Lesson Plan
PBS

Think Like a Historian: A Viewing Guide

For Students 6th - 12th Standards
Calling all junior detectives! Scholars use the tools of investigation to determine the causes and impacts of the American Civil War. Using viewing guides, videos, group research, and written resources, they discover what it takes to...
Lesson Plan
PBS

Abraham Lincoln: Man versus Legend

For Teachers 6th - 12th Standards
Abraham Lincoln was one of the greatest presidents ever ... right? Scholars research the accomplishments and struggles of the Lincoln presidency. They uncover facts, materials and information via video clips, primary, and secondary...
Lesson Plan
PBS

Evaluating Conflicting Evidence: Sultana

For Teachers 6th - 10th Standards
What sunk the Sultana? Scholars become investigators to uncover the facts behind the 1865 sinking just after the end of the Civil War. Through group work, videos, and primary documents, they research and analyze why 1,800 men died....
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Journey to America

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders carefully analyze the artwork, Les Emigrants, and explore the reasons that people emigrated to the United States, and what life was like for new arrivals. They discuss what things immigrants were able to bring with them and...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Immigration - A Promise of Better Life

For Teachers 5th
What a great way to discuss European immigration in the 1700's to 1800's in America. Learners identify regions where immigration occurred, list the reasons people moved to the United States, and interview an immigrant about their...
Unit Plan
Curated OER

Headin' West! The Life of a Pioneer

For Teachers 5th
Students explore the life of a pioneer and the relationship between the concept of Manifest Destiny and pioneering. Students complete activities, maps, writing and reading to experience pioneer life. Handouts and worksheets are included...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Making Use of Fieldwork

For Teachers 4th - 8th
Students transcribe, analyze, and archive fieldwork and create a team project drawn from fieldwork. They brainstorm a list of reasons why preservation of collected materials is important and explore the online archives of the American...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Prairie Voices: German Immigrants Move to Iowa

For Teachers 7th - 10th
Students create historically accurate travel journals. In this Iowa history lesson, students research the German immigration experience as they write travel journals that feature a German family's move into an Iowa county.
Website
Other

Steamboating the Rivers

For Students 3rd - 8th
A detailed site providing information on the history of steamboats and many facts on this older form of transportation. Take a virtual tour and learn about some popular steamboats of the time.
Website
Other

Us Genealogy Network: Steamboating on the Mississippi

For Students 9th - 10th
Use this site to learn factual information about the early days of steamboating on the Mississippi River and in St. Louis. You can also read an actual account from a steamboat Captain, view photos and listen to the song "Steamboat Bill."
Website
Other

Us Genealogy Network: Time Portal to Old St. Louis

For Students 9th - 10th
This site contains many links that provide historical information on St. Louis, including pictures of many historic buildings.