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Rome: Republic to Empire

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders discuss the rise of Rome from a republic to a dictatorship. In small groups, they role-play as congress people debating whether or not to give the president more powers. In another activity, 6th graders produce television...
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The Transcontinental Railroad

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Learners investigate the impact of the Transcontinental Railroad. In this Transcontinental Railroad lesson, students research Internet and print sources regarding the effect of the railroad on Chinese immigrants and American...
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The Khmer Rouge

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students examine life in Cambodia and Vietnam from 1975-1979, Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge. They discuss how an otherwise peaceful society could allow such events to take place and write a short paper and complete a culminating project.
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The Lewis and Clark Expedition

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students examine the Lewis and Clark expedition. They develop skills for historical analysis. They locate a variety of geographic features encountered by the expedition, and create a timeline that documents Lewis and Clark on their journey.
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Chief Joseph and the Nez Perce

For Teachers 11th
Eleventh graders explore the life of Chief Joseph and Nez Perce.  In this US History lesson, 11th graders analyze paintings and photos detailing the flight of Nez Perce.  Students create a narrative newspaper article based on...
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Betrayal of Penn's Promise - The Walking Purchase

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Pupils role-play the 1737 Walking Purchase. In this Pennsylvania history lesson plan, students role-play the 1737 Walking Purchase and analyze its effects. Pupils also consider how it would affect their community today.
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Leaving Home for the West - Why?

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Learners examine primary sources regarding American movement to the west. For this westward expansion lesson, students create broadside posters based on the Homestead Act primary sources they research.
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Johnny Tremain

For Teachers 7th - 9th
Students study the Revolutionary War. For this colonial America lesson, students read Johnny Tremain by Esther Forbes. Students discuss chapter 1 as they respond to the provided discussion questions.
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"I've Been Working on the Railroad" - Federal Land Grants and the Construction of the Illinois Central Railroad in Mid-nineteenth Century Illinois

For Teachers 11th
Eleventh graders, in groups, design a self-sufficient community. Groups present the communities they've designed. They compare and contrast the communities presented. They research the theories of Johann Heinrich von Thunen online and...
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Historical Maryland Women

For Teachers 4th - 5th
Learners identify objects, activities, and people in pictures of women in Maryland's history. In groups of four, they analyze photo packets of historical women. Students complete an acrostic using phrases reflecting specific...
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Women’s Suffrage

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers examine several aspects of the Women's Suffrage Movement. In this women's rights lesson, students explore several primary and secondary sources regarding the events of the movement, opposition to the movement, and the...
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Gold Mountain

For Teachers 4th - 8th
Young scholars 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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What was Behind the Golden Door?

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Students adopt the persona of an immigrant child to explore the reasons underlying why families left their homelands. They empathize with the emotional plight of immigrants through creative composition.
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The Election Process

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers examine how Electoral College works, compare and contrast candidates or issues, and discuss importance of becoming registered, active voting individuals.
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Fells Point's Role in Shipping and Trade

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders examine the trade and military advantages of ships built in Fells Point.  In this American History lesson, 8th graders analyze primary sources.  Students create an encyclopedia of Fells Point. 
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The First Ladies

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students compare two First Ladies. In this American history lesson, students read speeches given by Barbara Bush and Hillary Rodham Clinton. Students respond to questions about the speeches.
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Habeas Corpus and“Enemy Combatants”

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Students explore the implications of habeus corpus. In this habeus corpus lesson, students participate in reader's theatre activity regarding the origin of habeus corpus. Students then investigate the Hamdi v. Rumsfeld case and determine...
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Basics of the Korean War

For Teachers 8th - 11th
Students research the key players and major events of the Korean War. Students assigned in groups, research a country involved in the Korean War. Groups then bring their information to the whole groups to explain their country's...
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"Go West, Young Man!"

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Young scholars examine reasons why people migrated west. They describe how the geography of the U.S. changed in the 19 th century and design a PowerPoint presentation to convey factors for westward expansion.
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Climate Systems - Which Location Is Best For Me?

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students study the difference between weather and climate.  In this climate systems lesson plan students search the Internet for the parts of the Earth's system, gather climate data and complete a challenge scenario. 
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Encounters – Native Americans and Euro Americans (1850-1870)

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Students consider the plight of Native Americans. In this Oregon history lesson, students research Internet and print sources regarding land conflicts between the whites and Native Americans. Students discuss resettlement and...
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Spain and Bullfighting

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Middle schoolers research Spain and bullfighting. They use the Internet and other reference materials. Spain's bullfighting festivals and activities will be used as a springboard for inspiring students to write creatively.
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Afghanistan and The Breadwinner

For Teachers 4th - 5th
Pupils examine the use of the Hindu Kush mountains by explorers and traders. Using Afghanistan as an example, they research how different events can effect human settlerment patterns. They discuss how the physical characteristics of an...
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Legislating neutrality

For Teachers 11th
Eleventh graders explore the Merchants of death thesis.  In this American History lesson, 11th graders explain the Neutrality Laws.  Students assess the overall effectiveness of US neutrality policy.