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War of 1812
Eighth graders locate the major land forms and bodies of water on a map of Louisiana. In groups, they discuss the role of the Mississippi River in the Battle of New Orleans and how land and water affect the outcome of battles. To end...
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Origin of the Purple Heart
Students research the origin of the Purple Heart. For this writing lesson students research personal stories of friends or family who have received the Purple Heart. Students then design their own armed forces award complete with an...
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Meet the Press: American Presidents
Students interpret historical evidence presented in primary and secondary resources. In this presidential history lesson, students research the accomplishments of George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Frankiln D. Roosevelt, and Barack...
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1856-1865: Abolitionists and the Civil War
Students explore the concept of philanthropy. In this abolition lesson, students watch "Uncle Tom's Cabin" and discuss the philanthropic acts they witnessed in the film. Students also complete an activity that requires them to determine...
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The Mayflower Compact
Eighth graders investigate historical documents of the United States by reading the Mayflower Compact. In this U.S. History lesson, 8th graders analyze the wording of the original Mayflower Compact of the first U.S. settlers and...
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What Makes a General?
Students explore the duties of commander-in-chief. In this George Washington lesson, students research Revolutionary War military leaders and examine the relationships they had with George Washington.
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George Washington & Civic Virtue: The Necessary Elements of the Republic
Students examine the character of George Washington. In this George Washington instructional activity, students read "Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior," Washington's First Inaugural Address, and his Farewell Address. Students use...
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George Washington's Revolutionary Journeys
Students take a closer look at historical maps. In this American Revolution lesson, students examine the provided historical maps and documents to determine the assignments that George Washington assigned to subordinates during the...
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In Remembrance of George Washington
Students explore the contributions of George Washington. In 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.
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My Very Own Washington Exhibition
Students work as curators. In this George Washington lesson, students research primary and secondary sources in order to create their own exhibitions of the first president. Students may visit selected Web sites in order to create their...
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American Colonists Protest Song
Students explore the role of protest songs. For this early American history lesson, students research the acts passed by the British that angered colonists. Students then listen to protest songs from contemporary American history prior...
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George Washington's Foreign Policy
Learners compare George Washington's foreign policy to the policies of presidents who followed him. In this primary source analysis lesson, students compare Washington's Farewell Address to the Roosevelt Corollary, the Monroe Doctrine,...
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George Washington - A Graphic Novel
Students write and illustrate their own graphic novels. In this George Washington instructional activity, students collaborate to research Washington's life as surveyor, his involvement in the French and Indian War as well as the...
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George Washington in Song
Middle schoolers establish similarities to George Washington's time in office with the song "Yankee Doodle." In this U.S. History lesson, students learn the song "Yankee Doodle" then create a timeline of the song and a timeline of...
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The Man Who Made the Presidency
High schoolers explore the contributions that George Washington made to the presidency. In this presidential history lesson, students analyze primary and secondary sources regarding Washington and the precedents he set. High schoolers...
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Building the Foundation
Students understand the purpose of the judicial branch of government. In this judiciary lesson, students participate in exercises to understand how the court system works. Students complete activity sheets to develop understanding of...
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Understanding James Madison The Father of the Constitution
Learners research James Madison and create a table of his strengths and weaknesses. For this James Madison lesson, students read Jean Fritz's, The Great Little Madison, while developing their research skills, vocabulary strategies, and...
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Navigating The Legal System
Young scholars identify personal rights allowed under the law in the United States. An exploration of the legal process leads students to describe how the American legal system works. This lesson is intended for young scholars acquiring...
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Researching American Democracy
Students compare Watergate and the Clinton/Lewinsky scandal. In this U.S. Constitution lesson, students define vocabulary terms and read articles regarding the impeachment process. Students respond to questions that require them to...
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Democracy…Not Yet!
Students analyze the concept of democracy. In this democratic values instructional activity, students analyze the lyrics of selected popular music that address issues that challenge the role of United States as a world leader. Students...
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Changes In The New Nation: New Beginnings
Students consider the role of American newspapers in the revolution and plans for new government. In this early American history lesson, students determine how communication provided by newspapers contributed to the organization of the...
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Constitutional Resources
Students survey information on the Constitution. In these history lessons, students explore the founding principle's of the United States.
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Why We Chose Our Constitution
Students examine the American plan for government. In this American government lesson, students examine selected Internet websites regarding the Magna Carta, the Articles of Confederation, and the Constitution.
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US Government: The Constitution
Students explore the branches of government. In this U. S. Constitution lesson, students examine the system of checks and balances in the U.S. plan of government as they read the document and define vocabulary words.