Curated OER
The New Californians
Students identify the groups of immigrants who came to California. They trace the route they possibly took to American on a world map. They discuss the reasons why they left their homeland and what challenges they faced once they arrived.
BW Walch
“Outsider” Poet Kay Ryan Goes from Poetry Club Reject to Poet Laureate
The cat might have got your tongue, but you can’t avoid the elephant in the room while you wait for the other shoe to drop. After all, the early bird gets the worm and the chickens are circling. After researching Poet Laureate Kay Ryan...
Curated OER
In the Light of Reverence
Students watch a documentary prior to participating in a Supreme Court simulation in order to study how religious practices are protected by the First Amendment of the Constitution. They interpret conflict from a number of perspectives...
Curated OER
Teaching About Trade in the Ancient Mediterranean
Sixth graders examine the trade routes in the Mediterranean of the Ancient world. In groups, they view slides of artifacts while answering questions on a worksheet. After watching a video, they discuss how each object was found and...
Curated OER
Values and Beliefs of Manifest Destiny
Fourth graders examine the beliefs of Manifest Destiny and its role in the California Gold Rush. They analyze a painting to gather information about Manifest Destiny.
Curated OER
Manifest Destiny and Westward Expansion
Middle schoolers discover how manifest destiny and westward expansion are related. Using the Internet, they research the beginnings of the movement of manifest destiny and how it influenced people moving westward. They discuss the...
Curated OER
Non Native Species: English Ivy-Landscape Plant or Deadly Killer?
High schoolers study the impact that invasive species have on biodiversity and more natural areas.
Curated OER
The Oregon Trail
Fourth graders discover the significance of the Oregon Trail in Idaho history. In addition, 4th graders conceptualize the Oregon Trail in relation to their own lives. They engage in a wide variety of curricular activities, culminating in...
Curated OER
Planning a Railroad Online Lesson
Students design a train route using a topographical map. For this historical and spatial thinking lesson plan, students must plan a route through the Sierra Nevada mountains that a train could physically travel. Links to printable...
Curated OER
America's Future Culture
Seventh graders research the past and present policies in the United States regarding immigration. As a class, they read "Immigration Timeline" to examine the various groups who came to America for a better life. To end the lesson,...
Curated OER
Fires and Fire Suppression
Middle schoolers examine their assumptions about forest fires. They explore the conflicts involved with the forest service's new strategy. in addition, they will study one case where a prescribed natural burn had a significant impact on...
Stanford University
Migrant Mother Photograph
A picture often has hidden stories to tell. Looking at the iconic Migrant Mother photography by Dorothy Lange, individuals examine the human toll of the Dust Bowl and the Great Depression at large. Other documents, including a statement...
Curated OER
The Industrial Revolution
Eighth graders examine the time period of the Industrial revolution in American history. In this American History lesson, 8th graders read the chapter on this time period. Students create a presentation on this time period to teach...
Curated OER
History of Immigration through the 1850's
Students research the history of Immigration. For this World History lesson, students explore European immigration then specifically focus on ways African Immigration was different. Students then divide into small groups and create a...
Curated OER
Westward Expansion
Eighth graders explore the components of the Westward Movement in the United States. Understanding the past and the linkages it has to the present is the intended goal of this seventeen day unit.
Curated OER
Boomerang
Students build their own boomerang. In this physics lesson, students trace the origin of this equipment. They practice throwing and catching them.
Curated OER
Los Californios
Fourth graders research the culture of Los Californios through primary sources. They examine maps and draw timelines of California historical dates. They investigate deeds and s of ranches and simulate property transactions.
Curated OER
Gold Mountain
Pupils read primary and secondary sources to find jobs as a Chinese immigrant. In groups they create a chart listing jobs for Chinese and write a letter about employment and living conditions to a Chinese friend.
Orange County Department of Education
Integrity and a Boy Called Slow
Fifth graders identify the character trait of integrity in the main character, Slow, in "A Boy Called Slow." They participate in a discussion to determine what steps the main character took to earn his new name. Students write an essay...
Curated OER
Lugo Era
Fifth graders learn about the Lugo Era and how they lived by creating some materials that were used during that time. In this Lugo Era instructional activity, 5th graders use crafts to create items used during that era. They also learn...
Curated OER
C¿¿sar Ch¿¿vez, Organizes the Farm Workers Association - Act I, Scene I "The House Meeting"
Eleventh graders analyze the development of federal civil and voting rights for minority groups. In groups, they discuss how Cesar Chavez organized the farm workers and the techniques he used when protesting. They define and practice...
Curated OER
Who Will Get the Last Drop?
Learners discuss the importance of California's water system. In this earth science lesson, student play the role of different stakeholders. They present a 2-3 minute argument on their group's perspective about their need for water.
Curated OER
CAPITALIZATION
Students write a class A,B,C book based on people and events important to the class. They use capital letters at the beginning of sentences and for proper names. They use periods at the end of sentences.
Curated OER
Brutal British
Students read and predict the outcome of a story set during the Civil War, then map the story. To prepare for the activity, students determine why it is important to look at historical events from all angles by using primary and...