Curated OER
Abraham Lincoln
Students brainstorm different names of presidents and reflect upon the importance of the role in government. They demonstrate a knowledge of the important events in the life of Abraham Lincoln. Students conduct research into the founding...
Curated OER
Abraham Lincoln's Young Years
Third graders explore the life of Abraham Lincoln. They read and discuss the life and times of Abraham Lincoln. Students write three sentences about an important part of the life of Abraham Lincoln. They edit and revise their sentences.
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Social Life in the 1950's and Domestic Politics and Policy
Eleventh graders examine the cultural mood and politics of the 1950's in the United States. They read a section of their text and take notes, view a clip of the movie "Pleasantville" and discuss societal roles in the 1950's, and listen...
Curated OER
The Atomic Bomb Dilemma
Students examine consequences of using atomic bomb in light of resulting peace, distinguish between fact and opinion and analyze sources to recognize bias and points of view, and assume role of reporter, critic, cabinet member, or...
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East Asia
Students participate in research of various government leaders in order to have the ability to role play in a mock press conference. Students are the leaders and the press for this lesson plan using guided questions for the skits.
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Using Literature to Introduce the Five Themes of Geography
Learners listen to a read aloud of "If You Grew Up With Abraham Lincoln". Using the text, they identify examples of the five themes of geography and write them down. Using a map, they plot the places mentioned in the book and sort facts...
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Treaty of Versailles
Young scholars watch and listen to a PowerPoint presentation about the Treaty of Versailles, then write an editorial criticizing the Big Three. Students write from the perspective of a German in 1920 who has just learned of the harsh...
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Judicial Review
Student demonstrate understanding of both sides of the argument between Jefferson and Marshall that led to the strengthening of the Judicial Branch through the creation of judicial review. Unit is comprised of five lessons and fits into...
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Andrew Jackson
Fifth graders examine the presidency of Andrew Jackson. Using the Internet, they research his decision to remove the Indians from their land and place them on reservations. They discuss the effects of the Indian Removal Act of 1830.
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A President's Home and the President's House
Students identify specific examples demonstrating how present-day White House reflects duties, powers, and privileges of the office of President, and
compare and contrast Thomas Jefferson's Monticello with the White House.
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Lincoln's Birthday
Students in and ESL classroom discover and discuss the importance of Abraham Lincoln and why we celebrate his birthday. They study vocabulary associated with Abraham Lincoln.
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Primary Process in Elections
Students read "How Does the Primary Process Work" and complete the accompanying worksheet. They explore how the primary and caucus process works in small groups or in pairs. They answer questions based on the primary process to...
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Getting to Know the Candidates: Analyzing Their Campaign Ads
Pupils examine the role of advertising in presidential campaigns. They analyze one candidate's advertising campaign ads for elements such as major issues, positivity, negativity, facts, and opinions.
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Grievances Against the British Monarchy
Students review George Washington's reasons for not wanting to be viewed as a monarch. They review the Declaration of Independence and identify five grievances the United States had against the British monarchy. In groups, students...
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President Jefferson's Cipher: Cracking the Code
Students examine the journey out west by Lewis and Clark. Using a cipher from President Jefferson, they solve a code he gave to the explorers before setting out on their exploration. They share his message with the class and state...
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Presidents
Students identify the qualities needed to become President of the United States. Using the internet, they discover the differences in character of past presidents and draw conclusions about their time in office. They relate a piece of...
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Honoring the Past
Students explore the beginnings of the United States and the freedoms we enjoy. They discover important events, people, monuments in Washington, D.C., and its history. Students investigate ways to honor and remember important people and...
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JFK Analysis
Learners examine a recent study of the JFK assassination. They review evidence provided by retired atmospheric chemist, Ken Rahn, and ballistics specialist and statistician, Larry Sturdivan, and determine whether or not they believe a...
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Being Me in the Face of Adversity - Americans Who Stood Up for Their Beliefs
Students identify important Americans from the colonial, revolutionary and slavery periods who are noted for standing up for their beliefs in the face of peer disapproval. They identify the importance of music in motivating and...
Smithsonian Institution
Picturing George: A Pictorial Survey of the Life of George Washington
Students create pictorial biographies of George Washington. Working in groups, they research various portions of Washington's life, highlighting significant events. After presenting their projects to the class, they are displayed for...
Smithsonian Institution
In His Own Words: George Washington Quotation Timeline
Students read and analyze a series of excerpts from George Washington's letters, journal, and speeches to match quotations to the event or date in his life. They identify the author or source of the historical document or narrative. They...
Smithsonian Institution
What Qualified George Washington to be President?
Students create a list of characteristics, qualifications, and skills that make an effective President of the United States. They determine what qualificatons George Washington posessed that made him the right choice for President of the...
Curated OER
Slavery
Fifth graders complete a short unit on slavery and the U.S. Civil War. They read and analyze the book, "Follow the Drinking Gourd," compose their own secret song, complete an Abraham Lincoln crossword puzzle, and dramatize a historical...
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If I Were President...
Students practice their critical thinking skills by examining current issues in the campaign. They write an essay stating what they would to do solve problems if they were president. They share their solutions with the class.