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History Detectives
Fifth graders investigate the significant events in America's history. Students listen to a variety of books based on significant historical events in America. Students divide into 6 groups, each of which is responsible for researching...
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Simulation and Accounting Practices
Students implement their knowledge about accounting practices into a simulation activity. In this secondary consumer/business math lesson plan, students participate in a simulation centered on the life of the people during...
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Economic Choices for Exploring the Fronteir
Fourth graders explain the hardship of economic limitations in Westward Expansion . They describe the effects of fluctuations in supply and demand. They put themselves in the place of pioneers hoping to build a homestead.
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Riding the Pony Express
Fourth graders list the four W's of the Pony Express. They also write an article about Buffalo Bill Cody and discuss the important facts about the Pony Express.
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Opportunity and Discrimination, A Dream of Gold
Students focus on what it means to be a citizen of the United States and why the Chinese Exclusion Act is important when considering the concept of racism.
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The Legend of Freedom Hill
Third graders complete pre reading, writing, during reading, and interdisciplinary activities for the book The Legend of Freedom Hill. In this reading lesson plan, 3rd graders complete journal entries, go over vocabulary, answer short...
PBS
1000 Words
A picture really can speak a thousand words—no matter how old! Scholars become history detectives as they learn how to analyze historical photos and evidence to uncover the past. The fun hands-on activity makes history come alive through...
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Early American History
US history classes will enjoy the challenge of a cut-and-paste activity in which they put various historical events in chronological order. The worksheet provides space for learners to write details about each event, which could be...
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The Call of the Wild
Learners read The Call of the Wild, noting its theme of survival. They investigate the book's concepts with word webs, spider maps, or graphic organizers. They conduct a panel discussion on dogs and wolves. They write a letter to the...
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Pushing the Boundaries: The Pioneer Spirit
Eleventh graders recognize how social reform occurred at the turn of the century. Through a debate, 11th graders determine advantages and drawbacks of traveling west using original sources and descriptions of the attitudes, beliefs, and...
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Historical Effects
Students listen as teacher role plays how major events impact our lives. In this history lesson, students complete guided and independent practice activities about how the Gold Rush impacted characters in Riding Freedom. Students...
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The California Gold Rush:
Students complete an Internet treasure hunt designed to give them practice in using Internet resources.
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We Accuse Colored Peoples of California V. State of California
Learners participate in a WebQuest to investigate discrimination of African Americans, Chinese and Californio/Latino during the Gold Rush era. They act as law clerks to write a letter to their clients about a potential trial.
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Headin' West! The Life of a Pioneer
Students explore the life of a pioneer and the relationship between the concept of Manifest Destiny and pioneering. Students complete activities, maps, writing and reading to experience pioneer life. Handouts and worksheets are included...
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Grew to the West
In this westward growth activity, learners use lyrics given to follow along with the song "Grew to the West," filling in blanks to answer simple questions throughout. Students then answer 10 additional questions about the song. Song link...
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BEGINNER LEVEL LESSON PLAN
Young scholars are be able to analyze primary sources (photographs) for evidence of Native American culture and construct a cultural symbol. They are explained what the stars and stripes stand for on the American flag. Students work as...
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Metals for Minting
Students study the Periodic Table to investigate basic properties of metals used to make coins. They discuss how historic events like the Civil War and Gold Rush had a direct impact on the trime.
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Living in the Past
Young scholars work together to research a time when their family came to America. They each take on the role of a member of the family and research their lives. They are to make the presentation to the class.
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Gold Mountain
Learners read primary and secondary sources to find jobs as a Chinese immigrant. In groups they create a chart listing jobs for Chinese and write a letter about employment and living conditions to a Chinese friend.
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Westward Expansion
Eighth graders explore the components of the Westward Movement in the United States. Understanding the past and the linkages it has to the present is the intended goal of this seventeen day unit.
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Bison Benefits
Third graders identify the role of the American bison in the life of the American Indians. They identify animals as natural resources. Students complete a class diagram identifying the parts of the bison and what they were used for.
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Disease and Nutrition
Students study disease and explore how it can be avoided or treated with simple solutions. In this investigative lesson students create a food chart for two weeks for themselves to track and be sure they are getting all the...
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Melbourne - Reading Comprehension Podcards Worksheet
In this reading comprehension worksheet, students read a one page passage about Melbourne, Australia. They complete approximately 30 fill in the blank questions dealing with the passage. Students also identify seven synonyms. The...
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Writing Lyrics
Students examine the themes and structure of a bluegrass song and identify the common themes in bluegrass music. They practice songwriting by rewriting the lyrics of "Oh! Susanna" as a bluegrass tune.