National First Ladies' Library
The Power of Images in Shaping Ideas
Learners examine the role of photography in recording and sharing history. They view online photos that Life magazine has identified as changing the world, then conduct research on one of the photos. Middle schoolers create and present...
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Reconstruction of Iraq: A Lesson of Historical Precedents
Students view a video clip about the reconstruction efforts in Iraq. They work together to compare and contrast the reconstruction plans after the Spanish-American War and World War II. They compare those results to the situation in Iraq.
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Sow the Seeds of Victory! Posters from the Food Administration During World War I
Students engage in a class analysis of posters, responding to each of the worksheet questions. They identify the similarities and differences between the posters.
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Gazebos and Other Worlds
Design a simple structure such as the gazebo. Work with your class to identify the six faces of a cube pattern and name other uses of patterns in industry. They draft, cut out, and assemble a cube pattern. They draw out and assemble two...
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World History: Extreme Global Makeover
Students examine the impact of modernization on China and India. While watching a video about a Chinese worker and the peasant class and how modernization affects both groups. They investigate the issue of migration in both countries...
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United States - Japanese Relations In Post World War II Era
Ninth graders explore the relationship between the United States and Japan. In groups, classmates research the treatment of Koreans and Americans as prisoners of war. Pupils examine the effect of politics and agreements during the war....
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Introduce Others to a Woman Who Changed the World
Students research an important woman and share her story with others. The report can serve as a public service announcement to be read over the school public address system, or a short, informative speech delivered in one of your classes.
Shakespeare Uncovered
All the Globe’s a Stage: Shakespeare’s Theatre
“All the world’s a stage,” exclaims Jaques in As You Like It, but it is the structure of the Globe stage and how that structure influenced Shakespeare’s plays that is the focus of an on-line research project. Class members visit a series...
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Introduction to the Reformation
Ninth graders investigate the Protestant Reformation. In this global history lesson, 9th graders examine the provided primary sources that enable students to create posters and presentations that reveal how Catholicism, Lutheranism,...
National Endowment for the Humanities
Eleanor Roosevelt and the Rise of Social Reform in the 1930's
Eleventh graders explore the various roles that Eleanor Roosevelt took on. In this US History lesson plan, 11th graders analyze the views that Eleanor Roosevelt held as an advocate for social justice. Learners evaluate her contributions...
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Social and Cultural Scene
Ninth graders examine the Imperial Era of Japan. For this World History lesson, 9th graders address the social and cultural aspects or history. students are given various true incidents and should understand that personal stories...
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Reformation and Counter-reformation
Tenth graders examine the major theologies and practices for major religions. In this World History instructional activity, 10th graders describe the historical significance of key leaders and events. Students analyze the...
US House of Representatives
Black Americans in Congress Speak Their Mind
To conclude their study of Black Americans in Congress, groups select a statement made by one of the Members, examine the Member's profile on the provided link, and create a display that includes state represented, years of service, an...
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The Living Weapon
Pupils explore American history, military strategy and scientific discovery near the end of the World War II era. They examine the principles of the Cold War, pacifism, and the desire to keep government programs secret from the general...
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Letters from the Japanese American Internment
Learners explore the concept of Japanese internment. In this Japanese internment lesson, students examine primary sources that enable them to discover what internment camp life was like and its implications, Learners write their own...
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Christopher Columbus
Students read about the good and bad aspects of Christopher Columbus in Jean Fritz's book, "Where do you think you're going, Christopher Columbus?" They conduct and analyze a survey about common myths and create a pop-up book.
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D-day Message from General Eisenhower to General Marshall
High schoolers analyze a "top secret" document written by Eisenhower. They identify and chart cliches for those about to go into battle and read related poetry. They invite a veteran to describe the D-Day invasion.
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The Ancient Times
Students create a newspaper sharing stories of Cleopatra before her death. They use the internet to research information about her and the time in which she lived. They share their newspaper articles with others.
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CyberHunt: Ahoy! Columbus
Learners research Christopher Columbus. In this world history lesson, students complete a WebQuest by using suggested website links. Learners click on each link and answer questions about Columbus based upon the website.
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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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The End of United States' Occupation of Japan
Ninth graders examine and discuss reasons for end of U.S. occupation of Japan in 1952, locate surrounding Asian countries on map, explore changes to Japan after World War II, and discuss how changes in Japan impacted other countries.
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Friends or Foes?
Students discuss Spain's relationship with Europe and the U.S. and research incidents of American-European disagreements regarding international actions and policy. They write essays on how the world might be different if a multipolar...
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Decoding the First Alphabets: Not as Simple as A, B, C
Explore early writing systems and their significance in understanding the development of past civilizations. In groups, learners research early writing systems and then present their findings to the rest of the class. They teach their...
Curated OER
Trekking to Timbuktu: Restoring the Past
Students investigate the environmental factors that threaten Timbuktu. Students investigate what measures are being taken to restore their mosques, and the condition of their ancient manuscripts. Students discover information about the...