Facing History and Ourselves
Denial and Free Speech
Learners explore the meaning and implications of genocide. For this Armenian genocide activity, learners investigate the genocide that took place in Turkey.
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I Am a Book
Third graders discuss books that have been banned and the things that they have in common. They explore the concept of freedom of speech and write poems based on their discussion.
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Ben Franklin and the Rising Americans
Students prepare for and learn through a walking tour of Philadelphia. In this history lesson, students support their studies with a field trip. This lesson could be adapted to suit regions with other historic places or museums.
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Turnpikes and Canals Worksheet
In this United States history activity, students utilize a word bank of 10 terms or names in order to answer 10 fill in the blank questions about the nation's early history. A short answer question about turnpikes and canals is also...
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Powerful Signatures
Students experience famous historical documents that were initiated and propelled by signatures such as Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution. They create a school amendment using the information gathered.
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Understanding Federalist #10
Young scholars read the Federalist #10. In groups, they discuss the meaning of each paragraph. Afterward, students write a summary exploring the important arguments of the paper. Young scholars explore the historical significance of the...
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The European Union
Students compare the structures and content of the United States Constitution against the draft of the European Union Constitution. They consider various perspectives on the formation of a constitution.
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The Perfect Man: Benjamin Franklin's Autobiography
Eleventh graders study the characteristics of an autobiography. They read from the autobiography of Benjamin Franklin and discuss and write an essay regarding some of his quotes.
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Voting and the U.S. Constitution (Past, Present, and Future)
High schoolers discuss the 26th Amendment, then write letters to a future guest speaker. Students listen to the guest speaker and ask them questions about voting and voter turnout. High schoolers then create handbills urging citizens to...
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Sow the Seeds of Victory!
Students use the National Archives and Records Administration's records to research the history of the U.S. Food Administation.
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That's Your Side of the Story!
Twelfth graders discuss the elements of effective debating. they debate governmental issues after reseraching selected topics. With student permission, the debate may be videotaped for viewing to other classes or during open house.
National First Ladies' Library
Rock the Vote! But When?
Middle schoolers research and examine about voting turnouts in the United States and around the world. They assess about various aspects of the so-called "youth vote," and have an opportunity to consider the meaning of the vote in a...
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Civil War and Reconstruction
Fourth graders investigate the Civil War by researching the state of Virginia. In this US History lesson, 4th graders identify Abraham Lincoln, James Chestnut and Fort Sumter, and discuss their roles in the start of the Civil...
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Woman Suffrage in Colorado, 1877-1893
Students work together in groups to examine the suffrage movement in Colorado. They analyze the reasons for and against women's suffrage. They also determine the impact of the movement in Colorado.
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The Written and Unwritten Constitution
high schoolers examine the written and unwritten nature of Canada's Constitution, and argue which (if either) has a greater influence in Canada's governance.
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Where in the Usa is Radon?
Students determine the areas of New Jersey and the US that are likely to have high radon concentrations. Students draw a map of their own neighborhood that show soil associations in their neighborhood.
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Human Rights Issues Around the World
Seventh graders begin the lesson by comparing and contrasting the Bill of Rights with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. For each document, they highlight the material that is the same for both and discuss the items that are...
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Social Studies: Maryland and Its Culture
Students discuss the history and culture of Baltimore, Maryland. they discover the importance of the city's port along with the state bird and song. Background sources include "The Prairie Dog That Met the President" and "Journey of...
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Lesson on Federalism
Eleventh graders study Federalism and delegated, reserved, and concurrent powers. They participate in a simulation in which they role-play Federalists and Anti-federalists debating which powers should be categorized as delegated,...
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People From American History
In this social studies worksheet, 4th graders will gain an understanding of nine famous Americans and their accomplishments to society. Students will complete nine fill in the blank statements about each individual.
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Accident Pinpoints Dangerous Site
High schoolers read about local accident sites and conduct research of areas of high incidence. They interview police and insurance agents and explore what can be done if a site has multiple accidents. They write a news feature about the...
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Research Projects for Regional History
Young writers of any grade level research a historical topic of their choice about their local community. Using primary sources, they examine the historical significance of their area. They participate in activities such as going on a...
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Alexander Hamilton
In this online interactive history worksheet, students respond to 10 short answer questions about the accomplishments of Alexander Hamilton. Students may check some of their answers on the interactive worksheet.
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First Federal Congress Exhibit
Students are introduced to the First Federal Congress. After reading various documents, they answer and discuss questions as a class. They identify the responsibilities and expectations for the First Congress and determine how it is...