What is the root of the conflict between ranchers and environmentalists? Middle schoolers write their impressions of what an environmentalist is and does. They read the New York Times article "In New Wild West, It's Cowboys vs....

Learners explore cultural myths in America by collecting images and characteristics of stereotypical Americans. They read a primary source document, discussing the views of the author in class. Next, they compare the terms used to...

Fifth graders explore the California Gold Rush. They explore the lure of gold and the Wild West, how pioneers traveled to the West, and the hardships and people they encountered along the way. Activities be authentic, hands-on, and...

Young historians research one of the most colorful periods in US History: the cattle drives of the 1800's. They research the three most popular trails, and complete mapping and writing assignments about each one. The lesson has many...

Learners examine the painting Columbia by John Gast. They discuss the concept of Manifest Destiny and the role of different groups (miners, missionaries, fur trappers, farmers, etc.) in the Americanization of the West. In groups, they...

High schoolers watch westerns and analyze them. They identify the plot, characters and the sounds in the film. They research icons of the American west and prepare a presentation. They share their presentation with the class.

Eleventh graders examine reasons for Louisiana Purchase and identify those who played key roles in it, create map of Louisiana Purchase and states that are part of it, and analyze overall importance of Louisiana Purchase.

Students research wild horses in the American West. They brainstorm how they can help preserve the wild horses.

Young scholars develop a plan for ecotourism after researching a nearby national park or wild area.

Students explore the American cattle industry history. In this United States history and reading comprehension cross curriculum lesson, students read an article about the history of longhorn cattle, then answer comprehension questions on...

Various genres of oral tradition are outlined and defined in these slides. Give your class examples of folk tales, fairy tales, parables, fables, legends, and myths before reading an example of one of these stories. This overview acts as...

Lost! (or misplaced) a modifier. Last seen dangling at the end of a sentence! Reward offered! To underscore the humor, class members are each given a sample sentence to illustrate (A woman passed by, leading a Springer Spaniel, in a...

Your young geographers will combine what they have learned about the five themes of geography and their inner creativity to design a physical map for an imaginary nation.

Learners examine various videos and books about Harriet Tub man, Annie Oakley, and Wilma Rudolph. They conduct research, participate in games, and write stories involving these three women.

Students complete online phonics activities. In this phonics lesson, students view online clips about using 'oa' words. Students make their own Phonics Finder badge and wear it to play the first and end sounds worksheet. Students also...

High schoolers study the impact that invasive species have on biodiversity and more natural areas.

Students study the Temperate Grasslands biome of North America. They explain that it is an endangered ecosystem because the rich soils have been converted to farming in most areas. They view videos imbedded in this plan, then complete...

In this crossword puzzle worksheet, students complete a 22 clue crossword puzzle about television shows that were popular in the 1950's and 1960's.

Students research a wilderness or natural area and develop a plan for ecotourism.

Students do a research project on one of the European countries and develop the points in detail. They determine the sophistication of African tradition and culture that have been degraded by the media and write an essay from the facts...

In this Westward Ho worksheet, students write a friendly letter and fill out a cause and effect chart for the story Westward Ho. Students complete 7 rows in the chart.

Students participate in a Socratic Seminar and explore Western Migration.

Buffalo Bill Cody, whose life lent itself to myth-making, helped define the American West. Read this biography about the man from PBS' series on The West.

What was it like to be a cowboy in 1867? Visit the Cooke Ranch and explore a cowboy's working and dwelling quarters. Play the interactive games to learn about the many aspects of daily life in the American West. (Click "Interactive...