Curated OER
Slavery and Abolition: Three Unforgettable Names
Students research the people and events involved in the abolitionist movement prior to the U.S. Civil War. They read about and discuss the roles of Nat Turner, Harriet Tubman, and John Brown. Students complete a word splash, Venn...
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What Events Led to Lincoln's Assassination?
Fourth graders investigate the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. In this American history instructional activity, 4th graders conduct research, share their findings, and write a report about the events leading up to the death of...
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Exploring The Everglades
Fifth graders apply basic Internet navigation and computer skills to complete a scavenger hunt about the Everglades, after reading the book, Everglades, by Jean Craighead George.
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The Immigrants of Brooklyn: Now And Then
Students compare the immigrant population during the pre-Civil War era (1855) to that of today (2000 census data). They interpret circle and bar graphs comparing immigrant populations in Brooklyn yesterday and today, and create a class...
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Writers of the 19th Century
Students are introduced to women authors during the 19th century. In groups, they read about the criticism they faced during this time period by the public and literary community. Using the internet, they research one author to...
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Lesson Plan: The Black Press
Learners examine the history of the black press. In this media awareness lesson, students watch videos and conduct research regarding the history of the black press in America. Learners explore media careers as they read provided...
PBS
Hidden Messages in Spirituals
Slaves laboring in the cotton fields of the old South singing joyously may have convinced overseers that their workforce was happy and content, but in truth, these spirituals contained secret codes. After viewing a short video about...
Curated OER
Isolation or Intervention?
Students research the attitudes and politics of pre-World War II America. They become isolationists or interventionists and present their points of view during a simulated city council meeting.
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Calling on Congo
Students listen to an interview with a former news coorespondent in Congo. They discuss an article about the instability in the country following their elections. They research Congo's history along with its connection to the United...
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Too Large to be a Lunatic Asylum: South Carolina’s Mental Health
Eighth graders examine the history of South Carolina's mental institutions. In this South Carolina history activity, 8th graders discover details about asylums built in the state in the 1800's. Students analyze primary sources about...
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Brooks-Baxter War
Sixth graders discuss and research the Brooks-Baxter War and the election of governor for Arkansas in 1872. In this election lesson plan, 6th graders read about the candidates for governor and why the election was disputed.
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The Slave Market: Not Just a Southern Institution
Fourth graders analyze the existence of slavery in the North. In this slavery lesson plan, 4th graders research primary and secondary sources regarding Dutch colonial slavery in New York. Students consider how archeology made it possible...
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Land of Milk and Honey Relocated or Not (Lesson 3)
Fourth graders practice their research skills. In this North Carolina history lesson, 4th graders examine primary resources and draw conclusions regarding the birth of the city of New Bern, North Carolina.
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Twain: Tom Sawyer—Mythic Adventurer
Students take a closer look at archetypes. In this characterization lesson, students examine the setting and the characters of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer as they read and analyze the novel. Students consider how Twain mythically...
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Early Settlements
Students embark on a journey through colonial times. In this early settlement lesson, students come to understand what life was like for the settlers in the early colonies. Students research and create projects illustrating their...
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Trails to the West
Eighth graders research American history of the 1850's. In this American history lesson plan, 8th graders write about how different American groups looked at the idea of Manifest Destiny. Students then draw the Oregon and Santa Fe...
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John Fox Slater and the Freedmen
Eleventh graders discover how Northern philanthropists fought against Jim Crow laws in the South. In this Reconstruction activity, 11th graders analyze 2 letters written by John Fox Slater and determine what his motivations were in...
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A Colony is Born : Lesson 5 - Dear Mem
Discover colonies! Young historians will listen to a primary source journal entry read aloud with a backdrop of wave sounds. They discuss the entry, add historical facts to a chart and personal insights to another. Then they listen to...
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Drumbeats and Heartbeats
Students explore some of the battles of the Civil War through music, literature, and art. The use of the drum on the battlefield and the reflections and emotions of the drummer boys are examined.
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A Better Way
Young scholars increase awareness of organizations that grew out of necessity and increased social consciousness during the Civil War and Reconstruction. They trace the origins of three organizations founded for the common good. They...
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King Cotton
Sixth graders investigate the farming process for cotton and its impact on the United States history. In this cotton farming lesson, 6th graders read background information on the cotton farming process and discuss the role of slavery in...
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We the People. . .
Learners explore the United States Constitution. In this government lesson plan, students write newspaper editorials that reflect their opinions about Amendments.
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Eleanor Roosevelt and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Students explore the leadership of Eleanor Roosevelt through the use of historical documents. They examine the complexity of the creation of international documents. Students explore the Human Rights Declaration.
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Virtual Museum
Ninth graders explore various time-periods in American history. They select important events, people, places, and artifacts to explore. Students present their information to the class using PowerPoint.