Curated OER
1846: Portrait of America in the Time of Don Pasquale: An Historic Look at American Life During the 1840's
Students construct an historical timeline extending from 1840-1850. They discuss various people, places, and events on their timelines.
Indian Land Tenure Foundation
Tribal Origin Stories
The teacher reads and retells Californian tribal origin or creation stories that come from the traditions of a variety of California Indian tribes. Then, pupils get together in groups and retell the stories they just heard; just as...
National Endowment for the Humanities
History in Quilts
Learners investigate the use of cloth-based art forms intended to pass down traditions and history. They research types of quilts, quilt characteristics and then identify how Freedom Quilts were historically used in the US.
Curated OER
The United States Flag
Students discover the meaning and symbolism behind the American flag. In this lesson on National symbols, students design a flag for their school, explain the symbolism they used, and distinguish the elements that constitute the US Flag....
Indian Land Tenure Foundation
Relationships to Places
Young historians take a look at how the Indian tribes of California promoted a mindful relationship between people and the land. They begin to understand how the Indians were champions of conservation, and at preserving the natural...
Curated OER
Tale of the Tooth Fairy
Learners share social and cultural traditions and values. They develop listening strategies to explain what is heard.
Curated OER
Should Art Be for Art's Sake?
Young scholars examine how European-America aestheticians (philosophers of art) do not all agree about the value and definition of art. students examine how some cultures do not have a distinct word or definition for art.
Annenberg Foundation
By the People, For the People
A picture speaks a thousand words—no matter how old. The 18th installment of a 22-part series on the making of American history has scholars research the causes of the Great Depression and the factors of the New Deal. Using photographic...
Montana State University
One Mountain, Many Cultures
Americans may think of Mount Everest as a region dedicated to adventurous hikers, but many cultures have flourished there! Learners read informative books, watch videos, participate in classroom discussion, analyze folk tales, and...
Curated OER
Flag Day
Students describe the symbolism, tradition, honor and power that flags bear and explore the stories of Civil War battle flags.
Lehigh University
Glory (1989) - Should it be Shown in Class?
This is a fantastic activity that prompts learners to think like educators and consider the value of a historically based film beyond just the accuracy of information. Your young historians will work in groups to do a close reading and...
UTSA Institute of Texas Cultures
Teaching Through Kamishibai and The Art of Chinese Calligraphy
Young learners discover kamishibai, a popular Japanese storytelling art, and explore how these Japanese folktales illustrate the country's cultural themes and values through discussion and storyboarding. 
Curated OER
OK in Oklahoma? All-Black Communities
Students read to discover the African-American migration to Oklahoma following the Civil War and the eventual settlements of thirty-two all-black towns. To present their findings, students will write position papers and participate in...
Curated OER
The Staffing Exercise: A Lesson Cluster for Civics
Young scholars discuss gender bias and non-traditional career areas as they relate to governmental appointed positions. The participate in a simulation in which they apply for and decide who would get traditionally male positions in the...
Curated OER
Creation Stories
Learners explore Native American creation stories. For this Native American lesson, students research Native American culture, social structure, and religious beliefs as they compare and contrast the different elements of Native American...
Curated OER
A Century of Challenge and Change: The Filipino American Story
Learners recognize the events that led to the Philippine Revolution. In this Philippine Revolution lesson plan, students relate the causes of the Philippine Revolution to situation in the world today. Learners examine the Philippine...
Curated OER
Folktales Reflect Daoist and Buddhist Traditions
Tenth graders compare three Chinese folktales for their "messages" and literary techniques to see how they reflect Chinese Confucian and Taoist values. They discuss how folktales share certain subjects, characters, plots and themes.
Curated OER
On Being Hindu....and American
Seventh graders explore the religion of Hinduism.  In this Religion lesson, 7th graders illustrate how people from one country adapt to a new country.  Students predict the future status of Hinduism in the United States. 
Annenberg Foundation
The Search for Identity
Discover how writers express identity in their writing. Learners explore how issues of identity surface in the literature of minority writers. Scholars watch a video, read and discuss biographies, conduct research, engage in creative...
Curated OER
Questions for Ceremony, p. 179-192
Evaluate your class with questions from Leslie Marmon Silko's novel Ceremony. These questions are taken from pages 179-192 and focus on reading comprehension. There is a short comparison review on the second page relating the difference...
Curated OER
Classroom Guide for Coming to America
Students discuss the pre-reading focus questions. In this reading activity, students discuss and explore the book cover and title. Students predict what they will learn from this book. Additionally, students read to find out what life is...
Curated OER
Folktales: "The Storytelling Stone"
Learners create a folktale after finding out the importance of folktales in different cultures.  In this folktales lesson, students determine the definition of a folktale and read a "The Storytelling Stone."  Learners then...
Curated OER
WHAT IS A JAPANESE FAMILY CREST?
Pupils become familiar with family crests in general and Japanese family crests in particular. Students become familiar with the history of Japanese family crests.
Curated OER
Religion, Culture, and Diversity
Students study world religions. In this diversity lesson, students interview their grandparents and other older adults about their religious beliefs and traditions. Students research world religions and discuss the diversity of cultural...