Students examine the U.S. neutrality policies that preceded American involvement in World War II. In this World War II lesson, students explore the events in Europe from 1939 to 1940 and Roosevelt's decision to give military aid to Britain.

Should net neutrality be restored? Scholars prepare for a class debate on the topic using the included website. After reading a brief introduction to the issue, they review the main pros and cons in an attempt to arrive at an informed...

While the French Revolution could be considered inspired by the American Revolution, it created thorny problems for the new United States. Should the United States get involved and be drawn into a European drama? Was the US strong...

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

After the Revolutionary War, the success of the United States was far from guaranteed. Foreign powers coveted the new land, and Great Britain challenged American sovereignty. Learners consider the challenges facing the new nation using...

As part of a study of World War I, class members read newspaper articles from the time that urge American involvement, non-involvement, or neutrality. Using the provided worksheet, groups analyze the articles noting the central argument...

Class members are challenged to write a neutral news story about the events they observe in a short video. After sharing their stories in groups and discussing the different perceptions, the class concludes with a video of...

If the Supreme Court is so supreme, why do all cases not just start there? High schoolers learn why every case does not start at the Supreme Court as well as the importance of hierarchy in the US judicial system in the 11th installment...

After learning about the Louisiana Purchase, assess your class members' understanding of Napoleon Bonaparte's involvement, states included in the purchase, and important key terms (i.e. neutrality, corps of discovery, etc.) associated...

Analyze the significance of George Washington's letter to his cabinet in which he sets forth a tradition of neutrality in wartime for the United States.

Seventh graders consider how Kentucky was involved in the Civil War. In this American Civil War lesson, 7th graders view PowerPoint presentations on the topic and then discuss the state's neutrality policy and eventual secession....

Learners explain and accept the similarities and differences between girls and boys. They focus on gender neutrality and recognize gender bias, stereotyping, and discrimination in school materials, activities, and classroom instruction.

Take your class through the period between World War I and World War II. Covering various treaties and pacts between America and its neighbors - namely, Japan, Germany, and the Soviet Union- these slides could inspire some political...

In collaborative groups, young US historians sort cards (each labeled with a single early American event or issue) according to which of the first four presidents was leading the country at the time. Learners copy the events onto a...

In this U.S. history activity, students read assigned textbook pages about the country from 1789-1815 and respond to 36 short answer questions.

Students explore rational, irrational, analytical and non-analytical methods of reasoning. They participate in numerous exercises and hands-on activities to understand assumptions and how most people think. Students establish the...

Students engage in activities to understand how ideologies were constructed before and during the Revolutionary War. How and why were some "reluctant revolutionaries" turned into whig patriots willing to fight against the British empire,...

Students explore how to make their language gender neutral.

Students explore Indian ragas and learn the differences between an Indian raga and the Western scale. They sing the familiar song "America," first in the Western major scale and then in two Indian ragas (bhairavi and purvi) on a neutral...

Your class is in for a treat with this outstanding PowerPoint on World War I. The presentation is loaded with facts, maps, important personalities, and discussion questions on the war. Additionally, there is a wonderful video called,...

Students explore and discus the mission aims of the International Committee of the Red Cross. They draft a letter about the work of the ICRC to the US Secretary of Defense which includes personal opinions on: the mission of the Red...

Students role-play as diplomats from countries involved in World War I who have received telegrams stating they must prepare presentations on their country's position about the war. They have 45 minutes to reach a peace accord, or they...

Students role play as members of a company's import-export purchasing department attempting to develop a positive trade balance with a Pacific Rim nation. They create a company and research a trade nation in order to report to their...

Students view the propaganda film, "Triumph of the Will". Identifying propaganda techniques used, they review any fallacies in logic or persuasive appeals. They discover elements in German culture and their meaning in 1934. They...