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How Do They Do That?
Third graders explore different careers by discussing which community helpers might be considered local heroes. In this career exploration lesson, 3rd graders work in small groups to discuss why certain people are considered...
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Where Do I Fit?
Fourth graders complete activities to learn about career options and the role jobs have in community. In this career lesson, 4th graders complete a career exploration worksheet and study the local community jobs available. Students...
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What is Islam? Who Are Muslims?
Ninth graders discover Muslim beliefs. In this Islam lesson, 9th graders identify biases and stereotypes about Muslims. Students then research the cultures and traditions of Muslim nations creating PowerPoint presentations that feature...
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Agriculture - It Doesn't Just Happen
Sixth graders examine the role of the US Department of Agriculture. In this United States Agriculture lesson, 6th graders create maps with sites and specialty areas. Students create a presentation on the topic they were given to...
Student Handouts
A New Presidency
Use this quick informational text to give your class an introduction to President Bill Clinton and Hillary Rodham Clinton, first lady at the time of the events in the text. Individuals or partners can read the brief text and respond to...
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Claiming Common Ground? The Civil War and the Preservation of Claiming Common Ground? The Civil War and the Preservation of George Washington's Mount Vernon
Students explore how people viewed George Washington in the 19th Century. In this U.S. History lesson, students create a timeline of events during the Civil War, including government and court decisions. Following this...
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The Constitutional Convention: Four Founding Fathers You May Never Have Met
Students read biographies of their assigned Founding Father. They present an oral argument that their assignee deserves to be better known by making connections between regional politics and postions defined by character.
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Election Issues '08
Students research the presidential candidates of 2008. In this election lesson, students research both candidates and identify where they stand on major issues. Students choose a presidential candidate.
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Reflections on Judicial Power - Part I
Learners research the Constitutional provision for the Judicial branch of government. They examine different U.S. founder's positions on the relative strength of the judicial branch and act as a review court for Marbury vs. Madison.
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The Civil War Era
Fifth graders explore both the causes of and the actual events of the Civil War. They write essays and descriptive paragraphs and explore a variety of websites. They create a series of skits highlighting the key points of the Civil War era.
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The Constitutional Convention: What the Founding Fathers Said
Students critique the Creation of the U.S. Constitution. They list some ideas proposed and debated during the Constitutional Convention. Discussion of the important issues requiring compromise are examined.
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The Social Security Act
Young scholars examine the Social Security Act of 1935. In this U.S. history lesson, students research primary sources in order to prepare for a mock debate of the act prior to it becoming legislation.
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Meet the Press: American Presidents
High schoolers 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...
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Louisiana Purchase
Young scholars explore U.S. territorial expansion. In this Louisiana Purchase lesson, students investigate how the purchase was funded and determine how diplomatic actions were part of the land transfer. Young scholars analyze several...
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Establishing the Presidency
Students consider how George Washington influenced the presidency. In this presidential history worksheet, students discuss the precedents Washington set and analyze a letter that Washington sent to James Madison.
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Constitutional Issues: Watergate and the Constitution
Students take and defend positions on what conditions contribute to the establishment and maintenance of a constitutional government. They debate whether or not the government should have prosecuted Nixon over the Watergate scandal.
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Write Obama's Inaugural Address
Students practice their public speaking skills. In this interdisciplinary instructional activity, students study speeches delivered by Lincoln, Wilson, F. Roosevelt, and Kennedy. Students write the text Obama's inaugural...
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The Man Who Made the Presidency
Learners explore the contributions that George Washington made to the presidency. In this presidential history lesson, students analyze primary and secondary sources regarding Washington and the precedents he set. Learners write position...
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What's Civil About War?
Students study about the Civil War through primary sources used in the PBS production of "Freedom: A History of US" based on Joy Hakim's books, "A History of US", and the companion PBS Web site.
National First Ladies' Library
Impeachment!
Young scholars investigate the impeachment proceedings against Andrew Johnson, Richard Nixon, and William Clinton. In small groups they conduct Internet research on one of the three Presidents, and present a "brief" on the case,...
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The Gettysburg Address (1863): Defining the American Union
Students explore the Gettysburg Address. In this U. S. history lesson, students examine Abraham Lincoln's speech and it's themes of freedom, equality, and emancipation.
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The Electoral Process
Students explore the U.S. political system by completing several worksheets. In this government election instructional activity, students define and describe the two main political parties in detail to one another. Students read a piece...
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The Age of Jackson
Students study the image of Andrew Jackson. In this presidential history activity students investigate the political image that was groomed by Jackson as they examine advertisements. Students compose essays regarding the topic.
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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...