In collaborative groups, young US historians sort cards (each labeled with a single early American event or issue) according to which of the first four presidents was leading the country at the time. Learners copy the events onto a...

Pupils, through historic photographs and stories, discover the world of the one-room schoolhouse and compare it to their school experience.

Students illustrate cause and effect of pollution to human health through the analysis of an image from the American Industrial Era. They investigate how industry affected rest of the community or city.

Eighth graders explore the events of the Revolutionary War. As a class, they read information from their text and discuss the allies' involvement in the war, conflicts in within the Continental Army, and economic challenges. Students...

Have your class explore the history of Texas using this comprehensive instructional activity! They read about Texas' march toward statehood, the Alamo, and more. There is a series of worksheets, graphic organizers, and a rubric which...

What do Roger Chillingworth, Dr. Heidegger, and Ethan Brand have in common? They are all American literature poster boys for Romanticism, advertising the dangers of valuing reason over feeling and intuition. Introduce your class to...

Young scholars compare George Washington's foreign policy to the policies of presidents who followed him. In this primary source analysis instructional activity, students compare Washington's Farewell Address to the Roosevelt Corollary,...

Eighth graders research the Post-Revolution to Pre-Civil War era by investigating the life and contributions of a notable person. They create silhouettes which are framed with timeline. Also, they add the research information to the...

Students take a virtual "Freedom Trail" tour to gather information and materials for a "newspaper" on the political situation in Boston in 1775. They describe historical places, people, and events connected to the beginning of the...

High schoolers research a historic leader and analyze how a philosopher's writings influenced the ruler in an essay. For this philosophy of government lesson plan, students view a video and participate in a class discussion on how great...

Students examine the events that led to the Revolutionary War. Using the internet, they discover the advantages and disadvantages of each side. They use the information to produce a special edition newspaper on the war. They must include...

Eighth graders explain the meaning of the Declaration of Independence. They view a political cartoon of the period, then do a writing assignment for homework. They write about how they would feel if the British were calling them traitors.

Students view the photo of the The Tea Trade Painting and discuss what they see. They will then discuss what went into the beginning of a major sea voyage. Next they explore routes traveled by the New England traders. They study sailing...

Students explore the means of transportation available in the 19th century and its role as both facilitator and enabler of the westward expansion. They create a project board illustrating their findings.

Students study the Age of Revolutions. In this Latin America lesson, students consider how democratic revolutions around the world led to imperialism in Latin America. 

Fourth graders, using Thomas Paine's "The Crisis, No. 1" from The American Crisis, form a human jigsaw.

Students review photos and discuss the role wood played in the American Industrial Revolution. They brainstorm a list of items which come from trees and complete worksheets as part of assessment.

Students define and explore Industry. They access times during the Industrial Revolution in America. Students view how business functions in any economy. They summarize the three sectors of industry by creating and interpreting a web...

Students analyze the painting Washington Crossing the Delaware.In this analyzing lesson plan, students analyze this painting that has a lot of historical inaccuracies, and then come up with a persuasive argument supporting or opposing...

Students compare and contrast British and American/Allied naval losses during the American Revolution. They recognize factors affecting the outcome of a naval battle and describe a naval battle from the age of sail.

Young scholars examine the character of George Washington. In this George Washington lesson, students read "Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior,"  Washington's First Inaugural Address, and his Farewell Address. Young scholars...

Young scholars identify important arguments for independence made in Thomas Paine's Common Sense. They explain why these arguments helped persuade American colonists that independence was necessary. Students describe the importance of...

Fifth graders participate in a discussion about the Declaration of Independence.  In this Declaration of Independence lesson, 5th graders write imaginary stories in the voice of a member of the committee at Independence hall....

Fifth graders practice creative writing  by describing events from the Colonial era.  In this U.S. History lesson, 5th graders identify King George III and George Washington, the roles they played, and the differences between...