Curated OER
African Americans Seen Through the Eyes of the Newsreel Cameraman
Fifth graders learn about this history of jazz music. For this musical influences lesson, 5th graders read God Bless the Childand listen to a recording of it. Students create a KWL chart on jazz and early 1900s music and dance. Students...
Curated OER
Pass the Peace Pipe
Students investigate the history of smoking in the United States. In this history of smoking lesson plan, students read about the Native American influence on early settlers before researching the Internet for information about the...
Curated OER
Entertainment and Recreation in the Early Twentieth Century and Today
Eleventh graders research entertainment and recreation in the early twentieth century using primary sources and the book From the Hidewood, by Robert Amerson. They compare the rural experience of the time period to the national...
Curated OER
Slavery and Empire 1440 - 1770
Young scholars reflect on the events that led up to slavery in the early years of North America. In this United States History lesson, students read excerpts from the book "Out of Many," then gather in small groups to answer specific...
Curated OER
Ben Franklin and the Rising Americans
Students prepare for and learn through a walking tour of Philadelphia. In this history instructional activity, students support their studies with a field trip. This instructional activity could be adapted to suit regions with other...
Curated OER
Buying, Selling, and Trading in Antebellum South Carolina
Young scholars research the role of general stores in the development of communities. In this South Carolina history lesson, students study the economic development of early U.S. communities. Young scholars write essays and create...
Curated OER
Gather the Stones!
Review how gristmills affected the lives of the Pennsylvania community. The class uses documents and pictures to explore the purpose of the gristmill. They simulate members of the community and write a paper about colonial forces...
Curated OER
Harlem Renaissance
Middle schoolers discover the Harlem Renaissance. In this early 20th century lesson, students use various primary sources including handouts, worksheets, maps, music, and poetry to examine aspects of African American culture. Middle...
Curated OER
Secession: A Southern Perspective
Eighth graders determine how secession impacted South Carolina as well as the United States. In this American Civil War instructional activity, 8th graders examine selected primary and secondary sources in order to study the state's...
Curated OER
Winter at Valley Forge
Students assess the events leading up to the American Revolution. In this United States History lesson, students read "Crossing the Delaware: George Washington Fights in the Battle of Trenton," then discuss the highlights in the story....
Curated OER
Intermediate Guided Reading Lesson Plan
Third graders read Children of the Earth and Sky: Five Stories about Native American Children by Stephen Krensky. In this guided reading instructional activity, 3rd graders gain knowledge about various Native American tribes. Using a...
Curated OER
A Famous Signature
Learners study important historical figures. In this United States history lesson, students trace the signature of John Hancock using cotton swabs, glitter, and various art supplies after discussing the historical significance of the...
Curated OER
Native Lands: Indians in Georgia
Students investigate the Native Americans of the Muscogee Creek and their use of the land. In this U.S. history lesson, students investigate the importance of the deer for the Muscogee Creek peoples' way of life and the many uses they...
Curated OER
Frontier Forts
Seventh graders study frontier forts. In this Kansas history lesson, 7th graders research the history and conditions of Fort Leavenworth, Fort Scott, Fort Riley, Fort Larned, and Fort Hays. Students write letters from the perspective of...
Curated OER
The Brief American Pageant: The Planting of the English America
A series of maps illustrate the early growth of English America, which includes the Maryland, Virginia, Carolina, and Georgia colonies. Settlements such as Jamestown, Roanoke, and Charleston are labeled on the map, allowing a teacher or...
Curated OER
Corn in Ancient America
Middle schoolers explore the importance of corn to the survival of early civilizations of the Americas. Through research and discussion activities, they read and describe how corn was used as food and currency in early civilizations. ...
Curated OER
Americans Settle in Texas and Life in Early Texas
Students participate in a layered curriculum unit that includes: Create a political cartoon about the effect of the Mexican colonization laws on Texas settlement. The cartoon should be from the point of view of a Tejano. Write a caption...
Curated OER
Dekanawidah- A Forgotten Founding Father
Students compare plans for government. In this early American history lesson, students compare and contrast the U.S. Constitution with the Iroquois Constitution. Students identify cultural features, government functions, and citizenship...
Curated OER
Powhatan Gender Roles
In this Powhatan gender roles worksheet, students read a 4-page selection regarding the gender roles in Powhatan culture. Students discuss the selection.
Annenberg Foundation
The New Nation
The conclusion of the American Revolution brought about a new conflict—choosing the stye of government for the newly formed United States. Using the views of both Federalists and Anti-Federalists, learners work in pairs and groups to...
Curated OER
Early Presidents
Students are introduced to the lives and contributions of the first seven presidents of the United States. They, in groups, conduct further research on one of these president and his political platform and design a presentation for the...
Center for History Education
How Did the Public View Women’s Contributions to the Revolutionary War Effort?
Calling upon the legacies of Joan of Arc, Elizabeth I, and Catherine the Great, Esther Reed rallied Southern women to support the American Revolution. Using a broadside by Reed and other primary sources, such as poetry, young historians...
National Endowment for the Humanities
Factory vs. Plantation in the North and South
North is to factory as South is to plantation—the perfect analogy for the economy that set up the Civil War! The first lesson plan in a series of five helps teach beginners why the economy creates a driving force for conflict. Analysis...
Curated OER
The United States and the World
Journey through highlights of the late 19th and early 20th century with your history class. Topics covered are the highlights of Theodore Roosevelt's presidency, the Spanish American War, the building of the Panama Canal, and World War...