Remember the Alamo! Scholars investigate the Battle of San Jacinto during the Texas Revolution. Using models, maps, quotes, biographies, and the Oath of Allegiance, the Alamo comes to life as the stories of those who fought and died in...

In celebration of renowned cartoonist Herb Block's Library of Congress exhibition, this handout includes 2 of his famous political cartoons for scholars to analyze. Background information describes "Herblock's" career, and talking points...

Was The Marshall Plan an example of government philanthropy? Of private sector philanthropy? What were the effects of The Marshall Plan? The consequences? Class members conduct research, examine primary source materials, and then craft...

Young scholars study the Beatles and the contributions their music made to much of the pop music that came afterward. They synthesize complex information and the skills of "compare and contrast" in writing. They research some aspect of...

Students discover what "Poor Richard's Almanack" is and identify at least one element of good writing used by Benjamin Franklin and his work. They then identify what makes some of Benjamin Franklin's sayings applicable today and create a...

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,...

Students analyze the role of independent counsel. In this Bill of Rights lesson, students listen to their instructor present a lecture regarding Watergate, Impeachment, and the role of independent counsel. Students respond to...

A lot has happened in the month of October in the past 100 years or so. Kids fill in the blank for 31 events, each of which occurred on a day in October. Each event can be found in a New York Times article from the past 100+ years....

Students view a video about the experience of boys from West Africa in the American school system. They discover how one's environment can affect them in the classroom. They write about the experience from different points of view.

Students use a graphic organizer to find similarities and differences in three religions. In this prejudice lesson, students understand the events leading up to the holocaust. Students understand that people who respected diversity...

Students discover, through analysis of media and of primary source historical documents, how Jews achieved high levels of assimilation and acceptance under Islamic rule during the Golden Age of Spain, from the tenth to the twelfth century.

Seventh graders interpret historical evidence presented in primary and secondary resources. In this American reformers lesson, 7th graders research the accomplishments of selected reformers. Students then use the information they uncover...

Students research the structure of the Declaration: introduction, main political/philosophical ideas, grievances and assertion of sovereignty. They analyze the ideological/political origins of the ideas in the Declaration. Students...

If you are considering showing the film Cry Freedom, directed by Richard Attenborough, to your class, you might show them this presentation first. The slides contain background information about South Africa, apartheid, Steve Biko, and...

Students debate the intent of the Iraq war.  In this humanitarian intervention instructional activity, students each research a view point and defend it in a class room debate.  Students defend the views points...

Eighth graders assess the strengths and weaknessess of the Articles of Confederation as related to the United States and North Carolina. They demonstrate an argument for or against ratification of the United States Constitution.

Have your middle and high schoolers analyze instances of celebrities using racial slurs or making prejudiced comments in public. After reading an article, they consider the roots and effects of prejudice and bias. As a class, they...

Pupils examine Watergate and explore how this crisis affected American politics.

Fourth graders explore racial discrimination focusing on Jim Crow laws. They read an excerpt from Richard Wright's autobiography and discuss how viewing the subject from the his point of view affects their opinions.

Young scholars examine parliamentary procedure by following rules of order, constructing and presenting well thought out arguments, and submitting reports of the proceedings.

Your 9th - 12th graders can hone their analysis and critical thinking skills by studying the way a subject is portrayed across media types. They examine how various print, visual, and online sources have portrayed key players in the 9/11...

To study circular flow, learners use the plans to trace through a series of interconnected economic and financial flows to explain the workings of the American economy. They use the model developed to comprehend the effects of Federal...

Middle schoolers explore various websites featuring the life and achievements of Benjamin Franklin. They investigate Franklin's roles in colonial society as well as pictures of his various inventions. They view excerpts of historical...

Students become familiar with the characteristic form and sound of the blues, then learn about the history and evolution of the blues in relationship to the African-American experience. Students examine the structure and language of...