PBS
Historical Perspectives: Coming Home from War
What do the homecoming experiences of soldiers who fought in WWII, Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan reveal about the politics and culture of the US during the time period of each war? Young historians view The Way We Get By, which tells...
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The American Presidents (Middle, History)
Eighth graders get a firm understanding of the major contributions and defining characteristics of the American Presidents.
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QUIZ SHOW! What were you thinking? What did you say?
Students participate in a game show to share the information they have uncovered about the US expansion policy and how it affected Native Americans.
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US Patriotic Symbols: The North American Bald Eagle
Students research the North American bald eagle to determine if this bird's characteristics make it an appropriate symbol to represent the United States as a country. They debate the substitution of other bird species for the eagle.
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A Salute to American Symbols
Students explore American symbols. In this reading and social studies lesson plan, students read literature regarding American symbols and describe the significance of the symbols as they research them in groups.
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Ancient Greece: Athens as a City State
Sixth graders find Greece on the map and recognize how the geography of Greece was important in its development. In this ancient Greece lesson, 6th graders research Greece and compare to the civilization of ancient Egypt. Students answer...
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Meet the Press: American Presidents
Students interpret historical evidence presented in primary and secondary resources. In this presidential history lesson, students research the accomplishments of George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Frankiln D. Roosevelt, and Barack...
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Getting to Know the House
Students take a closer look at representative government. In this House of Representatives lesson, students discuss their local representative in Congress and research his or her responsibilities. Students respond to the provided...
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Civil War Bingo
Students answer Civil War questions. For this Civil War United States history lesson, students copy Civil War vocabulary and phrases onto squares on a Bingo card. Students cover a Bingo square in response to each question asked by the...
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More Rules, Consequences and Procedures
Eighth graders list the four classroom rules and turn them in for an assignment grade. They give examples that break the rule and explain what happens when they break a rule in the classroom. They imagine that they are a wonderful cook...
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Fighting for Democracy, Fighting for Me
Ninth graders investigate specific individuals involved in Operation Iraqi Freedom and working backward to stories from World War II. In this US History lesson, 9th graders read documents that depict the conflicts faced by individuals...
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Portraits of Power: American Presidents
Ninth graders explore the presidency of George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. In this US History lesson, 9th graders examine the life of Abraham Lincoln. students write an essay describing the presidency and the people's relationship...
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New Threats from Overseas
Eighth graders explore the trade of goods overseas. In this history lesson, 8th graders establish the principles behind overseas trading by listening to lecture from the teacher.
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Abraham Lincoln's Presidency: Trials and Triumphs
Eighth graders access the TDC database and view the Brady photos, which depict Abraham Lincoln throughout various times in history. They analyze the photos and discuss the reasons for the changes in President Lincoln's appearance over time.
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Racial Inequality: Remnants of a Troubled Time
Eighth graders study the ratification of the 14th Amendment and the Plessy v. Ferguson decision. In this US History activity, 8th graders read excerpts from the Brown v. Board of education decision. Students investigate one of three...
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FDR Fireside Chat
Eleventh graders examine the purpose of Franklin D. Roosevelt's chats. In this American History lesson, 11th graders collaborate with their group members on becoming an expert on a specific chat.
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Maya Lin - Artist, Architect, Environmentalist
Sixth graders explore the life of Maya Lin and analyze the impact of her architectural philosophy on her work. They trace the history of the Vietnam Memorial from its conception by Maya Lin, to the present day. A time line is created of...
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Modern-Day America: Ronald Reagan Presidency to 9/11
Learners 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...
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Introduction to the Cold War
Students explore the correlation between the Cold War and the Domino Theory. In this history lesson, students watch a short video that exhibits the domino effect, then divide into small groups, each representing an assigned country, and...
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Preservation of Civil War Battlefields
Eighth graders examine the importance of battlefield preservation. In this US History lesson, 8th graders participate in a virtual tour of battle sites. Students create a map of Gettysburg to see the topography of the battle site.
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Experiencing the Civil War
Eleventh graders examine the Civil War. In this American History lesson, 11th graders investigate the causes, effects, and the lives of people during the Civil War. Students develop a research paper using various resources.
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Before Rosa Parks: Upper Grades Activity: Frances Watkins Harper
Students analyze the rhetorical strategies Frances Watkins Harper used, such as tone, emotional appeal and descriptive language
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What Is Democracy?
Students explore the concept of democracy. They define and describe democracy and choose an issue they believe the government should care about for its people. They write a persuasive essay about their issue.
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California's First Constitution
Students read excerpts from speeches made at the California Constitutional Convention. They predict what the state constitution say about slavery and other issues concerning race.