Curated OER
A Multi-Media Approach to Teaching The Grapes of Wrath
Integrate history, math, and art into a study of The Grapes of Wrath with a series of activities that ask learners to investigate the social, political, economic, and environmental factors at play during the 1930s. Designed to be used...
Elizabeth Murray Project
The Education of Women in Colonial America
What educational opportunities were available to women during the colonial era in American history? How did the opportunities available to women differ from those for men? To answer this question, class members examine a series of...
National Endowment for the Humanities
“Read All About It”: Primary Source Reading in “Chronicling America”
Can investigative journalism become too sensationalistic and accusatory, or is it vital for the survival of a democracy? Middle schoolers analyze primary source documents from early 20th-century newspapers as well as Theodore Roosevelt's...
Nomad Press
Amazing Leonardo da Vinci Inventions: Make Your Own Plastic
When you hear Leonardo da Vinci mentioned, chances are that you think of the Mona Lisa, or flying machines—but what about plastic? Learners blend heavy cream and vinegar over heat to replicate da Vinci's early organic plastic recipe.
EngageNY
Word Choice: Using Academic Vocabulary to Apply for a Colonial Trade Job
Scholars reflect upon colonial jobs such as a blacksmith, cooper, shoemaker, etc. Together, the class writes a job application as a practice for working independently. Learners employ their experience in writing a job application for a...
Curated OER
My Secret War - The WWII Diary of Madeline Beck: Lesson 2
Fifth graders explore world history by reading historical fiction. In this World War II lesson, 5th graders read the story My Secret War and identify the importance of fiction when analyzing history. Students answer study questions about...
Curated OER
Context for Exploration
Young scholars examine watershed maps from the Columbia River. They practice using maps and create their own watershed map. They share their map with the class.
Curated OER
Words/Music/Images: Interpretation and Meaning A Motivational Activity
Learners explore popular music in its historical context. In this music lesson plan, students examine the lyrics, musicical arrangement, and video imagery of selected songs to interpret the messages and themes of the songs.
Curated OER
What Happened to Slaves When their Owners Died?
Students analyze last and testaments of former slaveowners to identify and explain economic, social and cultural differences between the North and the South leading up to the Civil War.
Curated OER
Stand Up and Sing
Students locate historical references in songs. They create music/lyrics to illustrate an historical topic.
Curated OER
Writing to Learn History: Annotations and Mini-Writes
Students use their critical thinking skills to write about historical events. In this historical perspectives lesson, students read documents about historical events and make annotations and marginal notes. Students then respond to...
Curated OER
Teaching with Timelines
Young scholars create illustrated timelines to accompany the historical events and people they have studied. In this chronological history activity, students collaborate to create timelines that are enhanced with each new historical era...
Curated OER
To Live
Students explore Chinese life during the Cultural Revolution. They read and discuss a brief historical essay on 20th century China as well as viewing a fictionalized film account of the time period titled, "To Live". They write a...
Curated OER
Korean And Vietnam Conflicts: Similarities And Differences
Eighth graders study the historical significance of the Korean and Vietnam Wars in this unit of study. They investigate the different ideologies that were involved and examine the effect of the wars on local veterans.
Curated OER
The Study of the Spanish-Speaking People of Texas
Students analyze photographs from an historical perspective. They examine photos on the Study of Spanish-Speaking People of Texas website, complete a worksheet, and write an essay.
Curated OER
Uncovering The Truth
Young scholars investigate the social and religious contexts that surrounded the Salem Witch Trials. The research is guided using the worksheets included in the lesson plan. The culminating assignment is writing an editorial of personal...
Curated OER
Declaration of Independence: Created Equal?
High schoolers examine how Jefferson dealt with equality. In this lesson plan on the Declaration of Independence, students use primary sources to analyze what the phrase, "All men are created equal" meant. They will compare what they...
Curated OER
Treasure Presentation Rubric
In this treasure presentation rubric worksheet, students explore and explain the context of a family treasure or Louisiana treasure found online or in community fieldwork and present their research as an exhibit, multimedia slide show,...
Curated OER
Animals in Myths and Real Life
High schoolers research the role of lions, elephants, and bears in ancient Roman life and mythology. They develop a strong understanding of the role animals played in important ancient Roman historical events and myths.
Curated OER
The History of Evolutionary Theory
High schoolers are introduced to the concept of evolution by natural selection from a historical standpoint. They examine the evidence and arguments that support the theory of natural selection.
Curated OER
This Guilty Land
Middle schoolers read and discuss several informational cards about John Brown, the historical context he lived in and his abolitionist cause. They complete a character chart and write an epitaph that conveys their opinion of his actions.
Curated OER
History Close to Home
Students examine primary sources as related to Nevada and the Civil War. For this United States history lesson, students gather and analyze various primary sources in small groups and interpret unknown vocabulary words by using context...
Curated OER
Welcome to New York State
Students choose one region of New York state, and create a travel brochure that includes information such as geographical features, tourist attractions, accesibility, economic features, and historical events that occured in that region.
Curated OER
Hotel Development on a Greek Island
Students investigate various locations on Greek Island of Santorini, and create hotel development to encourage tourism on island. They consider importance of balancing economic development with historic site preservation.