Curated OER
Our World With MapsQ
Students examine and compare different types of maps. In this map skill lesson plan, students look at neighborhood and national maps on the overhead projector while making comparisons of the symbols and locations. They use a T-chart to...
Reading Through History
Flag Day
Why is the United States flag such an important symbol to America that it gets its own day to celebrate it? Pupils read a passage that discusses the symbolism and significance of the American flag. Following the reading, they answer quiz...
Federal Reserve Bank
U.S. Income Inequality: It's Not So Bad
What is the difference between a flat tax, progressive tax, tax deduction and transfer payments? Pupils examine the ability-to-pay principle of taxation through discussion, problem solving, and a variety of worksheets on topics from US...
Curated OER
The Greatest Educational Change America Has Ever Seen
Young scholars connect the symbols from the design of the United States Mint Fifty State Quarters Program to our country's history in this five-lesson plan unit. The culture, unique heritage, and geography of the individual states are...
Curated OER
History and Geography: Making a New Nation
Fifth graders examine the contributions of the different groups that built the American Nation. They identify the successive waves of new immigration, explain their attraction to America, and study the importance of Ellis Island.
Curated OER
"Circles of Strength: What Do You Stand For?" ~ A Reflection of Us~
Middle schoolers determine how they are included in "Circles of Strength." For this character activity, students reflect on how they are part of "Circles of Strength" in the "Circle of Life." They make an individual circle that includes...
Curated OER
Design Patterns in Everyday Life
Learners find symbols and patterns in everyday life. In this patterns lesson, students break into groups and look for specific patterns and symbols. Learners record their findings. Students create a graphic organizer with the information.
Curated OER
Exploring Cultural Symbols And National Identity In Japan
Students study Japanese cultural symbols and how they provide clues to national identity. They utilize the Internet to find information relating to their topics. They create Power Point presentations to share with the class.
Curated OER
What Do We Learn From the Repartiation of Alaska Native Artifacts?
Middle schoolers observe and evaluate evidence of Alaska Native cultural symbols and artifacts. They research historical data from a variety of primary resources, including the Harriman expedition journals, related web sites, oral...
Curated OER
Elements of Art
Third graders discover elements in visual art. In this visual art lesson plan, 3rd graders explore the use of line, shape, and color in visual art. After reviewing works of art, students create unique art pieces. Technology resources...
Curated OER
QUIZ SHOW! What were you thinking? What did you say?
Students participate in a game show to share the information they have uncovered about the US expansion policy and how it affected Native Americans.
Curated OER
Exploring National Flags
Sixth graders examine the importance of flags throughout the world. Examining different countries, they determine the geographical and historical contributions in the past and modern times. They compare and contrast the flags of five...
Curated OER
"Old Glory"
Youngsters study and discuss the history and importance of the American Flag. They explain the meaning of the Stars and Stripes, the name "Old Glory," and discover when and how the flag is displayed. This well-designed plan has many...
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
American Flag History
Young historians explore US culture by investigating the US flag. They will use their textbooks, prior knowledge, and sources provided by the teacher to research the history of the American flag. They will design and create a trading...
Curated OER
Louisiana
Third graders study factual information about Louisiana including the state flag, bird, tree, and important geographical points using the Internet and maps. They explain the different groups that settled the state in this mini-unit.
Curated OER
"A Sound of Thunder" Vocabulary in Context
Ray Bradbury does it again, providing a story full of symbolism and interest. After your class reads "A Sound of Thunder" and studies the difficult vocabulary, quiz them with this sheet. Example words include aurora, expendable, and...
National Geographic
Genetic Markers: Connecting the Dots
Biology buffs simulate how genetic markers are passed among populations in order to understand how these markers can help anthropologists map human migration. A couple of volunteers leave the room while you walk the remaining learners...
Curated OER
Modernizing a Traditional Irish Folktale
Students write their own folktales based on "Cathal O'Cruachan and the Cowherd." In discussions they examine the animal symbolism in the story, as well as the characters, events, problems, and solution. With partners, they select...
Curated OER
Cartoons for the Classroom: Shine the Light on Your Government
What don't we know about our government? Explore the concept of transparency and freedom of information throught this analysis handout, in which scholars examine 2 political cartoons. Background information provides context, explaining...
Curated OER
Unity: Making a Heritage Quilt
Students examine Canandian culture and heritage to further their appreciation. They explore the issue of Canadian unity and participate in a quilt making activity that incorporates symbolism.
Curated OER
Trip to Mount Vernon
Students compare and contrast travel in the 18th century with current methods of travel by participating in a simulated trip to Mount Vernon. In this US history lesson, students write a letter to George Washington for permission to visit...
Curated OER
Building a Nation
Eighth graders identify the main ideas of the U.S. Declaration of Independence. They read and discuss text, read and summarize a section of the Declaration of Independence in small groups, and write a paper on why the colonists felt it...