Curated OER
Views of the American West: True or False?
Young scholars explain that a landscape painting may or may not accurately represent a specific place. They identify techniques that create the illusion of three-dimensional space on a flat surface.
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Lewis and Clark: Meeting the Indians of the Northwest
Eighth graders examine the relationships forged with Native Americans by Lewis and Clark. In this Westward Expansion lesson, 8th graders research digital and print sources to study details regarding the Native American tribes that Lewis...
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Comparing Family Photos
Fourth graders bring in a family photo from home. They compare their photo to the Rawding family photo. Students share their conclusions orally. They use Venn Diagrams to organize their thoughts and observations.
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Island of the Blue Dolphins Jigsaw
Fourth graders research three topics from the book, either Village Life, Sea Life, or San Nicholas Island. They research independently and meet in a jigsaw format to share what they learned. As group they create a poster for class...
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Impact of Westward Expansion on Indigenous Populations
Students study the impact of westward expansion on Native American populations. They create a diorama of a Native American scene, write imaginary letters as a pioneer child reflecting on his/her experiences, and create story sticks that...
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Japanese Internment During World War II
High schoolers identify, describe and discuss the reasons why Japanese-Americans were placed in internment camps and what life was like at these camps. Then they write an unsent letter to a family member on the East Coast describing...
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The Eiserloh Story
Students read "The Eiserloh Story" and evaluate decisions made by the government in time of war. They determine if the government violated the rights of innocent civilians. They identify the Bill of Rights and analyze each Right.
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The White Line - A One Act Play
Students discuss amendments of the Constitution that cover due process and discuss them in relation to the play "The White Line". They determine how national security measures conflict with the issues of due process during wartime. They...
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Beauty Behind Barbed Wire: The Relocation Camp Experience of Estelle Ishigo
Eighth graders study World War II through art.
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ZIP: A One-Act Play
High schoolers review amendments of the Constitution relating to due process. They discuss the Constitution in the case of Eberhard "Zip" Fuhr. They research the provisions of the WWII Alien Enemy Control Program. They determine how...
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Evaluating the "Save the Indian" Reforms
Students explore the policies of the "Save the Indian" reforms. Working in groups, they review the motives, methods, and effects of the "Save the Indian" campaign of the late 19th century. Through discussion and writing, they form an...
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Civil Rights and the ADA
Middle schoolers examine and discuss the 14th and 15th amentments, and evaluate the agendas of Americans from underrepresented groups in the quest for civil rights. They conduct Internet research and create essays or posters regarding...
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Labor Matters
Young scholars examine the labor movement. In this labor issues lesson, students discuss the role of labor organizations and research their beginnings in order to better understand the debate over the Employee Free Choice Act.
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King's Headdress: Yoruba, Nigeria
Students make headdresses fit for kings. In this Yoruba tribe lesson, students study the tradition of the Nigerian tribe and then create headdress in the style of those used by the Yoruba.
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Discovering Places & Regions
Fifth graders research physical and cultural features of a place. They practice skills in gathering information from various sources, using tools such as graphic organizers, word processing, multimedia, and use of the Internet.
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Starting a Revolution
Students examine state quarters with images that refer to the Industrial Revolution. They discuss whether or not it is appropriate to commemorate that event. They research the Slater Mill and decide if it should be commemorated.
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Who Were the Settlers?
Learners examine why people move from one country or area to another. Using photographs, they analyze the culture and lifestyles of people pictured in the image. They research and explain the daily experiences of the settlers to...
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Everybody Fiesta: A Unit on Hispanic Celebrations
Students examine the various types of celebrations in the Hispanic culture. Using the internet, they research customs and traditions of the culture and identify important members of society who are hispanic. They are also introduced to...
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Freedom from Oppression
Students investigate instances of genocide and role play as reporters writing news stories and editorials.
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The Constitution on Trial: The Internment of the Japanese During World War II
Eleventh graders analyze primary source documents during the Second World War. Students recall statements of Japanese-Americans who were placed into internment camps during the war.
Teaching Tolerance
The Power of Words: Ethnic Stereotypes
Pupils study stereotypes that are associated with different ethniciites or regional groups. They examine how occupations can be hypothetically related to ethnic sounding names.
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Who is Who in the Old West?
Learners consider the backgrounds of those who settled the Old West. In this Westward Expansion lesson, students participate in a simulation that requires them to role play miners, ranchers, Native Americans, Chinese, African Americans,...
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A Comparison of Indentured Servants and Slaves
Sixth graders examine and compare the lives of slaves and indentured servants using primary sources and the historical fiction books, "Molly Bannaky and Barefoot." They analyze and compare advertisements for runaway slaves. Students...
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Social Movements of the 20th Century
Sixth graders study the social movements of the 20th century. In this social movements lesson, 6th graders discuss social unrest, review social and political movements of the 20th century, and discuss the main movements for unrest....