Smithsonian Institution
Western Indian Wars
Why do many Native Americans live on reservations? An interactive resource teaches about how reservations came to be and the tragic history behind Native Americans moving from their lands. Teenagers read passages, view images, and click...
PBS
African American History: Honored as Heroes
To gain an understanding of the treatment of African American soldiers during World War I, class members watch an excerpt from the History Detectives film, Our Colored Heroes, and then examine three recruitment posters from that time...
Curated OER
End of Mandates and the Middle East
Ninth graders investigate the original mandates of the League of Nations regarding the Middle East. They listen to a lecture/PowerPoint presentation on the end of the mandate system, and complete a fill-in-the-blank worksheet that...
Student Handouts
End to the Cold War
Introduce your class to topics relating to the Cold War through a brief reading selection. Class members read the passage and answer four questions, which are provided on the bottom of the page.
Curated OER
World War II
Fifth graders examine primary sources to explore the events leading to World War II. In this World War II instructional activity, 5th graders develop questions and research answers from information found in primary documents. Students...
Curated OER
John Brown's Raid on Harper's Ferry
Fourth graders discover facts about John Brown. In this Harper's Ferry Raid lesson, 4th graders evaluate the lyrics to the song "John Brown's Body", and write a descriptive obituary about John Brown. Students also view pictures of John...
Curated OER
John Brown's Raid on Harper's Ferry and John Brown's Body
Fourth graders discuss John's Brown's Raid on Harper's Ferry. In this John Brown lesson, 4th graders analyze a newspaper article about the raid, and write a descriptive obituary about John Brown. Students view pictures of John Brown and...
Curated OER
Earthquake of 1964
Students examine the damage from the earthquake across a large geographic area of Alaska. They discover additional damage occurred from the tsunami, fires, and flooding after the initial earthquake. They collect images and information...
Curated OER
Missing in MiG Alley
Students consider how technology impacted American conflicts. In this technological advances lesson, students read, "The Changing Face of War," and then describe how technology made differences in World War I, World War II, the Korean...
Curated OER
Portraits Of Power: American Presidents
Students discover the responsibilities of the presidency. In this U.S. government lesson, students watch "Portraits Of Power: American Presidents," and then compose essays regarding the citizens' relationship to the presidency.
Curated OER
P.O.W.: Products of War
Tenth graders are introduced to concepts of war through musical lyrics. They demonstrate and understanding of the role of segregation in US military policy and practice.
Curated OER
WACS, WAVES< and SPARS: Women during World War II
Eleventh graders conduct a class discussion on the historical background information of women during World War II. In this American History lesson, 11th graders evaluate what motivated women during this time. Students create a...
Curated OER
American Revolution and Constitution Take-Home Assessment
In this early American history worksheet, students draw diagrams of that feature the responsibilities of each of the 3 branches of the federal government and then create their own original visuals that highlight the formation of American...
Curated OER
Afghan I Stand
Students explore the history of ethnic groups, leadership, internal and external conflicts, social and economic conditions, and geographical boundaries of Afghanistan to present to fellow classmates at a teach-in.
Curated OER
Veterans Day Lesson Plans
We can take a moment to recognize the soldiers who served and protected our country with Veterans Day lesson plans.
Curated OER
Military tribunals
Ninth graders explore the role of government on terrorism. In this current events lesson plan, 9th graders create a trial for an individual who has been suspected for terrorism. Students present the case to the jury.
Curated OER
Foreign Policy: Containment
Students examine opinions regarding the American policy of containment. In this Cold War lesson plan, students read articles by George F. Kennan and Walter Lippmann. Students compare the perspectives of the 2 men on U.S. foreign policy.
Curated OER
Americans All, Let's Fight for Victory: Americanos Todos, Luchamos por la Victoria
In this primary source analysis worksheet, students analyze a World War II propaganda poster. Students then respond to 2 short answer questions about the poster.
Curated OER
African-American Participation in Wars and Conflicts
Students research the enlistment of African Americans, including particular divisions and individuals, in different conflicts. They, in groups, research past American military conflicts, and report on the experience of African Americans...
Curated OER
Cinco de Mayo
In this Cinco de Mayo instructional activity, students read a passage about the holiday and answer a set of comprehension questions. A website reference for additional resources is given.
Curated OER
Child Soldiers
Students investigate the military recruitment that exists in many foreign countries. They research the occurrence of using children in the military and its social implications. For research the lesson contains a great variety of...
Curated OER
Segregation - The Jim Crow Law
In this segregation worksheet, students read about the Jim Crow Laws and the effects they had on African Americans. Students learn about inequality during this time period.
Curated OER
Editorial Cartoons: Gay Rights
Students consider gay rights. In this editorial cartoon lesson, students analyze an editorial cartoon by identifying the idioms and puns in the cartoon. Students create their own editorial cartoons.
Curated OER
Vietnam War Gallery Worksheet
In this World History worksheet, 10th graders examine various photos during a gallery walk. Students write answers to the questions.