Smithsonian Institution
General George Washington, Military Leader
Teach pupils the characteristics that make George Washington such an effective leader, especially in context of his time period. Scholars view artifacts, participate in group work, create lists, compare and contrast, and discuss as a...
Curated OER
The Great Military: Map of Texas
The battle at the Alamo may be one of the most famous military campaigns in Texas history, but it is by no means the only one. As part of their study of the military history of Texas, class members research less-well-known sites, locate...
Curated OER
Air Force Trains Warriors to Defend Cyberspace from Terror
Students explore the use of computers in the military. In this lesson, students read an article on plans the Air Force is making to increase their use of computers to fight terrorism, then participate in a discussion on the...
Curated OER
What Made George Washington a Good Military Leader?
Students identify the qualities of an effective military leader. In this Revolutionary War lesson, students view several Internet resources about George Washington's life. Student groups research one of four battles, and document their...
Curated OER
Famous Women in the Military
Learners identify and research various women and their roles in military history. They describe how modern political positions are affected by differences in ideologies and viewpoints that have developed over time. Finally, students...
Curated OER
Doors Open for Female Marines
What do your kids think about female Marines? They can explore this idea by reading the related New York Times article and by answering each of the seven comprehension questions. A learner-driven blog is located at the bottom of the...
Curated OER
Honor and Passion for Glory: George Washington in the Ohio Valley
Learners examine George Washington's life as a young British colonial officer during the French and Indian War.
Curated OER
The Vietnam War 1954-1975
Discuss the full travesty of the Vietnam War. Whether it's for history class, Memorial Day, or Veterans Day, this slide show is sure to make an impact on learners in the upper grades. Vivid images, concise language, and the complete...
Curated OER
Is Everyone Protected by the Bill of Rights?
Who is protected by the Bill of Rights? Learners examine the Bill of Rights and conduct research regarding gay people in the military. They use their research findings to prepare for and participate in a debate regarding the military ban...
Curated OER
The Civil War
Although we currently focus on Abraham Lincoln's positive contributions in creating a more equal society, the truth is that Lincoln was actually a controversial character in his time! After studying the Civil War, give your high...
Library of Congress
George Washington: First in War, First in Peace, and First in the Hearts of His Countrymen
Does the lens of history portray George Washington as a good leader? A three-lesson unit looks at Washington's early military career as the commander of the Virginia Regiment, his role in the fight for independence...
Curated OER
The U.S. War in Iraq Officially Ends
Examine issues and events surrounding US withdrawal of troops from the Iraq War. After reading this New York Times article learners respond to each of the nine who, what, when, where, and why questions.
Curated OER
Military tribunals
Ninth graders explore the role of government on terrorism. In this current events lesson, 9th graders create a trial for an individual who has been suspected for terrorism. Students present the case to the jury.
Curated OER
WWII German Submarine Warfare: U505
Students research how the capture of a German submarine by the Allies affected the outcome of WWII. In this WWII lesson, students complete a KWL chart. Students research primary source documents online and answer discussion questions.
Curated OER
George Washington: First in War, First in Peace, and First in the Hearts of His Countrymen
High schoolers interpret historical evidence presented in primary and secondary resources. In this George Washington lesson, students research the details of Washington's military successes, his role at the Constitutional Convention,...
Curated OER
Memorandum Regarding the Enlistment of Navajo Indians
Young scholars examine the Navajo dictionary used by the U.S. military in W.W. II. They role-play Navajo messengers and Marine Corp staff. They research the Battle of Iwo Jima and confirm or discount the claim that Navajos made the...
Curated OER
Recruiting a Few Good Citizens
Students write persuasive speeches to recruit soldiers for a Civil War company. In this Civil War U.S. history and writing instructional activity, students work in groups to create a recruiting poster and write a speech to persuade...
Curated OER
Infusing Equity by Gender into the classroom
Students examine equality. In this civics instructional activity, students appoint committees for various offices then model a mock committee/application process in the classroom, followed by a discussion of whether equity was achieved...
Curated OER
Why a President? Why not a King?
Young scholars research how and why a country elects to have an executive branch of the government. They study the office of the Presidency of the US.
Curated OER
A Troubled Relationship
Students discover information about Iran and Britain. In this current events lesson, students visit websites and listen to lectures to learn about Britain's Navy personnel that were taken hostage by Iran. Students investigate the history...
Curated OER
Presidential Interview: a Panel of Presidents
Eighth graders identify and analyze domestic and foreign policy. They develop analytical questions to ask a panel. They develop a sequence of events of each presidential office holder.
Curated OER
The African-American Experience During the Vietnam Conflict
Students examine the experiences of African-Americans in the Vietnam War. They illustrate their experiences showing how these events related to the Civil Rights movement. They compare and contrast the views of sailors and officers aboard...
Curated OER
Dear Congressperson...
Students identify their local, state, and national officials. They create a short blurb about each official and their function in office. Students choose an issue of concern they would like to write to their local official about,...
MacArthur Memorial
In Their Shoes: WWI Through the Eyes of Early Participants
Several social activities provide showcase the perspective of many prominent figures in World War I history. Students read an assigned case study about a memorable person and complete several activities to further understand this...