The post-Civil War convict leasing program, rarely covered in textbooks, is the focus of a lesson that asks class members to use information drawn from primary source documents to assess the program. While the focus is on Alabama's...

Before the Civil Rights Movement was in full swing, FDR's executive order helped promote fair employment. The activity uses primary documents to explore FDR's executive order to help minorities gain equal employment and pay during the...

The Rosenbergs—executed for their role in a Soviet-era spy ring—continue the captivate the American imagination. Using a history lab format, young historians examine the trove of documents associated with the case, including photographs...

Using an incredibly engaging activity and detailed lesson plan, your learners will serve as advisors to President Madison on whether to participate in what would become the War of 1812! Utilize a variety of effective instructional...

Students examine American attitudes toward war as revealed in Civil War photographs and WWII homefront posters. They analyze and discuss photos, explore the National Archives website, and organize a statement of their findings.

A study of an image from The Library of Congress collection Civil War Photographs 1861-1865 launches an investigation of the connection between the Civil War and American industrialization. After analyzing “Petersburg, Va. The...

Students examine the implications of the Korean War. In this Korean War activity, students access the Korean War website to gain access to veterans of the war that they may interview. Students conduct interviews with veterans and create...

Students view photographs of the Civil War. In this photojournalism lesson plan, students look at Mathew Brady's photographs of the Civil War. They discover the evolution of photographic equipment and analyze Civil War photographs. 

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

Students examine world conflicts. In this War on Terrorism instructional activity, students investigate the criteria of just wars and then determine whether the War on Terrorism fits into the category.

Young scholars consider opinions regarding the Vietnam War. In this Vietnam lesson, students compare Nixon and Johnson's policies about the war. Young scholars also research the anti-war movements as well as the sentiments of the those...

Students inquire about slang language used during the Civil War. In this writing lesson, students recieve a handout of slang words used by soldiers. Students view pictures of Civil War to get a visual idea of what it was like to be at...

Students examine the photographs of Mathew Brady. In this Civil War lesson, students analyse primary source photographs from the Civil War. Students will be able to describe specific events and what life might be like during the Civil War.

Students explore the events in the pacific during World War II. In this World War II lesson, students use reference material to access information about significant locations in the War. Student debate the use of the atomic bomb to end...

Eleventh graders reconsider the events leading to U.S. entry into World War I through the lens of archival documents.

Middle schoolers examine Civil War-themed artwork. In this visual arts lesson, students compare and contrast paintings by Winslow Homer and Timothy O'Sullivan. Middle schoolers analyze the symbolism in the artwork representing...

Eighth graders explore the Cold War Era. In this world history lesson, 8th graders discover the positions taken by countries during the Cold War as they listen to lectures regarding the major events and turning points in the Cold War....

Students analyze primary documents to determine why President Madison believed it was important for the US to declare war with Great Britain. Students research documents on the Internet to determine President Madison's argument for going...

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.

Students research the political climate prior to major American wars of the past, then reflect on the current call for power to confront Iraq. They create posters using newspaper articles and headlines to highlight the major opinions of...

Students interview an adult that grew up in the United States during the Cold War to develop an understanding of the concept of mutually assured destruction. They focus the interview on how the person dealt with the threat of nuclear...

Students act out the Civil War through reader's theater. In this performing arts lesson, students research the Civil War and find costumes, props and scenery appropriate to the time period. They become characters from the Civil War time...

Students interpret historical evidence presented in primary and secondary resources. In this American Civil War  lesson, students research diaries, letters, and photographs of women involved in the war.