Curated OER
Studying the Life of Henry Bibb
After reading primary and secondary source materials about the life of Henry Bibb, individuals identify a core democratic value Bibb demonstrated and give examples drawn from their readings.
Curated OER
Middle East and Oil
With only a handful of notes and several great images, this slide show asks learners to consider the importance petroleum has played in current conflicts with the Middle East. This could accompany a full lecture on the subject, but it is...
Curated OER
England in 1060: Should William of Normandy Attack?
Start a class discussion. Should William of Normandy attack England? Review basic facts about land and politics then discuss the situation. This presentation is intended for a Middle school audience, grades 6-8.
PACER Center
Bullying 101: Guide for Middle and High School Students
Being a bystander can often cause as much harm as a bully causes. Junior high class members learn more about their role in a bullying situation with a presentation that defines the types of bullying, lists ways to deescalate a bullying...
Civil War Trust
Genealogy
The Civil War is undoubtedly a part of America's history, but could it be part of your pupils' history as well? Middle schoolers conduct research to discover a connection between their ancestors and the American Civil War. Whether they...
Facing History and Ourselves
How Should We Remember?
We must remember the past in order to avoid its mistakes. Young historians analyze the importance of historical remembrance using primary and secondary documents, as well as video clips. They then study the creation of a World War II...
Curated OER
Martin Luther King and Writing as a Tool for Social Change
Students explore writing as an agent for social change. In this Social Studies lesson, students examine the power of writing using Dr. King's Letter from a Birmingham Jail. Students will practice the technique of persuasive writing by...
University of Chicago
Comparing Modern and Ancient Ideas of Ethnicity and Identity
Explore ethnicity and identity with a research and writing assignment. Class members conduct online research, looking in particular at images and carefully noting down their sources on notecards. They read about identity and compose...
Bully Free Systems
Bully Free Lesson Plans—Eighth Grade
Middle schoolers are likely very familiar with the concept of bullying and cliques. Discuss their experiences and brainstorm ways to handle peer conflict and feelings of exclusion with a poem that focuses on bullying, and a second lesson...
Advocates for Human Rights
Voices of Iraqi Refugees
The stated goal of this resource is to provide learners with basic facts about and build empathy for Iraqi refugees. To do so elementary classes develop a plan for how to welcome refugees to their classroom. Middle schoolers read...
Kids Discover
Ancient Egypt by KIDS DISCOVER
Discover Ancient Egypt! Learn about mummification and gods, visit pyramids and temples, examine cliff carvings and paintings, take quizzes and engage in activities. Colorful, interactive, and easy to use, this app is not just for kids!
Mississippi Whole School Initiative
Dream Big...With Your Eyes Wide Open
For many people, Barack Obama's presidency was the next step in Martin Luther King, Jr's dream of America's future. Explore the dreams of Americans past and present, as well as the young Americans in your class, with a set of activities...
Curated OER
The Allied Victory
Key events that shaped the outcome of WWII are outlined in this well put together presentation. Easy to follow and set up in chronological order, Tenth graders will learn about the North African Campaign, Battle for Stalingrad, Invasion...
Curriculum Development Institute
Olympic Games
The Olympic Games are the subject of a differentiated lesson for a middle school classroom. Activities include researching the events in the ancient games and comparing them to events in the modern Olympics, gathering acts about why...
Curriculum Development Institute
Life in the Greek City-States: Athens and Sparta
Developing lessons that address the diversity found in the 21st-century classroom can be a challenge. A plan about life in the Greek city-states of Athens and Sparta provides a model for how instruction can be differentiated to address...
American Battlefield Trust
Jeremiah Handley
Designed for middle school scholars, a instructional activity explores the life of Jeremiah Handley, a young man when the Civil War broke out. Pupils read Handley's personal story, accounts of battles, and view images to understand what...
Judicial Branch of California
Faces of Citizenship: Jury Duty
An interesting middle school instructional activity focuses on the rights and responsibilities of citizens. Academics choose a civic project to complete, such as an oral history or photo essay. They then conduct interviews with members...
Curated OER
Activism and Social Reform in America from 1800-1850
Students discuss idea of social status, examine antebellum social reform movements, and compare and contrast experiences of activists who sought to improve workers' lives, end slavery, reform immigration laws, and establish voting rights...
General Motors Corporation
Jazz
Over the history of the world, music has been at the heart of some of the greatest social and political movements. Scholars discover their musical roots as they dive into the sounds and emotions of renowned jazz players. They see how...
Civil War Trust
The Gathering Storm: The Coming of the Civil War
Take a longer look at a formative time in history with a activity that explores the causes of the American Civil War. After viewing a series of images and explanations for various forces at play, middle schoolers choose the images that...
NPR
Progressive Era Lesson Plan
The women working for equal rights in the early 20th century weren't a part of one large group; rather, they were members of dozens of small groups focused on social reform. Explore the ways groups in the Progressive Era like National...
Peace Corps
Introducing Culture
Growing up within a culture leaves a lot of ideas and values unspoken. Take a closer look at the cultures in which your learners live with a discussion activity that addresses cultural identity and traits of those living within the...
US Institute of Peace
Defining Conflict
Conflict is everywhere—but is it avoidable? The first activity in a series of 15 peacebuilding lessons examines the nature of conflict at home, school, and across the world. Learners develop a definition of conflict through group work...
Curated OER
Orville and Wilbur Wong and the Fantastic Flying Machines
Upper elementary and middle schoolers examine the role of Chinese immigrants in America. They investigate literature, history and cultures of Chinese-Americans. This ambitious plan takes two weeks to complete, and it brings in elements...