Learners explore, analyze and study the religions that originated in Japan, including Shintoism and Zen Buddhism. They assess the beliefs of each religion and compare/contrast all the Eastern Religions and view their people and...

Young scholars analyze an event where a person or groups of people were singled out because of their race, religion, nationality or sexuality. They interpret the song "Scarecrow" by Melissa Etheridge and apply the lyrics to the events...

Learners research various Latin American countries and reflect on the different ethnic communities represented in that country and their contributions to the region. They make posters, perform skits and write letters about their research.

Churches have been tax-exempt since the founding of America, but should they be? Pupils ponder the question as they browse the website in preparation for a class debate or discussion. They research the history of tax-exemption for...

Benjamin Franklin identified 13 virtues that he felt would strengthen his character if he could focus on each one. A thorough instructional activity explores high schoolers' personal values in the context of their lives, and compels them...

What do the members of your class already know about world history? This is a fabulous pre-assessment that will illustrate the varying levels of general world history knowledge among your young historians that you can use to inform your...

Improve your pupils' language skills with these discussions and activities. There are four topics included here, and each is paired with discussion prompts (small group and whole class), student handouts, and teacher notes. After...

What are the origins of el Dia de los Muertos, and how is this tradition observed in contemporary celebrations? With a variety of lesson plans and suggested hands-on activities, here is an excellent resource to reference as you...

Study and compare multiple aspects of both Aztec and Inca civilizations. Young historians explain how each of the empires came to be, and how they were both defeated by the Spanish. The resource starts out as a good lesson, but is...

Eleventh graders explore the influence of religion on U.S. History. Using an internet database website, they research the religious affiliation of governors, Presidents and Vice-Presidents. Students write a paragraph explaining how...

Students discuss the pre-reading focus questions. In this reading lesson, students discuss and explore the book cover and title. Students predict what they will learn from this book. Additionally, students read to find out what life is...

Fourth graders explore colonial life in America.

Students use a graphic organizer to find similarities and differences in three religions. In this prejudice lesson, students understand the events leading up to the holocaust. Students understand that people who respected diversity...

Students use vocabulary related to the history of segregation in the United States. They study about the history of segregation in America and recognize the challenges and prejudice that many African Americans faced in the 1950s....

Students study different religions and factions within the religion. They examine the political agenda of religious factions in civil war zones in Africa, Asia, or Latin America. They investigate high crimes against humanity in the name...

Students research Colonial America. In this Colonial Times lesson plan, students view the PBS Colonial House Interactivewebsite and create a timeline of important events during the Colonial period. Students print and share their timelines.

Students utilize primary sources to explore the national climate concerning Native American Indians during the Andrew Jackson administration. They are presented with opinions for and against the Indian Removial Act of 1830 as they...

Students compare and contrast assimilation and acculturation. They explain the idea of "The Melting Pot" as it relates to what it means to be American. They write an 8 page response paper on a selected author.

Students examine the political and religious factors that influenced English, Spanish, French, and Dutch colonization of the Americas, and the economic characteristics of the early Spanish and Portuguese empires in the Americas.

Eighth graders explore the entertainment options in colonial America. In this colonial life lesson, 8th graders watch a movie about colonial music and arts. Students then respond to questions regarding the movie and also respond to 1...

Social studies learners explore slavery in the American colonies from 1607 to the Revolutionary War. In groups, they explore a PBS website and a virtual museum. Using these websites and other online resources, students create their own...

Students identify bias in books. In this character education lesson, students read a text and discuss any gender or racial bias which may be present. Students retell and rewrite the story in a fair way.

In this we wish you a merry something, America instructional activity, 8th graders read or listen to a paragraph explaining that the term merry Christmas is not politically correct in America.  Students discuss 4 warm up...

Many learners may be familiar with the legacy of figures such as Susan B. Anthony, but what about Anne Hutchinson? Hutchinson was a lesser-known woman who spoke up to patriarchal figures in colonial America, leading to her banishment....