Curated OER
The Declaration of Independence
Learners explore the Declaration of Independence. In this civics activity, students read handouts regarding the document as well as the document itself. Learners respond to discussion questions regarding the handout. Students then...
Curated OER
Naval Warfare in the American Revolution
Students determine speed and bearing, calculate a position by dead reckoning, and modify this position using vectors for wind and current drift.
Curated OER
You're Invited...To A Tea Party
Kids read the book Boston Tea Party by Steven Kroll and use maps to locate various landmarks. They identify the cause and effect of the events related to the Boston Tea Party, then write a descriptive composition.
Curated OER
My Brother Sam is Dead: A study of the Revolutionary War
Fifth graders complete an analysis of the Revolutionary War through literature. After "My Brother Sam Is Dead," students create a time capsule containing items that would be relevant during the Revolutionary War. They identify key...
Benjamin Franklin Tercentenary
Benjamin Franklin and the Long Struggle for Independence
Students explore U.S. history by reading biographical material in class. In this Benjamin Franklin lesson, students identify the life of Franklin and the events that led him to become one of America's first heroes. Students complete an...
Curated OER
Happy Endings: The Final Battle
Fifth graders explore all the myths of the battle of Yorktown. A variety of primary documents are viewed and analyzed for discussion. They become aware that what one sees and hears is not always as it seems in reality. Each group...
Curated OER
Native Lands: Indians in Georgia-Shifting Ground Political Cartoon-Introduction
Learners explore the relationship between the Creek, Cherokee, and European/American cultures prior to the American Revolution. Students do Internet research to identify and explain changes in these cultures, then ...
Curated OER
Change the Face of History
Middle schoolers create and write a "Choose Your Own Adventure" story as they investigate the Revolutionary War. They choose a historical figure who played a key role in the war who meets other influential figures and has the opportunity...
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The Art of Political Cartoons in Revolutionary America
High schoolers analyze political cartoons. In this colonial America lesson, students examine the provided political cartoons and respond to analytical questions about each of them.
Curated OER
Life in THE JUNGLE
Students discuss problems immigrants may have when coming to a new country. They take on the role of a law maker from the era and create an action plan and policy based on samples they read (links provided). Students discuss ways their...
Curated OER
Was There an Industrial Revolution? Americans at Work Before the Civil War
Students investigate the First U.S. Industrial Revolution. They identify positive and negative effects of early industrialization, read first-hand accounts, role-play and interview individuals, and participate in a debate.
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Was There an Industrial Revolution? New Workplace, New Technology, New Consumers
Students examine the changes in the U.S. in the period of industrialization before the Civil War. They analyze census data, list/describe inventions and innovations, explore various websites, conduct a Factory Simulation activity, and...
Curated OER
Declare the Causes: The Declaration of Independence
Students study the Declaration of Independence and the process our founding fathers went through to get it written and signed. They analyze other similar historical documents and draft and present their own declarations.
American Evolution
Virginia Runaway Slave Ads
What does an ad reveal about a culture, or about the values of its intended audience? Class members examine a series of runaway slave ads—one of which was written by Thomas Jefferson—and consider what these primary source documents...
Skyscraper Museum
Building a Skyscraper
The construction of skyscrapers is no simple undertaking, involving the careful coordination and planning of many different people. The third lesson plan in this series explores this detailed process by first teaching children about the...
Benjamin Franklin Tercentenary
Ingenious: Franklin Assembles a Scientific Community
Few Americans have heard of the burgeoning scientific community known as the America Philosophical society, started by none other than Benjamin Franklin. With inquiry, research, and discussion, high schoolers come to understand their...
National Endowment for the Humanities
Mexican Culture and History through Its National Holidays
Young historians have an opportunity to study the complex history and culture of Mexico by learning about several holidays: The Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe (Dia de Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe), The Day of the Dead (El Dia de los...
Curated OER
Boycotting Baubles of Britain
Students examine the role of British commodities in the Revolutionary War. In this American Revolution lesson, students discover the British commodities that colonists needed and investigate the success of the boycotting campaigns by...
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Industrial Revolution in America: Exploring the Effects of the Heat Engine on the Growth of Cities
Students research the development of the steam engines. In this US history lesson, students analyze the impact of this invention to civilization. They discuss the events leading to the growth and development of different cities.
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Colonial Tea Parties
Students compare protests and points of view from two different accounts of the Boston Tea Party. They then create a flyer inviting other colonist to participate in the dumping of the tea.
Curated OER
Starting a Revolution
Students examine state quarters with images that refer to the Industrial Revolution. They discuss whether or not it is appropriate to commemorate that event. They research the Slater Mill and decide if it should be commemorated.
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The Cuban Revolution
In this Cuban history learning exercise, students respond to 8 short answer questions about the Cuban Revolution and the American response to the conflict.
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Colonial America and Revolution
Fourth graders explore U.S. history by creating a timeline of the Colonial era. In this American Revolution lesson plan, 4th graders identify and discuss the conflicts that led to the revolution and list ways people deal with conflicts....
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Industrial Revolution - Inventor's Exposition
Sixth graders examine the impact of the Industrial Revolution on America today. In this American History lesson plan, 6th graders research a specific inventor from this time period. Students write a paper describing this...