National Endowment for the Humanities
Understanding the Salem Witch Trials
Students describe some of the important elements of life in Puritan New England. They create a timeline of the events of the Salem Witch Trials. They work in groups to explore the concept of multiple interpretations of history.
Curated OER
Art and Propaganda
Young scholars examine the types of propaganda used throughout World War II. In groups, they view examples of different posters and artwork used to identify the human emotions the government was trying to appeal through. They develop...
Curated OER
FDR's Fireside Chats: The Power of Words
Students examine Franklin D. Roosevelt's Fireside Chats. In this presidential history activity, students listen to the radio broadcasts of select FDR Fireside Chats. Students analyze the effectiveness of his messages to the public as...
Curated OER
Alexis de Tocqueville’s America
Students analyze de Tocqueville's America. In this democratic history lesson, students use primary sources to determine what de Tocqueville found to be so unique in the America. Students analyze artifacts, maps and documents through...
Curated OER
1948 - Berlin Airlift
Young scholars examine a document from the Berlin Airlift in order to research his important event in World History.
Curated OER
Jim Thorpe's Bright Path
Students read about the life of Jim Thorpe and answer focus lessons about the book. In this Jim Thorpe instructional activity, students celebrate the American Indian culture and learn of the hardships Jim Thorpe overcame. ...
Curated OER
Television Goes Digital
Students explore the difference between analog and digital televisions. They examine how the technology works and the impact of television through history. They also compare older television sets to ones found today.
Curated OER
Changes in the New Nation
Students explore how technology has slowly changed the world, starting in the 18th Century. For this United States History lesson, students work in teams to complete numerous activities that compare and contrast life before and...
Curated OER
Establishing the Presidency
Students consider how George Washington influenced the presidency. In this presidential history worksheet, students discuss the precedents Washington set and analyze a letter that Washington sent to James Madison.
Curated OER
In Remembrance of George Washington
Students explore the contributions of George Washington. For this early American history lesson, students analyze the provided eulogy for George Washington written by Henry Lee and then write their eulogies for the first president.
Curated OER
Labor Unions and Strikes
Teens explore economics by listening to a labor history lecture and an excerpt from Looking Backward, by Edward Bellamy. A detailed outline is provided for the lecture, along with follow up and assessment questions. In groups, they...
Curated OER
Thank You Notes
Students investigate the history of presidential proclamations and develop their own Thanksgiving Proclamations, highlighting current issues and sentiments.
Curated OER
Immigration Policy: Past and Present
Students examine the history of the United States' immigration policy. They identify events in history that changed policies regarding immigrants. They discuss new possible legislation as well.
National Endowment for the Humanities
Colonizing the Bay
Eleventh graders review the goals of John Winthrop. In this American History lesson, 11th graders read Winthrop's speech and summarize his key points. Students predict the possibilities for success and failure in the...
Curated OER
Coal Mine Industrial Picture Analysis
Students observe coal mine pictures. In this US history instructional activity, students analyze the pictures realizing that history is shown in pictures and then write a newspaper article about life in a coal town using...
Curated OER
In Praise of Political Parties
Students research a political party and prepare a report about its history, philosophy, and the party's position regarding two major political issues. They complete a variety of additional creative activities regarding their party, as well.
Curated OER
Abraham Lincoln and Reconstruction
Students study Presidential Reconstruction during the Civil War years. They examine the role of the Executive Branch of government, especially in wartime. They investigate the complex issues of how Congress took on the role of...
Curated OER
Nation Building
Ninth graders examine the role of the United States in nation building. In this World History activity, 9th graders evaluate the role of the United States in building nations in other parts of the world.
Curated OER
A Miniscule Adversary: Combating Epidemics and Infectious Diseases in America
Tenth graders discover the spread of different diseases in US. In this health science lesson, 10th graders research the role of CDC and PHS in protecting the citizens. They explore documented cases of pandemics and their impact on...
Curated OER
Keeping It Quiet
Students consider ways in which countries use censorship to control information. They examine China's recent abridgement of a politician's speech and consider China's recent history with other nations to better explain why censorship is...
Curated OER
Social Security
Students examine the official website for the Social Security Administration. They learn the history of the program and what it is supposed to do for Americans. They compare social security with other types of retirement accounts.
Curated OER
President Who? Forgotten Founders and Their Capitols
Students explore the beginning of the United Colonies that were formed in 1774. For this history lesson, students discuss the Articles of Confederation and then answer questions about the events surrounding the development of the...
Curated OER
Resolving Kennedy's Legacy
Eleventh graders investigate the medical condition that plagued John F. Kennedy throughout his life. In this US History lesson, 11th graders read and analyze uncovered documents in relation to Kennedy. Students write a report...
Curated OER
Latinos and the Fourteenth Amendment: A Primary Document Activity
Students explore Latinos and the Fourteenth Amendment. In this government and law lesson, students analyze the ruling in Hernandez v. Texas. Students predict how the United States would be different if the court had made an alternated...