Curated OER
'European Exploration, Conquest, and Trade
Fifth graders examine the motives, progress and results of the European exploration and conquest of Asia, Africa and the West Indies from the 15th to the 17th centuries. They use maps to trace spice routes and research the role of spices...
Curated OER
Tools of the Explorers
Fifth graders examine the history of the European exploration of the New World. They research and create replicas of many of the tools used by the explorers including a compass, quadrant, hourglass, log and map.
Curated OER
How to Celebrate the 800th Anniversary of the Mogol Empire
Students research information on the Mongolian Empire from various readings and online videos of primary sources and create a poster for oral presentation. Students connect history with the current day, while incorporating geographical,...
Curated OER
Fight for Freedom
Students research examples of slavery in the world today, and explore some ways they can help current slaves gain their freedom. After students develop a plan for helping to fight slavery, they take action.
Curated OER
Trekking to Timbuktu: The Geography of Mali - Student Version
Eleventh graders locate Mali on a world map, describe the landscape and climate of Mali, and locate the city of Timbuktu and describe the local weather. They compare life along the Niger in ancient times to that of today
Curated OER
Rich and Poor Dictation
For this rich and poor dictation worksheet, students listen to a text about terminology used to describle rich and poor in our world today.
Curated OER
Founding Documents of the Peace Corps
Students examine United States foreign policy in the period immediately following World War II through the activities of the Peace Corps.
Curated OER
Community & Architecture
Students investigate the Bamum people of Cameroon and the use of symbols in African societies. They read a handout, and design a palace using African symbols, presenting and describing their design to the class.
Curated OER
Crisis in Darfur
High school social studies teachers addressing the crisis in Darfur could use elements of this plan to increase social studies vocabulary and research skills. It includes a page of lecture/discussion notes, instructions for creating...
Curated OER
Rituals/traditions with Gullah religion
Sixth graders discuss some of the earliest people who lived in each region in order to comprehend how humans interacted with the environmental conditions at that time. They make connections to present-day regions including...
Stanford University
Observing Human Rights Day
How much intervention is appropriate for America to take in cases of human rights violations? Class members ponder a question that has lingered since the birth of America with a series of primary sources that reflect the degree to which...
Curated OER
Destruction in Bamiyan
Students examine the destruction of the colossal statues of Buddha, carved into sandstone cliffs of Bamiyan, Afghanistan, that were recently demolished by the Taleban. They look for photos of local artifacts that represent the culture...
Curated OER
Arabia Before Islam
Students explore the geographical, socio-economic, political, and religious background of Arabia before Islam began. They discuss why the rich merchants of Mecca opposed and oppressed Muhammed. Students discuss the influence of geography...
Curated OER
Perceptions of War
Tenth graders share perspectives on war with Iraq with students from various countries, and write position papers expressing specific stance on issues.
Foreign Policy Research Institute
Comparing Regimes: Critical Reading of Memoirs and Experiences from Totalitarian Regimes
Can you imagine living in a totalitarian country? Learners will read several primary source memoirs to gain a deeper understanding of what life is like under a controlled government. They'll discuss each piece in pairs, research...
Curated OER
Spiritual Power of Symbols
Students examine how symbols are used in some societies to influence spirits and to protect rooms. They discuss and view examples of doors decorated with symbols, and create a door mural using African and American symbols.
Curated OER
Multiple Perspectives on the Korean War
Students interpret historical evidence presented in primary and secondary resources. In this Korean War lesson, students examine and analyze primary sources regarding U.S. involvement in the Korean War.
Smithsonian Institution
Watching Crystals Grow
Amazing science can sometimes happen right before your eyes! The class gets cozy as they watch crystals grow. They use Epsom salts, rocks, and food coloring to create crystals. They'll observe the entire process, documenting every step...
Curated OER
Trade in the Indian Ocean: Should China End Zheng He's Treasure Voyages?
Students examine the amount of trade that occurs in the Indian Ocean. Using China as an example, they discuss the reasons why it ended its treasure voyages in the area and predict what would have happened if the voyages continued. They...
Curated OER
The "Science" of Racism
How can we keep racism out of our society? Analyze the factors that lead to racism today and research previous scientific findings that impacted social policy. Your high school students identify ways to prevent past mistakes from...
Curated OER
Crisis in Sudan: Responding to Medical Emergencies
High schoolers examine the crisis in Sudan. They identify the medical situation in the region and discover how they respond to emergencies. They research diseases that are prevalent in the region as well.
Curated OER
Geographic Luck
Students examine why some countries are rich while others remain poor. They view a video on the website, Guns, Germs and Steel, analyze primary sources to conduct research about plants and animals, and create a game based on their research.
Curated OER
Plants and Animals, Partners in Pollination
Students participate in multiple hands-on activities to explore reproduction and pollination. In groups, using a cotton swab and powder, students simulate being pollinators and plants. They name the parts of the flowers and the function...
Curated OER
The Westward Movement
Students study the westward movement through examining stamps. In this westward movement lesson plan, students draw conclusions, determine cause and effect relationships and examine the westward movement of the United States by...