Learners examine the status of free blacks in Illinois and slavery in the U.S. They read and analyze primary source documents, answer and discuss questions, participate in a group discussion, and present the group's findings to the class.

Students explain the goals and methods of the abolitionist movement. They identify key leaders in the movement. This instructional activity has adaptations for elementary through high school. Links are provided for resource readings.

Students analyze the Amistad case and how it impacted slavery in the United States. They, in groups, receive a document, answers the focus questions and presents their findings to the class.

Eleventh graders read actual arguments regarding the status of free blacks in Illinois and slavery in the United States more generally.

President Abraham Lincoln: a true humanitarian or a savvy politician? The lesson focuses on Abraham Lincoln's presidency and the secession of the southern states. Academics interpret how Lincoln's presidential platform promoting African...

Eleventh graders examine the reactions Americans had to the Dred Scott decision.  In this American History lesson, 11th graders read editorials from newspapers.  Students analyze these editorials and audio tapes from that...

Students examine the role of John and Mary Jones in the abolitionist movement. Using primary source documents, they discover the importance of an oral history and take notes on the Jones' role. They write a summary of the data to...

Tenth graders observe several films, including The Divided Union, focusing on the conditions of slavery and African American soldiers in the Union Army. In addition, they watch Uncle Tom's Cabin and Glory to reinforce their knowledge of...

Students participate in a variety of activities to demonstrate an understanding of mid 1800 role of slaves. Vocabulary, writing and math are integrated into the lesson.

Eighth graders examine the issue of slavery. In this Civil War instructional activity, 8th graders participate in a debate. Students evaluate the impact of slavery and war on the country.

How did the Missouri Compromise, the Compromise of 1850, and the Kansas-Nebraska Act contribute to the growing tensions that led to the Civil war? To better understand the events that led to the Civil War, young historians engage in a...

Students evaluate the fairness of the Missouri Compromise. They read the Missouri Compromise and discuss how it reflected the North-South, anti-slavery and pro-slavery division in the country. They work in groups to debate the Missouri...

Students examine sectionalism. In this sectionalism instructional activity, students explore reasons sectionalism developed. Students realize the conflicts that led to the Civil War and how sectionalism affected citizens on the...

Students identify the key issue in the election of 1856, they also identify some of the key people invovled in the election. Students discuss the role of propaganda in politics. Also, students discuss the significance of the election of...