Curated OER
Brucemore Mansion
Students take a closer look at Brucemore Mansion. In this Iowa history lesson, students research what life was like at the mansion during the Gilded Age and through history. Students also research the responsibilities of servants as well...
Curated OER
"A Costly Prosperity", South Carolina during World War II
Eleventh graders study the history of South Carolina during World War II. In this American History instructional activity, 11th graders analyze the economic growth of this state through primary sources. Students interpret many...
Curated OER
Napoleon
Students examine Napoleon's rise to power. In this French history lesson plan, students research print and Internet sources regarding Napoleon's time as the dictator of the nation and his fall from power. Students determine whether or...
Curated OER
Robert Smalls: Warrior and Peacemaker
Students research the events that led to the Civil War and the Reconstruction. In this Civil War history lesson, students study images of Robert Smalls and research his role in the Civil War. Students review the South Carolina...
Curated OER
Being in the Noh: An Introduction to Japanese Noh Plays
Students read a Japanese Noh play and discuss its structure and traditional characters. They choose a short myth and write a Noh play based on it.
Curated OER
Female Fur Traders: Breaking Arbitrary Barriers
Eighth graders read a variety of articles and watch a video about the history of female Canadian fur traders. They contribute to a website on the subject and develop a presentation with their research for the class.
Curated OER
Feel Empowered! Teaching About Female Inventors
Inspire children to learn and create by teaching the history of female inventors during National Inventors Month.
Yale University
"This is Not a Story to Pass On": Teaching Toni Morrison's Beloved
Tenth graders read "Beloved" by Toni Morrison. In groups, they research the life and works of Morrison and read a speech by Sojouner Truth. Using the novel, they discuss the experiences of slaves and the effect of slavery on their...
Curated OER
Taking a Stand on Bullying
Middle schoolers stand up against bullying in a character-building instructional activity. After discussing historical figures who became advocates in times of adversity, they brainstorm ways to end bullying at their own school, and use...
Foreign Policy Research Institute
Asian Islam and Arab Islam
Focus on the impact and practice of Islam throughout Asia and the Middle East. Learners review the seven major religions, the spread of Islam, and Islamic tenets commonly practiced. They then research one country that practices Islamic...
National Endowment for the Humanities
“Twelve Years a Slave”: Analyzing Slave Narratives
Readers of Solomon Northup's brutally frank slave narrative Twelve Years a Slave examine passages that support the argument that slavery "undermined and corrupted" the institution of marriage. Background information is provided by a...
Curated OER
British Royalty Tours the U.S.
Students share their knowledge of England, then read a news article about Prince Charles's anticipated visit to the U.S. In this current events lesson (written prior to Prince Charles's visit), the teacher introduces the article with a...
Curated OER
Literature: Isabel Allende
Students watch and respond to a Bill Moyers Now video on the Chilean author, Isabel Allende. They brainstorm a list of recent events that might inspire writers and choose one to write about in poetic, diary, or short story form.
Curated OER
Medieval Clothing and Fashion
Students examine the clothing of medieval times. In this Middle Ages activity, students view their instructor in the clothing of the era. Students then research the clothing worn by the people of the time period and create booklets that...
Curated OER
Seven Wonders of the World: Temple of Artemis at Ephesus: Part 4 of 7
Learners explore an ancient wonder of the world. In this Temple of Artemis lesson, students read about the history of the temple, create temple timelines, compose poetry to honor the goddess, and consider the part of the temple that is...
Curated OER
Secrets of the Shoes
Students compare the Chinese practice of footbinding to the Western practice of wearing corsets to discover universal issues involving women's rights. The lesson emphasizes small group discussions.
Curated OER
The First Ladies
High schoolers compare two First Ladies. In this American history lesson, students read speeches given by Barbara Bush and Hillary Rodham Clinton. High schoolers respond to questions about the speeches.
Curated OER
A New Society Project
Ninth graders examine the social and political movements of the Gilded Age and Progressive Era. In this American history lesson, 9th graders work in groups to form their own society and laws. Students make a diagram of their town and...
Curated OER
Confucius
Middle schoolers investigate the person of Confucius and his impact upon the Chinese culture. They conduct research using a variety of resources. They use the outline provided in the lesson to participate in class discussion. Key ideas...
Curated OER
The Titanic 3
Can survival rates on the Titanic be explained by the "women and children first" policy or did rescue procedures favor the wealthy? Use actual historical data to explore conditional probability and independent events with your class....
Curated OER
Criminal or Hero
Young scholars investigate slavery in America circa the American Revolution. They will examine point- of view and perspective as they research a variety of informational resources. While this is designed to be used with the PBS video...
Asian Art Museum
Create Your Own Samurai Daily Life Identity
Your class can create their own Samurai identity with craft paper and a little imagination. Learners will discuss what life was like for a Samurai warrior, and then they will make representations of what they would look like as a Samurai.
Smithsonian Institution
Autobiography through Objects
Show youngsters how objects can tell a story! Here your class will learn about Cuban salsa dancer Celia Cruz by analyzing pictures of her dress, her shoes, and her marriage certificate. After describing Cruz's items and imagining what...
Curated OER
Promote Nonviolence
Take a look at the topic of violence as seen in Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird. Discuss together the values that Atticus holds and brainstorm ways to combat violence in a similar manner to what he portrays in the novel. Get your...