US National Archives
Eastern Europe 1939-45 — Ukraine
Was Joseph Stalin desperate or exaggerating the USSR's need for assistance on the Eastern Front in 1942? History students examine two differing opinions on Stalin's position and the reality of the Eastern Front just three years before...
US National Archives
WWII: Western Europe 1939-45 – Invasion
Without the benefit of history, Western Europe in the 1940's had no idea what was about to befall them. Class members use primary sources, including political cartoons, videos, and internal documents, to analyze how much of a threat...
Stanford University
Corroboration
How do historians corroborate the information in a primary source document? They use the questions features on this poster!
Curated OER
World War I
Eleventh graders investigate propaganda used during World War I. In this World War I lesson plan, 10th graders examine propaganda from the war and analyze war posters. Students then create their own propaganda posters on listed topics.
Curated OER
Perceptions of German Unification Over Time
Through a series of readings and handouts, learners will study the shifts in perception that followed the fall of the Berlin Wall. The history lesson focuses on periods of change in post WWII German history that led to a changed...
National Endowment for the Humanities
The Question of Representation at the 1787 Convention
While the Constitution is considered enshrined today, its current form is the result of haggling at a secret convention in 1787. Using transcripts from the meetings and various plans as drafted by the delegates, class members unpack the...
Curated OER
Transparency Review
Students investigate and distinguish between primary and secondary sources when analyzing works of literature. They present their information on transparencies that are displayed to the class.
Center for Civic Education
The Power of Nonviolence: Rosa Parks: A Quest for Equal Protection Under the Law
Teach young historians about the historical legacy of Rosa Parks with a multi-faceted lesson plan. Pupils follow stations and use journals to explore prominent events, analyze primary resource documents, and engage in interesting...
National Endowment for the Humanities
People and Places in the North and South
North and South: two opposite directions and two opposite economic and social systems in time of the Civil War. Pupils peruse census websites and primary source photographs to understand what life was like for the everyday person before...
Curated OER
Early Champlain Valley History
Class members use primary sources to craft an essay about early Champlain Valley History. I would use this as a homework assignment.
Curated OER
Document Analysis of the Virginia Declaration
For this primary source research worksheet, students examine a copy of the Virginia Declaration (not included) and respond to 6 short answer questions regarding its content.
Curated OER
"Dear Ma and Pa" Primary Documents: Letters Home from the War
Pupils read and analyze letters written by a soldier during World War II. They discuss using letters as a primary source of historical information, complete a worksheet, and write a letter to a loved one.
Curated OER
Introduction of Primary Sources
First graders examine a database to explain the use of primary source documents.
Curated OER
The Great Gatsby: Primary Sources from the Roaring Twenties
Students research the Roaring Twenties. In this 1920's America lesson, students analyze primary sources to develop an understanding of lifestyles and values of the era as they read F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby.
Curated OER
A Ride for Liberty
In this American Civil War worksheet, learners examine a Eastman Johnson painting titled "A Ride for Liberty," and then respond to 2 short answer questions based on their analysis of the painting.
Curated OER
Abolish the Office of Governor
Students explore the history of the Pennsylvania Constitution of 1776. In this historical analysis lesson, students analyze the constitution of the state and determine how citizens benefited (or didn't benefit) from the document....
Curated OER
Man's Best Friend:The Old Drum Story
Students explore the Missouri courts. In this primary sources lesson plan, students examine the Missouri court case Burden v. Hornsby as well as other primary documents and narratives relating to the case. Students analyze the case as...
Curated OER
A Durable Memento: Portraits by Augustus Washington
Learners read primary source newspaper articles from mid 19th century United States. The topics of the articles are slavery, abolitionism and colonization. Students are given several options for activities based on the readings.
Curated OER
Lines From Behind the Lines
Fifth graders create a timeline of events in a soldiers life. In this World War I instructional activity, 5th graders learn about the Great Depression and World War I. Students watch video segments about World War I and...
Curated OER
Can You Hear Me Now?
Learners explore the industry involving communication and put communication devices into activities. In this communication lesson plan, students put items into chronological order, review primary sources, compare and contrast items, and...
Curated OER
World Cup: Did England rig the results?
Students discuss a rugby match to understand its world implications. In this rugby lesson, students read and analyze primary documents to find how sports effect world relations. Students answer critical thinking questions related...
Curated OER
Causes of the American Revolution: the Stamp Act Crisis
Fifth graders view primary documents to become familiar with the causes of the American Revolutionary War. In this Causes of the American Revolution lesson, 5th graders answer questions based on the documents. Students complete a...
Curated OER
A Look at Virginians During Reconstruction
Fourth graders examine slavery and Reconstruction in Virginia. In this Virginians during Reconstruction lesson, 4th graders research primary sources for the story of William Jasper and other slaves. Students hypothesize how rights became...
Curated OER
Primary Source Adventures: Texas Annexation: United We Stand? Lesson Plan
Seventh graders study the national effect that the annexation of Texas had on the 1844 Presidential election using primary source documents which they access through web based sources. They examine slavery in Texas during the 1840's and...