Curated OER
The Mystery of History-Original Sources
Students research the events surrounding the Alamo in 1863, and explore the differences between primary and secondary sources of information. They brainstorm lists of items used to research a subject and categorize them as primary or...
Curated OER
The Sound of History: Conducting an Oral Interview
Learners conduct an oral interview with a person from their local community. They conduct research, write interview questions, conduct the interview, and identify the subject matter using headings and subheadings.
Curated OER
Preserving History for Illuminating Today's Values and Traditions
Students use the processes of oral history and the latest technology to engage in historical inquiry and the preservation of the past. The work in cooperative groups or individually to discover and capture the past by interviewing family...
Curated OER
Discovering Why I Am Who I Am
Students analyze their family history and traditions. In this family history lesson, students identify family members to research and interview their family about the people. Students write their family histories and traditions. Students...
Curated OER
Metis - Grade 10
Tenth graders investigate the organization and purpose of the Metis. In this Canadian history lesson, 10th graders watch "Metis Settlements," and then participate in talking circles sharing their impressions of the video.
Curated OER
We Have a Dream
Students work as partners to study Dr. Martin Luther King's 'I Have a Dream' speech. In this African American history lesson, students work with their cross-grade partner to study, understand, and memorize the speech. Students meet with...
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Lewis and Clark Expedition
Learners examine the effect of the Lewis and Clark Expedition on Native American nations. In this Native American history instructional activity, students research Internet sources to find out how the expedition impacted Native Americans...
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Pooling Common Knowledge
Fifth graders examine Native American cultures. In this diversity lesson, 5th graders prepare oral reports based on the research they conduct regarding Native American clothing, holidays, and sports.
Curated OER
Discovering My Family History
Students research their family trees. They research Internet sites, conduct interviews and, when possible, access primary sources to compile information about their family's history. Students present their findings in a family tree.
Curated OER
A to Z Observations
Eighth graders examine the cultural conflicts that occurred when Europeans moved into the land the Native Americans lived on that would become West Virginia. In this West Virginia history instructional activity, 8th graders visit the...
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Daily Life in Pennsylvania's Historic Cloistered Religious Communities
Study the daily life of three religious communities from Pennsylvanian history. Learners research the religious communities of the Ephrata Cloister, Bethlehem, and Harmony. They study primary sources for each community and complete...
Curated OER
Kansas Symbols Bingo
Students play Kansas Symbols Bingo. In this Kansas history lesson plan, students review the 8 state symbols: buffalo, wheat, cottonwood tree, honeybee, meadowlark, salamander, sunflower, and turtle. Students then participate in a...
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Treaties
Third graders explore Canadian history by participating in a role-playing activity. In this First Nation treaties lesson, 3rd graders identify the difficulties the Aboriginals faced when dealing with early European settlers. Students...
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Treaties - Grade 8
Eighth graders examine treaties pertaining to Canadian natives. In this Canadian history lesson, 8th graders watch "Frist Nations: The Unbroken Circle," and then discuss the negotiations that took place between the Nisga'a people and the...
Curated OER
To Tell the Tale
Students explore how themes common to the human condition can be found in literary and oral traditions across cultures. They compile traditional folk tales around these themes and write their own tales to reflect their own cultural context.
Curated OER
Migration from the Dust
Students trace their own family's migrations and history. They listen to the story, 'Blue ow.' They design a plate which is shared at an open house.
Curated OER
Elvis
In this excellent music and history lesson, 1st graders watch movies and listen to music sung by Elvis Presley, then draw and write as if they were a famous singer. This entertaining and inventive lesson has a terrific assessment...
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Hard Times, Soft Sell
Learners analyze art to determine themes for the Great Depression Era. In this Great Depression instructional activity, students identify themes for the era and research evidence for the themes to present to the class. Learners interview...
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Civil Rights Video Essay
Students investigate a decade of American history when the civil rights movement was a focus of national attention. They create a video essay about a person or event that played an important role in shaping the civil rights movement.
Smithsonian Institution
Engaging Students with Primary Source
Young historians learn how to analyze various forms of primary source documents. The colorful packet is packed with all you need to engage kids in this essential skill.
English Enhanced Scope and Sequence
Media Literacy Applied
After investigating various forms of print, oral, and electronic media as sources of information, class members research a historical figure and produce a résumé for this person. While templates are provided for an initial sorting...
Curated OER
Tall Tales
Give your class an overview of American tall tales and some examples with these slides. The basic definition of folk stories, legends, and tall tales is explained, followed by famous characters from American lore. Reading suggestions are...
Curated OER
My Birthday Connection
Focus on famous women using this lesson. Learners choose a famous woman to research, complete a fact sheet, and discuss their results. While incomplete, this lesson could be used as an outline for a more in-depth exploration.
Curated OER
The Immigrant Experience
Young scholars utilize oral histories to discover, analyze, and interpret immigration and migration in the history of the United States. A goal of the unit is fostering a discussion and encouraging students to make meaning of the bigger...