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Analysis of the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct

For Teachers 8th - 9th
Students examine primary resources to analyze pictures and documents related to the Pontysyllte Aqueduct (built by Thomas Telford) in Britain. In this critical-thinking lesson, students answer questions based on primary source documents...
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Social Studies: Human Rights Then and Now

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Young scholars examine past and present human rights issues in U.S. history. In reflection journals, they document both justices and injustices perpetrated on groups and individuals. Finally, students implement an action plan designed...
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Movement of Native American Tribes 1830-1890

For Teachers 5th - 7th
Students examine the movement of Native American tribes during the mid 1800's. In this American History lesson, students study two Native American tribes that live in the United States and complete a comparison/analyze project. Students...
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Brucemore Mansion

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Learners take a closer look at Brucemore Mansion. In this Iowa history lesson, students research what life was like at the mansion during the Gilded Age and through history. Learners also research the responsibilities of servants as well...
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Gathering, Recording, and Presenting Data

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders use the local newspaper to find and discuss examples of uses of statistics and the ways in which the information is presented. They create and represent their own set of data showing how students get to school each day.
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Deerfield Debates Its Future: What Constitutes Progress?

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers explore the many resources that one can use to explore a community, the Colonial Revival movement, and how the industry and technology reshaped life in Deerfield the Connecticut River Valley.
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Cowboy Myth

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Students explore the concept of historical myth. They read speeches by two presidents who allude to the mythic cowboy and they answer questions about the purpose of each speech. For homework, they read two historian interpretations of...
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The Roanoke Mystery

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders hypothesize about what happened on the island of Roanoke. In this South Carolina history lesson, 4th graders use primary documents to draw conclusions about what happened to the Lost Colony of Roanoke. This mini-unit...
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School Desegregation in South Carolina

For Teachers 11th
Eleventh graders interpret historical evidence presented in primary and secondary resources. In this North Carolina history lesson, 11th graders examine the Briggs v. Elliott case in order to understand the difference in the state and...
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The Declaration of Independence

For Teachers 7th - 10th
Students explore the Declaration of Independence. In this civics instructional activity, students read handouts regarding the document as well as the document itself. Students respond to discussion questions regarding the handout....
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The Outrage of Ordinary Men: Pennsylvania's Role in the Great Railroad Strike of 1877

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students study the events that surround the Great Railroad Strike of 1877.  In this historical lesson students work in groups to analyze documents, determine the facts and present a summary of their findings to the class. 
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Ohio and Erie Canal

For Teachers 5th - 11th
Young scholars use maps, readings and photos to research the construction and effects of the Ohio and Erie Canals. They compare the region's economy before and after the canal's construction and analyze transportation routes in their own...
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A Look Through Time

For Teachers 2nd
Second graders explore how people find out about history. They use previously gathered research to produce tourist pamphlets that highlight historical county events.
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History: Burial Ground Research

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students participate in a cemetery scavenger hunt and determine the average life span during a specific time period. The information for the project relates to the specific historic time period they are investigating.
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Journaling and Diaries

For Teachers 8th - 9th
Students create a record of their own journal and demonstrate the use of a journal/diary. They explore the purposes and benefits of journaling for themselves personally as well as for us in today's world (emotionally and historically).
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History by Heroes

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students role play one of the Presidents between 1877 and today. Individually, they use the internet to research the President through official documents, political cartoons and various editorials. Throughout the year, they are asked to...
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A Dream and an Idea: Searching for a Roadmap to Create a Country

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students listen in on American historical events. In this colonial America lesson, students participate in an activity that requires them to watch video segments that feature Revolutionary War battles and the Constitutional Convention....
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Puritans Lesson Plan

For Teachers 9th - 10th
Students determine if the Puritans were selfish or selfless.  In this American history lesson plan, students read two Puritans documents, answer guiding questions on a worksheet, and use evidence from the documents to write whether...
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The Decisive Victory: Philadelphia and the Winning of the War for American Independence

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers examine primary documents and apply their knowledge to describe them.  For this primary document analysis lesson pupils interpret sources and evaluate roles of foreign allies. 
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Our Eye in the Sky: The TIROS Weather Satellite

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students investigate the political context of the creation of a weather satellite. In this technology and society activity, students explore the historical, technological, and political context of the TIROS weather satellite. They write...
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Illuminations of the Middle Ages

For Teachers 4th
Students investigate medieval music, art, and manuscripts. They research the materials and equipment used by illuminators, examine images of manuscripts, and illuminate their own initials in a medieval style.
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Civil Rights and the Michigan Supreme Court II

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students view a PowerPoint presentation on the Michigan Supreme Court Historical Society's Civil Rights and/or the Native American Rights. They write a reaction paper and prepare for a class discussion. They work in groups and discuss...
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Working Conditions in America: 1880s versus 2000s

For Teachers 9th - 10th
Students conduct research into the life of Americans and how working conditions have changed over time from the 1880's to modern times. They use primary and secondary resources in order to compile research in order to report the findings...
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Novel Analysis

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students read the novel, Lord of the Flies, then write an essay analyzing the novel. They analyze, in small groups, characters, plot, setting, style, symbolism, theme, critical responses, and historical influences