Curated OER
We the People (Cultural Research)
Fourth graders conduct cultural research, collect oral histories using tape recorders and cameras, and share their ancestral heritage with classmates through family heirlooms and ethnic foods.
Curated OER
Thinking About Diversity: One Student's View
Young scholars are asked how would you describe your yourself (Racial/Ethnic). Students read Little Boxes, where it is discussed that the author describes that backgrounds of her parents. They continue to read where they still need to...
Curated OER
WHAT DID COLOMBUS SAY?
Students read and analyze two primary source documents written by Christopher Columbus.
Curated OER
Coming to America: Opportunities, Risks, Consequences
Students examine the immigrants of various cultures throughout the world. In groups, they identify the push and pull factors of those immigrating and the risks and consequences they are subject do when going through the immigration...
Curated OER
The Constitution: The Country's Rules
Learners become aware of the Constitution and why it is important. In this early government lesson, students compare the Constitution to the class rules. They are both set in place so that we all stay safe and have fun. Learners draw...
Curated OER
Taking a Stand - 1965 Selma-to-Montgomery Voting Rights March
Learners examine the 1965 Selma-to-Montgomery Voting Rights March. They view pictures reflecting their perceptions of their most important rights as citizens, write journal responses, create collages illustrating courage, and read...
Curated OER
Economic Crisis in Argentina
Students investigate the history, people, and the economy of Argentina. They complete a Webquest, explore various websites, answer discussion questions, and identify and read newspaper articles about local businesses that export goods to...
Curated OER
The Vision Quest
Fourth graders explore lives of Chief Plenty Coups and Crow Indians, focusing specifically on tradition of Vision Quests. Students identify reasons for Vision Quests, and create presentation to share information found with classmates.
Curated OER
Whitman and Lincoln
Students determine if Lincoln and Whitman ever met and write a dialogue between the two men. In this Whitman and Lincoln lesson, students read Whitman's poem "Beat! Beat! Drums!" and connect it to the events of Lincoln's presidency....
Curated OER
Living History
Students analyze how historians are trying to keep history alive and preserve it for generations to come. They view some schools trying to save an entire culture and language from extinction. Students participate in history preservation...
Curated OER
Margaret Mead: Anthropologist
Sixth graders examine the life, travels, and cultural experiences of Margaret Mead. They participate in group work and inquiry activities about the qualities that Margaret Mead possessed and the places she traveled to. They distinguish...
Curated OER
The Wrecks of Urca de Lima and San Pedro
Students complete a variety of activities that go along with the study of and possible fieldtrip to Urca de Lima and San Pedro wreck sites in St. Lucie and Monroe Counties in Florida. They discuss the importance of preserving such wrech...
Curated OER
Spontaneous Britishstrokes
Students are introduced to Chinese painting and they examine how Daoist phiolosophy influenced artistic style. They discuss how art and artistic technique as a reflection of Daoist culture. Students discuss how art is a reflection of...
Children's Museum
The Children's Museum of Indianapolis: Native Americans and the Natural World
Explore the rich cultures of Native Americans through literature, storytelling, and fun, hands-on activities. Students will gain an understanding of how and where Native Americans lived in the past and today, as well as their...
Smithsonian Institution
Smithsonian Education: Native American Dolls [Pdf]
Students examine dolls from the online collections at the Smithsonian and connect them with the correct cultures. Includes lots of background information about Native American clothing and how the way each cultural group dresses reflects...
PBS
Pbs: Using Supporting Evidence to Interpret Meaning a Native American Folktale
In this lesson, students will watch a video clip with a Native American storyteller telling a traditional story. Students will use supporting evidence from the story to give meaning to oral and written texts.
Council for Economic Education
Econ Ed Link: Lewis and Clark Barter With Native Americans
In this instructional activity you will define the term barter and give examples of bartering in several different areas. Find out how this system took shape and was useful to Lewis and Clark. This site is extremely informative and...
Other
Texas Council on Economic Education: Building an Economy: Texas Experience [Pdf]
A 14-lesson, 169-page unit on the economic history of Texas. Lessons cover the free enterprise system, the economic patterns and motivations of Native Americans and various immigrant groups, the impact of the closing of the frontier, the...
Library of Congress
Loc: Teachers: Indian Boarding Schools
The Library of Congress provides a series of lessons that taddresses historical efforts of assimilating Native American children into white culture through boarding schools.
John F. Kennedy Center
The Kennedy Center: Lesson: Navajo Weaving
Intergrating dance into your social studies lesson on the Navajo culture will give your students a glimpse into another way of life. They will use their knowledge of loom weaving, Native Americans, and creative dance to express these...
Utah Education Network
Uen: Native American and Greek Myths
During this unit of study, 5th graders will learn about myths. Students will explore several myths from various cultures. They will then seek to identify these myths in various constellations. Students will reflect on their own beliefs...
Crayola
Crayola: Hides That Reveal (Lesson Plan)
A fun lesson plan for a class studying Native American culture. Students create their own tepees, or animal hides with designs and symbols representing their own personality. Also contains adaptations and resources. (To access this...
Council for Economic Education
Econ Ed Link: Lewis and Clark Barter With the Native Americans
Using the study of the Lewis and Clark expedition middle schoolers will define the term barter and give examples of bartering.
University of Maryland
Umbc Center for History Education: Reshaping American Society
Using this history lab, students will examine the impact immigration had on urbanization and the reform movements of the time, as well as the addressing the backlash to immigration by understanding nativism.