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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The State of Mormonism

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students investigate the history of Mormonism and how this religion has shaped Utah's identity. They explore various websites, answer discussion questions, take a virtual tour of the Mormon Trail, and read newspaper articles about...
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Article
National Humanities Center

National Humanities Center: Teacher Serve: Mormonism and the American Mainstream

For Students 9th - 10th
Essay on the origins of Mormonism and the challenges associated with its eventual establishment into the American mainstream.
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Article
PBS

Pbs: Interview With Jon Butler on the Mormon Religion and History

For Students 9th - 10th
A very good interview with a historian on the origins of the Mormon Church, its early history in America and comments about the issue of dissent with the Church.
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Website
Other

Joseph Smith Biography

For Students 9th - 10th
An in-depth biography on the life of Joseph Smith beginning at his upbringing as a child up until his death at the hands of an angry mob.
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Website
BBC

Bbc Religion and Ethics Homepage: Mormonism

For Students 9th - 10th
A full-featured site from the BBC about Mormonism, with information on the history, customs, beliefs, modes of worship, and holy days of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
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Handout
Utah Education Network

Uen: Utah History Encyclopedia: Immigration to Utah

For Students 9th - 10th
This resource looks at Mormon immigration into the state of Utah during the 19th century.
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Handout
Utah Education Network

Uen: Utah History Encyclopedia: Manifesto

For Students 9th - 10th
This resource examines the history of polygamy--being married to more than one woman--in the Mormon Church.
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Handout
Utah Education Network

Uen: Utah History Encyclopedia: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

For Students 9th - 10th
This resource provides information on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from the Utah History Encyclopedia. Includes discussion of the Church's organization, teachings, practices, and history.
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Handout
Utah Education Network

Uen: Utah History Encyclopedia: Polygamy

For Students 9th - 10th
Discussion of the history of polygamy in the Mormon church from the Utah History Encyclopedia.
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Primary
PBS

Pbs Learning Media: Primary Source Set: Mormon Migration

For Students 9th - 10th
This collection uses primary sources to explore Mormon migration.
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Website
PBS

Pbs: Faq Sheet on the Mormon Faith

For Students 9th - 10th
A series of questions with answers on the Mormon religion such as what are the major beliefs, rituals associated with Mormonism and what it is like to be a Mormon.
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Article
PBS

Pbs: The Path to Utah Statehood

For Students 9th - 10th
A series of four good articles on why Utah was not allowed to become a state until it outlawed the Mormon practice of polygamy in 1890. The articles also contain primary source documents.
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Website
PBS

Pbs: Faq Sheet on the Mormon Church's Growth, Structure and Reach

For Students 9th - 10th
A series of questions and answers on the current size of the Mormon Church, how is is spreading around the world, the role it plays in Utah and its finances.
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Website
Other

Writings of Joseph Smith

For Students 9th - 10th
A short overview of the book "Doctrine and Covenants" written by Joseph Smith. This resource also provides a short introduction to the "Pearl of Great Price" and "The Book of Mormon".
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Handout
Utah Education Network

Uen: Utah History Encyclopedia: Joseph Smith, Jr.

For Students 9th - 10th
Biography of the Mormon leader Joseph Smith.
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Website
Other

The Original Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

For Students 9th - 10th
This website is is the homepage for "The Original" Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Read a brief history of this church and learn about leaders and locations associated with it.
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Handout
Encyclopedia Britannica

Encyclopedia Britannica: Joseph Smith

For Students 9th - 10th
Encyclopedia Britannica presents a biography on Joseph Smith, American prophet whose writings, along with the Bible, provide the theological foundation of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and other Mormon denominations.
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Website
Other

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter:the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

For Students 9th - 10th
Thorough introduction to the Mormon Religion. A good place to start. It also gives links to more information.
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Website
Other

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

For Students 9th - 10th
This site includes a great deal of information on the Mormon faith, its people, and history.
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Primary
Digital Public Library of America

Dpla: Mormon Migration

For Students 9th - 10th
The sources in this set help place the Mormon migration in geographic, political, religious, and cultural contexts, including other westward movement motivated by Manifest Destiny.
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Article
Other

Latter Day Saints: The Testimony of Joseph Smith

For Students 9th - 10th
This article is from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints homepage. It concerns the beliefs of their leader Joseph Smith.