Lehigh University
Glory (1989) - Should it be Shown in Class?
This is a fantastic activity that prompts learners to think like educators and consider the value of a historically based film beyond just the accuracy of information. Your young historians will work in groups to do a close reading and...
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Imposing Democracy
Twelfth graders discuss the probability of imposing a democracy in a country in which there is no history of this type of government being successful. Using the internet, they work together to research Japan's experience with democracy...
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Creating a Classroom Belief Statement
Fourth graders cooperatively develop a classroom belief statement that serves as their classroom constitution. Each student is involved in the creation of the statement. Each group presents their belief statement to the class.
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The Articles of Confederation
The purpose of this lesson is to assist students in discovering the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and the foundation for creation of the United States Constitution. Students will investigate the events leading up to the...
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American Heritage Themes
Students explore American freedom, unity, progress, and responsibility. In this American history lesson plan, students discuss what it means to be an American as they reflect on contributions of noteworthy Americans and write a...
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Should the United States Have a Central Bank?
Students assess the validity of a national bank. They study the importance of McCullough v. Maryland. They review the arguments of Hamilton and Jefferson. They analyze the Tenth Amendment and the debate over state v. federal power. They ...
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Prohibition Then; MADD Today
Students examine consumer traits. In this economics lesson plan, students examine the separate histories of Prohibition and Mothers Against Drunk Driving. Students participate in a classroom simulation to discover how the movements...
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The My Lai Courts Martial of 1970
Students research the My Lai Massacre and trial. Students discuss the events and the trial, reviewing the constitutional amendments and concerns related to the massacre. Students write an analysis of photographs related to the incident.
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The Voter
Pupils identify the constitutional amendments and major federal laws that have shaped suffrage in the United States.
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How the Electoral College Works
Students research the history and mechanics of the Electoral College and formulate opinions as to whether this institution should be preserved, modified or eliminated. They predict future outcomes of electoral vs. popular votes.
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Ben Franklin
Young scholars meet Ben Franklin and research his life accomplishments. In this lesson plan about the history of Benjamin Franklin, students will visit several websites in order to learn about this Founding Father. Young scholars follow...
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Documents of Natural Rights: The Declaration of Independence and The Plan of Delano
Eighth graders analyze the philosophy of government in the Declaration of Independence. As a class, they discuss how this philosophy has caused other revolutions in history and how well it supports our natural rights. In groups, they...
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Press Freedom Versus Military Censorship
Eleventh graders explore the term terrorism. In this US History lesson plan, 11th graders participate in a press release on terrorism.
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World Wide Web Historical Timeline
Students use newspapers and magazines to identify six recent political and social events from around the world. In groups, they use a timeline template to place the events on the timeline in chronological order. They share with the...
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Civil Rights: An Investigation
Students take a closer look at the political side of the American Civil Rights Movement. In this 20th century American history lesson, students research the contributions of President Johnson, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and J. Edgar...
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Issues in Public Education During the Kentucky Civil Rights Era
Students conduct oral history interviews and research historical and contemporary media articles about multiculturalism and diversity.
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The Electoral Process
Young scholars study the history and mechanics of the Electoral College and formulate opinions as to whether this institution should be preserved, modified or eliminated. They compare and contrast electoral and popular votes in the...
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Upton Sinclair's The Jungle: Muckraking the Meat-Packing Industry
Learners explore muckraking. In this American history lesson, students listen to their instructor present a lecture regarding the details of Upton Sinclair's The Jungle. Learners respond to discussion questions pertaining to muckraking...
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Bill of Rights -- Americans with Disabilities Act
Students focus on the First and Ninth Amendments of the Bill of Rights. Before visiting a museum, they examine the Americans with Disabilities Act. During the visit, they work together with a museum member to watch a video and get...
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The Bill of Rights And Japanese Internment
Students review the Bill of Rights. They interpret how the American Government violated these rights with regard to Japanese Americans during World War II. They write down the violations of the Bill of Rights during Japanese ...
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American Justice on Trial
Students role play a trial in which they consider if the United States government violated the rights of Japanese Americans after Pearl Harbor.
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Land and Liberty: The Saga of Sam McCulloch
The struggles of Sam McCulloch, a free black man, to be recognized as a citizen entitled to own land in Texas are the focus of research project that ask groups to examine a series of primary source documents and piece together...
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The Nuclear Option
Students explore the history behind judicial nominations as well as the filibuster process. They discuss and debate filibuster merits and detractions, its use and alleged misuse, and what some Congressional leaders are currently doing...
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Trade Between The US and Japan
Students engage in a lesson that involves the trade relationship between the US and Japan. They research to find the history and facts concerning the current trends.