Students use a news article about the celebration of the Lincoln Bicentennial to answer questions about Abraham Lincoln and the celebration. In this current events and US history lesson plan based on a news article, students participate...

Fourth graders create their classroom rules.  For this Mayflower Compact lesson, 4th graders listen to the Plymouth story and learn about the Mayflower Compact.  Students analyze the Mayflower Compact and create a class compact...

Learners read the story "The Secret to Freedom" and participate in active reading to personalize what they have read. In this reading instructional activity, students follow  several writing activities and discuss their work ....

In this primary source analysis worksheet, students analyze the diagram of regulated slave trade cargo. Students respond to 2 short answer questions about the diagram.

Fifth graders analyze many examples of African-American poetry and examine how different poems reflect the cultural experiences of African-Americans. The poems and spirituals chosen are very effective for public presentation.

Students analyze the historical and cultural influences that shaped the symbolic meaning of the Liberty Bell, located in Phila., PA, evaluate the accuracy of historical sources, and research the way patriotic symbols are used in their...

Students exercise their creativity by designing an original quilt and a written explanation of its meaning. They use primary sources to develop an understanding of Underground Railroad routes through Indiana.

Students write a first-person narrative from the perspective of a runaway slave, or a historical character of the period, and present their story orally.

Fourth graders travel through a mock Underground Railroad.

Third graders travel throughout many stations learning about the Underground Railroad.

Students examine Harriet Tubman's contribution to the Underground Railroad. They read and discuss an excerpt from the book "The Tamarack Tree," listen to the CD for the book "Follow the Drinking Gourd," and write a journal response from...

Young scholars investigate the Cinco de Mayo holiday. They discuss the history of Cinco de Mayo, listen to the Legend of the Mexican flag, color a worksheet of the Mexican flag, and create a class coat of arms.

Students study the history and culture of Jim Crow, as well as the scope of Jim Crow laws across the United States. They consider the concepts of terror and triumph with respect to the history of Jim Crow, the recognition of evidence of...

Students research Sojourner Truth. In this African-American history activity, students read the speech "Ain't I A Woman?" and brainstorm descriptive words that describe Sojourner Truth. Students discuss why her acts were considered...

Students understand how Nevada became a state and the role of Abraham Lincoln in Nevada's statehood. In this Nevada statehood activity, students listen to background information, primary sources and research about Nevada's statehood....

Fifth graders participate in various activities related to the Civil War. For this Civil War lesson students understand the events and feelings of people during the Civil War by studying primary sources, journal writing, readings,...

Middle schoolers explore the concept of philanthropy. In this abolition lesson, students watch "Uncle Tom's Cabin" and discuss the philanthropic acts they witnessed in the film. Middle schoolers also complete an activity that requires...

Ninth graders explore the French Revolution. In this French Revolution lesson, student research citizen action and public policy during the war. Students write essays regarding their research findings.

Learners recognize contributions made by African Americans to American society. In this African American history lesson plan, students research contributions made by African Americans and use a graphic organizer to organize their...

Eighth graders study the Civil War. In this US history instructional activity, 8th graders discuss the causes for fighting for the North and the South showing that there was no good side or evil side just people believing in what they...

In this history worksheet, students read a one page biography about Frederick Douglass. Students then answer 15 short essay questions about the text.

Fourth graders distinguish between primary and secondary sources while creating an underground railroad presentation.  In this underground railroad lesson plan, 4th graders research the underground railroad using copies of primary...

Students research and learn about the Underground Railroad. In this Underground Railroad lesson plan, students take 2 weeks to research an individual, complete journal writings, read passages in small groups, list major events, and more.

Students explore the historical importance of the Emancipation Proclamation. In this United States History lesson, students use the internet to research the specific events that were centered around the Emancipation Proclamation, then...