Curated OER
Thomas Jefferson
Students explore the accomplishments of world leaders. In this Thomas Jefferson lesson plan, students list the accomplishments achieved by Jefferson and read his epitaph. Students then write epitaphs for recent world leaders or celebrities.
Curated OER
Thomas Jefferson and the Declaration of Independence
Students examine readings and symbols to learn about the War of Independence and Thomas Jefferson. In this War of Independence lesson, students explore the role of Thomas Jefferson in the Declaration for Independence. Students answer...
Curated OER
Lincoln's Birthday
Students in and ESL classroom discover and discuss the importance of Abraham Lincoln and why we celebrate his birthday. They study vocabulary associated with Abraham Lincoln.
Curated OER
Bush Plans Hit on Drug Use
Students explore the topic of drug abuse. In this health journalism instructional activity, students read the USA Today article titled "Bush Plans Hit on Drub Abuse," respond to discussion questions regarding the article, and complete an...
Curated OER
A Penny for Abe
Students explore Abraham Lincoln through stories and poems. They also explore him being on the penny.
Curated OER
Being Me in the Face of Adversity - Americans Who Stood Up for Their Beliefs
Students identify important Americans from the colonial, revolutionary and slavery periods who are noted for standing up for their beliefs in the face of peer disapproval. They identify the importance of music in motivating and...
Curated OER
Four Famous Faces
Fifth graders examine the South Dakota Quarter Reverse and identify the images on it. They discuss the accomplishments of the four presidents. They create coins of four people in their school. They arrange bags of plastic coins by their...
Curated OER
Show Me Economics
Students identify the penny as a copper coin worth 1 cent. They discover information found on the penny: President Lincoln's face, Lincoln Memorial, date, and location of minting.
Curated OER
American History Research with Visual Timeline
Fifth graders research from a Washington, D.C. landmark, write a three page paper, then create a project depicting their topics to go on a time-line.
National Endowment for the Humanities
Lesson 2: The United States, France, and the Problem of Neutrality, 1796–1801
While the French Revolution could be considered inspired by the American Revolution, it created thorny problems for the new United States. Should the United States get involved and be drawn into a European drama? Was the US strong...
Curated OER
Introduce Vocabulary: Kindergarten Count to 100
During read-aloud of Kindergarten Count to 100 by Jacqueline Rogers, children listen for context clues about vocabulary that includes the words "first," "second," and "third." I love the way vocabulary development skills are integrated...
Curated OER
Introduce Vocabulary: Kindergarten Count to 100 (Rogers)
Combine counting and vocabulary in context using Jacqueline Rogers' Kindergarten Count to 100. Suggested words for this text are: first, fountain, salute, second, and third. By introducing the terms before reading the text,...
Curated OER
Blessings of a Free Government: The Louisiana Purchase in 1803
Young scholars may take part in a multitude of activities listed such as creating political cartoons, comparison papers, and creating a portfolio to reinforce concepts and ideas surrounding the Louisiana Purchase.
Curated OER
Abraham Lincoln
First graders explore famous people in America. They read and discuss a story about Abraham Lincoln. After the class discussion, 1st graders create a web of important events in the life of Abraham Lincoln. Finally, students write...
Curated OER
The First American Party System: Events, Issues, and Positions
Learners identify factors which lead to the development of the Federalists and Democratic-Republicans. They examine the writings of Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton as well. They discuss what elements are needed for an orgainized...
Curated OER
It's In Your Pocket
Students examine federal powers. In this U.S. Constitution instructional activity, students explore the powers of Congress to coin money. Students also study the meaning of the symbols on U.S. coins.
Curated OER
It's in Your Pocket
Students examine American coins. In this American currency lesson plan, students study how American money came to be as well as the responsibilities of the U.S. Mint. Students discover details regarding American coins and design their...
Curated OER
Agriculture and the Government
Students study the government's involvement in the U.S. A's food production and make connections relating to farm programs. For this historical agriculture lesson, students read content and research significant information....
Curated OER
U.S. Mint Releases New Jefferson Nickel
Students share their knowledge of Lewis and Clark, then read a news article about the redesign on the U.S. nickel to commemorate Lewis and Clark's expedition. Introduce the article with a discussion and vocabulary activity, then students...
Curated OER
History of the Masons
Students are divided into groups and follow directions of their group leaders and complete a worksheet while on site.
Curated OER
The Fact Finders
Students analyze agricultural data and make predictions about events in history. In this history lesson, students correlate the relationship between historic events and issues in agriculture to see if there is a correlation. They analyze...
Curated OER
Red, Undecided, and Blue
Students analyze voter preferences in past elections, and then write letters to a presidential candidate, recommending winning strategies drawn from their research.
National Endowment for the Humanities
The Monroe Doctrine: A Close Reading
Students identify specific passages in the Monroe Doctrine to events in early U.S. diplomacy.
Curated OER
The Electoral Process
Students explore the U.S. political system by completing several worksheets. In this government election lesson, students define and describe the two main political parties in detail to one another. Students read a piece written by a...