National First Ladies' Library
Secretary of Commerce
Middle schoolers gain understanding of economic history of United States in twentieth century by examining role of Department of Commerce. Student groups each analyze one quarter of twentieth century by researching role of Department of...
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Rationalizing Race in US History
Students consider the classification of people. In this race studies lesson, students examine the concept of race as it relates to U.S. history and trends. Students research racial discrimination and prejudice in order to support their...
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A Country Recovering from Crisis--Kenya
Students explore Kenya. In this Kenya lesson, students research Internet and print sources regarding the political and economic issues the country is facing. Students compare life in Kenya to life in the United States.
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The Financial Crisis: What Happened? Where do Things Stand Now?
Students listen to and watch a presentation by Julie Stackhouse on the 2010 financial crisis in the United States. In this economics lesson, students engage in a presentation which is designed to be listened to by High School classes.
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The Great American Bank Robbery
Students examine the economic crisis of 2008. In this banking bailout lesson, students read the provided articles "Nicole Bradbury: Robo-Signer Victim," and "Bankers' Sloppy and Illegal Work." Students respond to the provided discussion...
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Distribution of Goods
Students study the concept of scarcity and that it requires people to make choices when trying to satisfy their unlimited wants. Groups are given bags of items and must distribute the items in the bag in a way that is acceptable to...
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Causes of the American Revolution
Fifth graders investigate the causes of the American Revolution. They explore how political, religious, and economic ideas and interests brought about the Revolution (e.g., the Stamp Act, the Townshend Acts, taxes on tea, coercive Acts)....
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Give and Take
Students read and discuss the article "In Gaza, a Prototype of Peace Via Trade", examine how economic pressures can affect political policy, and explain the significance of the opening of an Industrial Park in the Gaza Strip.
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Woody Guthrie: Ain't Got No Home
Learners examine the music of Woody Guthrie and how the political and economic climate influenced his work. They read and discuss online articles, define key vocabulary words, take a Political Orientation Survey, and write a position...
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The Blues: The Father of Rock And Roll
Students examine influence The Blues had on Rock and Roll and the concomitant social, political, and economic factors and movements during the post-World War II period. Students then research and create multimedia reports on...
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A Historic Gamble
Young scholars explore and evaluate the economic impact of legalized gambling on Native American Indian communities. They draft short, persuasive speeches that take the perspective of a tribal elder appearing at a town council meeting.
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Where We Live
Students forecast future population growth of the U.S. Virgin Islands. In this U.S. Census lesson plan, students explain the factors that influence population density on the U.S. Virgin Islands, including geography and economic activity.
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Going to the Promised Land
Students analyze primary resources and map in order to draw conclusions regarding the migrant-worker experience during the Great Depression. They explain and explain the impact of economic and ecological events on individuals.
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California Geography
Fourth graders explore geography of four distinct regions of California: mountains, coast, central valley, and desert. They locate California on map, identify state's boundaries and borders, and explore agriculture, a major economic...
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An Incredible Journey: Exploring Brave New Worlds
High schoolers, after reading the novel, Brave New World, research in depth topics like the production and consumption of Henry Ford, Pavlov's and Skinner's behavioral science work, as well as the existence of Utopian and dystopian...
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Paper or Plastic: Exploring Renewable Resources.
Students discuss, develop, invent, and implement a plan for making informed personal economic decisions about renewable resources.
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Ben Franklin and the Rising Americans
Students prepare for and learn through a walking tour of Philadelphia. In this history instructional activity, students support their studies with a field trip. This instructional activity could be adapted to suit regions with other...
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A Fallen Giant
Students investigate the economic concepts related to the fall of Enron in order to begin unraveling this complex scandal. They do research in small groups to identify such things as the Securities Exchange Commission.
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One China, Two Systems
Students study the term 'peaceful coexistence' and the role it plays in the Chinese process for reunification with Taiwan. They research and assess the political ideologies, economic stability and national identities of the countries...
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You Wouldn't Understand...It's a Slang Thang
Fourth graders study a decade in history through its slang. They analyze a slang dictionary from the 1920's and read a primary source letter making use of the slang. They decipher the language and compare and contrast 1920's language...
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Can We Be Both Conservationists and Consumers?
High schoolers explore their role as consumers and conservationists and what roles they play in today's economic climate. They explore resource allocation issues. Students analyze data and draw comparisons between historical and...
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World War I
Eighth graders examine the condition of the world from 1880 until the start of World War I. After watching a PowerPoint presentation, they discuss the causes and effects of the war and complete a study guide with a partner. To end the...
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Wartime Posters
Learners recognize that, America's eventual involvement in World War II, not everyone initially agreed that intervention was the answer. They conduct research about the political, economic, sociological, and historical factors in the...
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First Nations vs. Euro-Americans
Students analyze primary and secondary source documents to help them describe the cooperation and conflict that existed among the American Indians and new settlers. Then, students analyze the purpose, challenges, and economic incentives...