Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Separate Is Not Equal

For Teachers 5th - 12th
Based on discussion, analysis of primary source documents, and with the help of a graphic organizer, young historians discover the steps that were taken to eliminate segregation in public schools in the United States. This lesson from...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

What's In A Name? British Surnames Derived from Places

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students study how British surnames were derived from locations. They observe that some of the more common names are still prevalent today.
Lesson Plan
National Endowment for the Humanities

Lesson 3: What Happens in the White House? A Timeline

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Working in groups or individually, learners study images of important events that occurred at, or directly affected, the White House, and share their findings of a specific event. They then post the image of their event on a...
Unit Plan
Smithsonian Institution

The American Presidency: Grades 4-6

For Students 4th - 6th
An interesting unit explains the American presidency from the campaign trail all the way to the role of the president. Historians participate in discussions, create posters, conduct Internet research, and more to gain an understanding of...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The History of African-American Children: A Guide for Teaching Black History at the Elementary School Level

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
How do you introduce the topic of slavery to your youngest learners? The Sneetches, by Dr. Suess, is a great introduction to the idea of being different. Read the story to your class, and discuss desegregation in...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Bartering in Jamestown

For Teachers 3rd - 4th
Learners explore bartering. In this bartering lesson, students study everyday life in the Jamestown colony. Learners discover how bartering was used as a way to acquire necessary supplies.
PPT
Curated OER

1914-1918: The World at War

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Thorough and engaging, this presentation details the causes and contexts of World War I on all fronts. It covers "the spark" that began it all, as well as the effect of technology on weaponry and the role of women on the home front and...
PPT
Curated OER

The Early Cold War: 1947-1970

For Teachers 9th - 11th
With a combination of images, maps, and valuable information, this presentation is a strong resource for a history class that is coming out of a WWII unit and into a Cold War unit. Some points are outlined for students, while others are...
PPT
Curated OER

The Origin of Humans

For Teachers 6th - 10th
Where did human beings come from? How did they settle into communities and civilizations? Your class will find the answers in this fascinating presentation, which takes the viewer through the stages of mankind, from the primitive...
PPT
Curated OER

Traditional African Society

For Teachers 9th - Higher Ed
Engaging your class in African culture and traditions, this presentation provides photographs, historical contexts, and societal structures from different African tribes. It poses discussion topics about the benefits and disadvantages of...
PPT
Curated OER

World War II

For Teachers 10th - 11th
Offering a comprehensive overview of the beginning of World War II, this resource could be a useful addition to a unit on this topic. It could be used as a way to lead a discussion on the war, or as a review tool before a test. Either...
PPT
Curated OER

Today's World

For Teachers 10th - 11th
While not an exhaustive review of globalization and trade, this overview of the inter-related nature of the economy would be a good tool to use in the classroom. This resource could be used to begin a discussion on the various topics...
PPT
Curated OER

Roman Republic

For Teachers 7th - 10th
Experience the birth and rise of the Roman Empire with these slides, which include explanatory maps and pictures. Details of the Roman government draw an easy parallel to the American government, which could start an engaging discussion.
PPT
Curated OER

The 13 Originals: Exploring the Who, When, Where, and Why Behind the 13 Original Colonies of Early America

For Teachers 8th - 11th
Discover the stories behind each of the thirteen stripes on the American flag with this straightforward presentation. Complete with learning objectives, discussion questions, and solid information about each of the original thirteen...
PPT
Curated OER

Trade Spreads Indian Religions and Culture

For Teachers 11th - 12th
India's religion and cultural practices spread as trade and desire for their resources increased. Examine the shifts in Buddhism, Hinduism, and regional cultures that came with the spread of Indian trade. This presentation could be an...
PPT
Curated OER

The Earliest Americans

For Teachers 7th - 10th
The topic of the peopling of the Americas offers the opportunity for a fascinating discussion. Give your class the knowledge they need to understand the migration across Beringia, the hunter-gatherer lifestyle, and the impact of...
Worksheet
Curated OER

World Oil Reserves: Assignment

For Students 7th - 8th
Understanding and analyzing data is a critical skill. Included here are three worksheets a list of countries with the largest oil reserves, a graph of the same, and an assignment. The class uses their data to create a bar chart then...
PPT
Curated OER

The Ottoman Empire 1453-1918

For Teachers 10th - 12th
This presentation begins with the question, "How did the Ottoman Empire become so powerful?" While that question isn't directly answered, upper graders can consider the key facts that are provided and engage in a class discussion. Rich...
Worksheet
Curated OER

Chapter 6: Christianity and the Transformation of the Roman World

For Students 10th - Higher Ed
The history of the Christian faith makes up a fascinating element of western civilization, as demonstrated in this comprehensive online resource. A chapter quiz features short-answer questions based on the ministry of Jesus, the spread...
Worksheet
Curated OER

Western Civilizations, Chapter 12: The Civilization of the Renaissance

For Students 10th - Higher Ed
If you can't take your western civilization class to the Renaissance Faire, try this online resource to give them an idea of this era and others! While designed to accompany the Western Civilizations text, this tool can be utilized...
Worksheet
Curated OER

Cartoons for the Classroom: Google vs. China

For Students 9th - 12th
Censorship remains a hot topic among teens. Evoke heated discussion with this political cartoon analysis handout, which features 2 cartoons focused on China's internet censorship. Background information gives pupils a brief description...
Worksheet
Curated OER

Cartoons for the Classroom: Shine the Light on Your Government

For Students 9th - 12th
What don't we know about our government? Explore the concept of transparency and freedom of information throught this analysis handout, in which scholars examine 2 political cartoons. Background information provides context, explaining...
Worksheet
Curated OER

Cartoons for the Classroom: Congress and the President

For Students 11th - 12th
Learners take a critical look at the ways in which the president interacts with Congress in order to make political and economic decisions. They use a series of well-constructed discussion questions to guide their thinking as they...
Worksheet
Curated OER

Cartoons for the Classroom: Joseph Wilson Accuses the President

For Students 9th - 12th
Get a fun discussion going with this current events worksheet, which has scholars analyzing 2 political cartoons about an incident in 2009, when Congressman Joseph Wilson accused President Barack Obama of lying during a speech....