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Cartogram of the Great Compromise

For Teachers 5th - 12th
Students create cartograms of populations during 1790.
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Creating a Classroom Belief Statement

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders cooperatively develop a classroom belief statement that serves as their classroom constitution. Each student is involved in the creation of the statement. Each group presents their belief statement to the class.
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Views of the American West: True or False?

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers explain that a landscape painting may or may not accurately represent a specific place. They identify techniques that create the illusion of three-dimensional space on a flat surface.
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What Made George Washington a Great Leader?

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students examine the leadership attributes of George Washington. In this George Washington lesson, students listen to their instructor present a lecture regarding the leadership of first president. Students respond to...
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Who Sunk the Titanic

For Teachers 7th - 10th
Learners discuss possible reasons for the Titanic sinking. They are split into small groups to research a historical figure involved in the sinking of the Titanic. They formulate a way to prove their characters guilt or innocence....
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The Way Editorial Cartoons Work

For Teachers 12th
Twelfth graders interpret visual language found in political cartoons.
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Current Changes in Currency Design: Why A Newly Redesigned $50 Note?

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students examine United States currency with its new design. They discuss the reasons for the change. They also examine the impact this had on the economy as a whole.
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Tally of the 1824 Electoral College Vote

For Teachers 12th
Twelfth graders study the parts of the Constitution that address presidential election. They complete a variety of activities designed to spark debate about the flaws in the Electoral College system.
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Cuban Missile Crisis: Teaching Activities

For Teachers 10th - 11th
Students create a timeline of the important events of John F. Kennedy's presidency. They construct a timeline of the major events of the Cuban Missile Crisis. They compare the Missile Crisis events with their presentation in the movie...
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George Washington as Military Leader

For Teachers All
Students will analyze historical evidence including primary sources to evaluate George Washington as a military leader. The reading begins with Washington's understanding of the issues related to military power, continues with his use of...
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The Decision to Go to War

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students examine President Bush's decision to go to war with Iraq. They work together to discuss a topic related to this given to them by their teacher. They answer questions to complete the lesson.
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The Civil War as Photographed by Mathew Brady

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Learners gain historical background on the Civil War era from textbooks, encyclopedias, or supplemental material. Assign at least two photographs for each student to analyze using the Photograph Analysis Worksheet which is imbedded in...
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How Hazardous Substances Affect People

For Teachers 7th - 10th
Students examine the health effects of hazardous waste on people. They work together to complete an experiment in which worms are exposed to chemicals. They discuss the results of the test.
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The Blackfeet of Glacier National Park

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students research an aspect of the Blackfeet tribe in Glacier National Park. They work together to create a presentation that is representative of their culture. They share their presentation with the class.
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Critical Thinking & Writing: Brainstorming

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Have your young writers organize their thoughts before writing. They generate ideas through various brainstorming activities prior to writing a mock feature news story for USA Today. A series of USA Today articles debating the level of...
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How Man Negotiates Away His Natural Freedom

For Teachers 11th - 12th
Young scholars recognize that our legal-political system has developed through a process of moving from philosophical ideals to compromised working models.
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CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students use events of the time to illustrate the significance of the 1965 Selma-to-Montgomery Voting Rights March.
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Thomas Jefferson: Philosopher of Freedom

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Learners view a documentary on Thomas Jefferson. Statesman, scientist, architect, president-he was America's dashing Renaissance man. After viewing, students discuss what they saw then write their own version of a biography of Thomas...
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The Constitution on Trial: The Internment of the Japanese During World War II

For Teachers 11th
Eleventh graders analyze primary source documents during the Second World War. Students recall statements of Japanese-Americans who were placed into internment camps during the war.
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Putting a Spin on Current Events

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students explore the artistic value of propaganda. In this visual arts lesson plan, students analyze antique artistic pieces for their political agenda perpetuation. Students discuss propaganda techniques of the past to today prior...
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Planning a Railroad

For Teachers 4th - 8th
Students use a topographical map to plan a route from Doknner Summit to Truckee, then compare it to the route selected by Theodore Judah.
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Protecting Land

For Teachers 6th - 9th
Students complete the Protecting Land anticipation guide. They use Internet to research land ownership in Alaska.
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California Mission Slide Show

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders research the details of a California Mission. They design a slide show to present their research.
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Striking it Rich with Chemistry

For Teachers 10th - 11th
Students identify the composition of different pennies. In this chemistry lesson, students use a post 1982 penny to observe chemical change. They explain how to turn a penny from copper to gold.