Curated OER
A Multi-Media Approach to Teaching The Grapes of Wrath
Integrate history, math, and art into a study of The Grapes of Wrath with a series of activities that ask learners to investigate the social, political, economic, and environmental factors at play during the 1930s. Designed to be used...
Penguin Books
Core Curriculum Lesson Plans for The Lions of Little Rock
Schools in the 1950s and 60s looked very different from the schools we know today. An educator's guide explores the civil rights movement and, specifically, the process of integrating schools. Questions cover key themes in the novel and...
Curated OER
Picturing America: Images and Words of Hope from Romare Bearden and Langston Hughes
A carefully crafted three-day lesson integrates poetry and visual art. By analyzing and comparing Langston Hughes' poem "Mother and Son" and Romare Bearden's collage "The Dove," readers explore the theme of hope. The lesson activates...
Curated OER
The Mekong River
Junior geographers explore the region through which the Mekong flows, its pathway, the landscape, how people depend on the Mekong, and future uncertainties. They apply the five themes of geography to examine the region. They create a...
Curated OER
Developing Questioning Skills by Investigating Political Cartoons
Students analyze a collection of political cartoons based on one theme to determine what information is present and what information seems to be missing to tell the story of the event.
Curated OER
Lincoln Theme--Gettysburg
Fifth graders explore the significance of the Gettysburg Address. For this United States history lesson, 5th graders listen to a Gettysburg Address recording and look at photos of the battlefield. Students discuss their observations and...
Curated OER
Social Studies: Geographic Regions
Third graders create Powerpoint presentations about the five themes of geography in regions of the United States. They focus on the Northeast, Southeast, and Midwest regions. Students use both pictures and words in their shows.
Curated OER
Social Movements in American Politics
In this term paper assignment worksheet, students follow the provided steps and outline that requires them to research and write a paper about social movements in American politics.
Curated OER
Political Law Terms Word Search Puzzle
In this social studies worksheet, students look for the words in the puzzle that are related to the theme of the word search. Spelling skills are worked on.
University of Virginia
Illustrating Uncle Tom's Cabin
Historical illustrations reveal more than what they are meant to portray. After reading Harriet Beecher Stowe's Uncle Tom's Cabin, high schoolers view a series of illustrations, movie posters, photographs, and book covers that exemplify...
Curated OER
Cluing into Symbols Robert Frost
Students use the Internet and video to discover how find evidence in poetry in order to discover the theme(s) of the poems. They are able to define poetic devices like simile, metaphor and repetition. Students identify themes in...
Curated OER
Antebellum Revivalism and Reform
A gold mine for American history teachers, this presentation cascades through the middle of the 19th century with the central themes of moral and social reform. Between the blossoming Mormon church, the tightening of the Temperance...
PBS
Amid Rising Economic Inequality, Does America Need a Third Reconstruction?
Young political scientists investigate the Poor People's Campaign protest held in Washington, D.C., on June 18, 2022. They research how the event was reported in various news outlets and consider their stance on whether...
Curated OER
Cartoons for the Classroom: B.D. Brings the War Home
In this current events worksheet, students analyze Doonesberry political cartoons and characters. Students respond to 6 talking point questions.
Curated OER
The Power of Fiction
Students explore fiction that moves individuals to social action. For this literature lesson, students read The Jungle by Upton Sinclair and analyze its literary worth as well as its investigative journalism. Students investigate other...
Curated OER
Donkeys and Elephants and Voters, Oh My!
Students celebrate party politics. In this American politics lesson, students discover what the 2 main political parties in the country are and discuss their functions. Students then participate in a classroom simulation that requires...
Curated OER
Golden Globe as Gauge
Students discuss the significance of the Golden Globes and other awards as indicators of the current cultural and political climate. After reading an article, they identify the nominees for the 2006 Golden Globe awards. Using the...
Curated OER
Cartoons for the Classroom: Xenophobia
In this historical events learning exercise, learners analyze an anti-immigration political cartoon and respond to 3 talking point questions.
Curated OER
All Aboard The Campaign Train!
Students explore campaign politics. In this political campaign lesson plan, students investigate multimedia sources in order to examine the structure of political parties and platforms from previous presidential elections. Students...
Curated OER
Cartoons for the Classroom: Tooning into the Candidates, John Edwards
In this current events worksheet, students analyze a political cartoon about John Edwards and respond to 3 talking point questions.
Curated OER
Cartoons for the Classroom: Drawing Inspiration
In this historical events activity, students analyze political cartoons about about shifting blame. Students then respond to 2 short answer questions.
Curated OER
Cartoons for the Classroom: Between the Lines, Gas Pains...Again
In this current events worksheet, students analyze a political cartoon about the increase in gasoline prices and respond to 3 talking point questions.
Curated OER
Cartoons for the Classroom: Drawing Attention to Human Rights
In this current events worksheet, students analyze political cartoons about human rights. Students respond to 3 talking point questions.
Curated OER
Fallen Angels
Learners read the novel, Fallen Angels, and examine the theme of coming of age during the Vietnam War. They create timelines of the 1960s, highlighting important issues of the era. They write research papers focusing on one particular...