Curated OER
Stuff Gods Are Made Of
Students examine different myths of various cultures around the world. Using artwork, they discuss the artistic designs and develop hypothesize about their importance. They use the internet to research myths they are aware of and share...
Curated OER
Conquering History
Students explore examples of ancient warfare and discuss the various uses of ancient military technologies. Students investigate the origins of biological and chemical weapons and create a classroom exhibit depicting technology and...
Curated OER
Community and Colonization
Eighth graders explore the nature of the European colonization in the Americas. They compare how it relates to the inception of their community. Students identify the major players in America's colonization and explore the motivations...
Curated OER
Your Place in Time Scavenger Hunt
Fifth graders divide themselves into groups of 3 or 4, research 4 different generations, and answer the questions on the handout provided. They then work in cooperative groups to create a poster illustrating their generation.
Curated OER
The Grand Adventure of Lewis and Clark
Students take a closer look at the Lewis and Clark expedition. For this Louisiana Purchase lesson, students discover tools used by the men as they explored the land. Students also read excerpts from The Incredible Journey and America...
Curated OER
"Disapproved": Censorship of Film in Pennsylvania
Students analyze primary source documents of the 1920s to find the roots of film censorship and understand Pennsylvania's leadership in this movement. They analyze government censorship documents that banned a film in Pennsylvania and...
Curated OER
Pictures of the Past
Students explore how women's roles in society have changed over time. They create a personal timeline using photographs and pertinent dates and complete a reflection paper sharing their views on the roles of women in society past and...
Curated OER
Community Culture Trunk
Second graders examine the similiarities and differences between the various cultures represented in their class. After being read a story about immigration, they identify things they would have to bring with them if they were moving to...
Curated OER
Understanding Primary Sources
Students draw conclusions from primary sources and share information and interpretations with a small group. They are introduced to the Jigsaw technique. Students discuss why a grocery receipt would be a primary source. They...
Curated OER
Ardipithecus ramidus: A Prehistory Lesson Plan
Students discover details about the genus Ardipithecus. In this prehistory lesson, students listen to a lecture about the attributes of Ardipithecus. Students then conduct further research on either Ardipithecus ramidus or...
Curated OER
Modern-Day America: Ronald Reagan Presidency to 9/11
Students examine contemporary America. In this contemporary American history lesson, students watch a DVD titled "Modern-Day America," discuss the events depicted in the video, and create memorials for those who perished in the 9/11...
Curated OER
The Hidden History of Egypt
Students explore daily life in ancient Egypt. In this ancient civilizations lesson, students research Internet and print sources regarding aspects of daily life in ancient Egypt. Students compose fictitious journals based on their findings.
Curated OER
East Meets West: Americans on the Move
High schoolers examine the settlement of the Louisiana Territory. For this Westward Expansion lesson, students watch segments of the Discovery video "East Meets West: Americans on the Move". High schoolers conduct further...
Curated OER
Nevada Mines 1850-1880
Students explore the Nevada mining of 1850-1880. In this history lesson, students investigate the Comstock Lode and examine the mining tools that were used to search for silver and gold.
Curated OER
Adventures with Lewis and Clark
Learners interpret historical evidence presented in primary and secondary resources. In this Lewis and Clark lesson, students conduct research about the expedition and present their findings to their classmates.
Curated OER
Unique Family Traditions
Second graders examine unique family traditions. In this family tradition instructional activity, 2nd graders listen to a book about immigration. They interview a family member to determine where their ancestors came from and choose an...
Curated OER
The Ultimate Athletic Background
Eighth graders analyze the criteria used to identify "Soul of a Champion" athletes. In this Current Events lesson, 8th graders write, edit and organize a script for a “live” documentary on the athlete. Students rehearse and perform...
Curated OER
Marigold Sculptures
Learners design paper sculpture. In this visual arts lesson, students follow the provided steps to create their own marigold sculptures from paper products and paint.
Curated OER
George Washington and the Beginnings of the French and Indian War
Pupils read about the causes of the French and Indian War. In this French and Indian war lesson plan, students read about the physical and human problems that lead to the war. They also learn about George Washington's role in the war.
Curated OER
Protest Signs
Students make their own chalk art or poster that represents a protest sign. In this protest sign lesson plan, students look at signs from the Civil Rights movement and then make their own.
Curated OER
Prairie Voices: Plum Grove
Students explore Plum Grove located in Iowa City. In this Iowa history lesson, students listen to their instructor present a lecture on the history of Plum Grove and the leadership of Robert Lucas. Students select assessment...
Curated OER
A Treaty Trail
Learners complete vocabulary work related to the Native Americans of the past. In this Native American lesson plan, students read and answer questions about Native Americans and how they created their own resources.
Curated OER
The First Ladies
Students compare two First Ladies. In this American history lesson plan, students read speeches given by Barbara Bush and Hillary Rodham Clinton. Students respond to questions about the speeches.
Curated OER
Slavery in America at the Time of the Civil War: Sources
Students discover how to use primary and secondary sources in research. In this Civil War lesson, students conduct research on slavery as they distinguish between primary and secondary sources regarding the same events.