Smithsonian Institution
Cold War
The Cold War was not necessarily always cold in temperature, but the relationship between the United States and the Soviet Union sure was frigid! Scholars read various passages, view exhibition graphics, and observe an artifact from the...
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Life in a Soviet Household
Students simulate the transaction costs experienced by the average householder in the former Soviet Union. They consider time spent searching and waiting in line, scarcity of goods and the lure of the black market.
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Property Rights: Soviet Farms
Students examine the problems with the collectivized agriculture program in the Soviet Union. They listen to a teacher-led lecture, participate in a property rights scenario activity, create a plan for maximizing the value of land, and...
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China's Economy
High schoolers examine China's economy. In this economics lesson, students investigate economic facts and indicators for the U.S. and China in order to compare and contrast these two large economies.
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Out With the Old, in With the New
Students engage in a lesson that is concerned with the concept of the Soviet Union and compared to the new Democratic Russia. They conduct research using a variety of resources. The information is used in order to create a class project.
Mrs. Robbins' Social Studies Site
The Berlin Blockade
The Berlin Blockade may not take up as much space in the history books as other events of the Cold War, but for the citizens of west Berlin in 1948—and the events to follow between the Soviet Union and the United Stattes—those 318 days...
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The Early Cold War: 1947-1970
With a combination of images, maps, and valuable information, this presentation is a strong resource for a history class that is coming out of a WWII unit and into a Cold War unit. Some points are outlined for students, while others are...
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H3 Homework Assignment #2
In this global studies worksheet, students read the noted pages in their textbooks and then respond to 1 essay and 4 short answer questions about the Soviet Union.
Student Handouts
End to the Cold War
Introduce your class to topics relating to the Cold War through a brief reading selection. Class members read the passage and answer four questions, which are provided on the bottom of the page.
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The Soviet Choice For Growth
Students examine five major events in Soviet History to introduce the concept of opportunity cost. They identify considered alternatives at the time of decision and examine benefits and cost. They apply these ideas to a typical school day.
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ANDERSONVILLE PRISON: AN ECONOMIC MICROCOSM
Students identify the conditions faced by the prisoners of war at Andersonville during the Civil War. They examine how a group of civil war prisoners developed an economic system within their camp.
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Witch Hunt or Red Menace? Anticommunism in Postwar America, 1945-1954
Students investigate what constitutes an "un-American" activity and why Soviet espionage was such an important issue in the 1940's and 1950's. Joseph McCarthy's impact on American anticommunism is examined in this lesson. There are three...
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A Command Economic System
Students discover the Command Economic System, which is found in countries like the Former Soviet Union, North Korea, and China. Students identify five characteristics unique to the Command Economy.
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Incentives Matter
Pupils identify what motive people. They will learn about both positive, and negative incentives. They will use this knowledge to make predictions about how people will behave. They will apply this knowledge to economics.
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Teacher Notes
Gathering information, distinguishing between arguments, preparing an oral presentation; these skills are fostered as 10th graders explore aspects of global trade and politics. They use the Internet to gather information about NATO, The...
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Fill-In - October Event in History
A lot has happened in the month of October in the past 100 years or so. Kids fill in the blank for 31 events, each of which occurred on a day in October. Each event can be found in a New York Times article from the past 100+ years....
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Afghanistan Today: Civil War and Human Rights
Students examine the relationship between the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War. They analyze the role of religion and cultural identity in shaping governments. They also examine the United States foreign policy.
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Afghanistan and Its Neighbors: Model Summit
Students examine the relationship between the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War. They discover the role of religion and cultural identity in the war in Afghanistan. They explore the arguments for and and against...
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Old Kids From The Bloc
Students study about wide scale construction and development in Moscow and its impact on cultural and historic preservation. They research the political, social, economic, and cultural changes in the former Eastern Bloc and create a...
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Socialism Past and Present
The theory of socialism can be a means to explore the economies of countries around the world.
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The Early Tensions of the Cold War
Students uncover the roots of the Cold War. In this Cold War lesson, students research the political philosophies of the Soviet Union and the United States during the era as they define key vocabulary and discuss government systems....
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Title of Segment: Balance of Trade
Students take a closer look at the balance of trade. In this current events lesson plan, students watch PBS video clips about American trade with China. Students research Chinese production and consumerism in order to determine how world...
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The Legacy of Margaret Thatcher: The Iron Lady
In the wake of her recent passing, spend some time acquainting your class with the life of a woman who was highly influential in politics.
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The End of the Cold War
In this end of the Cold War study guide worksheet, students read a brief overview pertaining to the time period in world history and then respond to 4 reflection questions.