Curated OER
Using Primary Sources: Letters from the Presidents
Learners research the life of a president by reading personal letters on the American Presidents web site, and explore the ways that the character and personality of the president affected the ways they handled historical events.
Center for Civic Education
Women's History Month Word Clouds
What a great idea for celebrating Women's History Month and discovering the amazing efforts that individuals have put forth on behalf of women's rights! Learners take a closer look at the speeches and other primary source documents of...
Curated OER
Turning Points in the American Revolution
Fifth graders examine the causes and effects of the American Revolution. In groups, they make a portfolio page and write a response to the Proclamation of 1763. They also make a timeline of the events of the Boston Massacre and answer...
National First Ladies' Library
Blunders on All Sides: The Battle of Bunker Hill
High schoolers investigate the concepts surrounding the historical battle of Bunker Hill while conducting online research using a variety of resources. The information is used in order to create a newspaper article telling about the...
Curated OER
Inventions Change the World: The Enigma Machine
Third graders explore WWII by analyzing technological advances. In this invention lesson plan, 3rd graders discuss the use of the Enigma machine which decoded private German messages that communicated with U-boats. Students utilize a...
Curated OER
American Revolution: Case Studies
Students examine the climate regarding women and slaves following the American Revolution. In this primary research skills instructional activity, students examine 15 case studies that require them to discuss the scenarios paired with...
Curated OER
The Enlightenment
In this online interactive world history learning exercise, learners answer 20 fill in the blank questions regarding the Enlightenment. Students may submit their answers to be scored.
Curated OER
More than a Hostess: The Role of First Ladies
A study of the country's First Ladies deepens understanding of their role in history.
CommonLit
Common Lit: A Letter to Thomas Jefferson
A learning module that begins with "A Letter to Thomas Jefferson" by John Adams, accompanied by guided reading questions, assessment questions, and discussion questions. The text can be printed as a PDF or assigned online through free...
Other
American Presidents: John Adams
List of facts about John Adams and his presidency, with links to additional information, including the text of his inaugural address and a letter to Thomas Jefferson.
Encyclopedia Britannica
Encyclopedia Britannica: 300 Women Who Changed History: Abigail Smith Adams
Encyclopedia Britannica provides a biography of Abigail Smith Adams (1744-1818 CE), wife of President John Adams and avid letter writer. Additional content includes the full text to two of her letters.
Library of Congress
Loc: Treaty of Paris
From the Library of Congress, this article presents detailed information about the 1783 Treaty of Paris and the end of the Revolutionary War. Contains many links to many different primary resources as well as details of the Treaty...
US National Archives
Nara: Teaching With Documents: Launching the New u.s. Navy
The National Archives and Records Administration provides the original letter President John Adams sent to the U.S. Sentate on May 18, 1798 nominating Benjamin Stoddert as the first Secretary of the Navy to lead the newly created...
Other
Liz Library: Letters Between Abigail and John Adams
A short series of correspondence between Abigail Adams and John Adams. The two discuss the place of women in the developing American nation. Links to a women's suffrage timeline follow.
Library of Congress
Loc: Journals of the Continental Congress
These journals from the Continental Congress of the United States will provide students with a greater understanding of the foundations of American government as established in the late 18th century. Includes handwritten documents by...
Other
The Great Books Foundation: The Natural Aristocracy
A letter to John Adams from Thomas Jefferson dated October 28, 1813 that provides a mini-summary of Jefferson's philosophy toward democracy and the ability of Americans to govern themselves.
Ibis Communications
Eyewitness to History: Writing the Declaration of Independence
An article about the Declaration of Independence which covers the selection of the Committee of Five, Jefferson's writing, the presentation to Congress for approval, the problems in drafting, and the final changes which were made....
Curated OER
Letter From the Sons of Liberty to John Adams, 5 February 1766
Provides a detailed overview of the formation of protest groups called the "Sons of Liberty" that sprang up in response to the Stamp Act. Includes a list of supporting documents and great resources for teachers.
Library of Congress
Loc: Slaves and the Courts
Slaves and the Courts, 1740-1860 contains just over a hundred pamphlets and books (published between 1772 and 1889) concerning the difficult and troubling experiences of African and African-American slaves in the American colonies and...