War: Generals at the Battle of Stones River
Students explore U.S. history by creating a computer presentation in class. In this Civil War battle lesson plan, students read assigned text about the Battle of Stones River and research individual generals from the battles. Students...
Curated OER
Mexican Masks
Learners explore the Mexican mask-making tradition and create maks that tell stories. They desribe how art tells stories and examine early Mexican culture in California.