National First Ladies' Library
The Medal of Freedom: The Nation's Highest Civilian Award
Learners discover the American Medal of Freedom, also known as the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Using the internet, groups of students research the history of the award, its recipients, and its origin. Each group prepares a PowerPoint...
Curated OER
Harry S Truman National Historic Site
Students examine the early years of Harry Truman to determine how his upbringing influenced his character. His political career from county judge to president is explored and some of the decisions made as a politician, evaluated.
Curated OER
William Howard Taft National Historical Site
Students examine the role William Howard Taft played in American History. They analyze his background and how he got to be president. They compare qualities of leaders today to Taft.
Curated OER
he Inauguration and the Media
High schoolers read, review, and write about the presidential inauguration as it appears in the media. They use local local and national newspapers to gain information about the inauguration. Students develop their own editorial on the...
Curated OER
Faces of the Revolution
Fifth graders investigate the important figures of the American Revolution. In this American Revolution activity, 5th graders outline the important events of the war and complete a worksheet.
Curated OER
Be a Responsible Citizen: Vote!
Learners explore American citizens' rights and responsibilities through group research on the Internet and develop a presentation for the class.
Curated OER
iCivics: Executive Command
Students explore the role of President of the United States. In this executive branch lesson plan, students play an online game that requires them to consider the needs of Americans as they act as president.
Curated OER
Native Lands: Indians in Georgia , Losing Ground: Removal, 1802-1838
Students investigate the removal of the Creek Indians from Georgia. Students read the story of the Creek removal from Georgia, locate sites mentioned on a map, and create a related timeline. Students share their thoughts on the Creek...
Curated OER
Road to War Assessment
In this American Civil War worksheet, students respond to 20 short answer, multiple choice, and true or false questions about the events that led to the outbreak of war.
Curated OER
Black American Soldiers in the Civil War
Eighth graders explore the actions needed to receive the Congressional Medal of Honor. In this US History lesson, 8th graders analyze documents pertinent to the Congressional Medal of Honor. Students examine the process of awarding the...
Curated OER
Internment Camps for Japanese-Americans
Students examine both sides of Japanese-Americans being sent into internment camps. They participate in a mock trial (civil trial) that includes the defense, plaintiff, and jury. They compose a statement in support or against this topic
Curated OER
Views of JFK
Learners review the highlights of Kennedy's campaign and presidency. They least three of the issues related to JFK to research through both print resources and interviews. In addition, they create written summaries from collected...
Curated OER
The Cuban Missile Crisis: A Lesson in Decision Making
In this American History instructional activity, 11th graders analyze different scenarios and create possible solutions.
Curated OER
Our Unfinished Work
Students investigate the racism elements after the election of President Barack Obama. In this racism lesson, students read a recent article about 'post-racial' society. Students compile a list of achieving a post-racial society and...
Curated OER
Cowboy Myth
Students explore the concept of historical myth. They read speeches by two presidents who allude to the mythic cowboy and they answer questions about the purpose of each speech. For homework, they read two historian interpretations of...
Curated OER
The Great Depression and the New Deal
Students examine New Deal legislation. In this Great Depression lesson, students read the listed materials in order to gain insight into what American citizens thought about New Deal legislation when it was passed.
Curated OER
The Four Freedoms
Seventh graders consider the freedoms they hold dear. In this historical perspectives instructional activity, 7th graders identify 4 freedoms that they have and then compare them to the listed freedoms in Franklin D. Roosevelt's "Four...
Curated OER
Bill of Rights
Students research, list, define and discuss all the aspects to the United States Bill of Rights. They assess their foundations by James Madison and Thomas Jefferson and reflect on all the conditions happening at the time period of...
Curated OER
Journal Writing
Students investigate the life of Martha Wayles Jefferson. In this American history lesson plan, students examine excerpts of the journals kept by Thomas Jefferson's wife. Students infer what life at Monticello may have been like....
Curated OER
Slavery by the Numbers
Students examine the role of slavery in the United States. In this American history instructional activity, students watch segments of the video "Slavery and the Making of America." Students conduct further research pertaining to Thomas...
Curated OER
Events Leading to the Indian Removal 1830-1832
Students consider the effects of Indian Removal on the Cherokee Nation. In this American history lesson, students research Internet and print sources regarding the Indian Removal Act of 1830. Students write short stories that detail the...
Curated OER
Beyond Louisiana
Eleventh graders examine the challenges that faced United States as a new nation. In this American History lesson, 11th graders study the chronology of events leading up to the expedition of Lewis and Clark. Students organize...
Curated OER
Ulysses S. Grant
In this online interactive American history activity, students respond to 50 multiple choice questions about the life and accomplishments of Ulysses S. Grant.
Humanities Texas
Primary Source Worksheet: Franklin D. Roosevelt, First Inaugural Address
Young historians will learn not to fear primary source materials (or fear itself, for that matter) thanks to this resource that uses Franklin D. Roosevelt's March 4, 1933 Inaugural Address to model how to conduct a close reading of such...