Approach the concept of freedom in United States history from a variety of angles and delve into rich primary source analysis practice. Pupils study the Statue of Freedom, which sits atop the dome of the Capitol building in...

What did the Founding Fathers mean by the importance of continually returning to fundamental principles? Your young historians will analyze a series of quotations illustrating the fundamental ideals and principles of the...

Attend the party of the year with a hands-on learning experience focusing on the 57th inauguration of the president of the United States. Middle schoolers role play as guests at the prestigious Inaugural Ball, and learn...

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....

Young scholars interpret history using primary resources and secondary research. The Constitution is examined and changes are explained within the time period they were made.

Students examine the reasons why people immigrated to the United States. Using maps and charts, they analyze population movements and religious affiliations. They discover how the United States became a lesser Protestant country.

Students discover the meaning and symbolism behind the American flag. In this lesson plan on National symbols, students design a flag for their school, explain the symbolism they used, and distinguish the elements that constitute the US...

Fourth graders investigate differences between the ideology of the Northern and Southern states in 1856. In this states' history instructional activity, 4th graders examine the needs for slaves in the Southern agricultural economy, and...

Learners explore historic West Virginia. In this US history lesson, students examine primary sources and political cartoons that depict the issues of statehood for West Virginia and the role that those played in the Civil War. This...

Young scholars research primary sources to construct an outline of a border city's history.

Eighth graders apply their knowledge of the past week's lessons to the game, Jeopardy: American History Style. They think of a team name, and review the categories to determine their strongest area. Students are told the game rules. ...

Young scholars explore aspects of Asian-American culture.  In this lesson plan, students use the internet to research American history and the Asian American experience, complete Asian inspired art and read a biography. This lesson...

Students create living artifacts dealing with different times and cultures. They explore Ancient Rome, the Middle Ages, Islam, Africa, and the United States.

Focusing on the differences between traditional Hopi government and the Hopi Tribal Council, this resource is a good addition to your unit on Native American culture. Learners conduct Internet research, analyze primary source photos, and...

Jazz, Blue Grass, Hip Hop, Swing. Gospel, R&B, Ragtime, Disco. So many music genres born in the USA. After reading an article about the fate of New Orlean's Jazz after Hurricane Katrina, class members investigate the life cycles of...

Fifth graders apply the Five Themes of Geography as they relate to the U.S., the world, and specific places in United States history. They recognize and label geographical locations on a map of the United States.

What did the English settlers think of the Native Americans inhabiting the Chesapeake region of the United States? Learners analyze a series of documents and images to determine the English perception of the local inhabitants. A great...

Science, engineering, and United States history? Pupils research collections of artifacts from the Smithsonian to learn about historical scientific innovations. At the end of the lesson, they write an essay to discuss technology's...

Students reconsider the events leading to US entry into WWI through the lens of archival documents.

The origins of the state of Arkansas are the focus of this history lesson plan. Elementary schoolers to high schoolers identify persons associated with the development of the state from the very first European contact to statehood in...

Puerto Ricans are wholly American, but their history with the United States has been one of tumult. Using clips from a PBS documentary, viewers consider the history of the island and Puerto Rico's contributions to the mainland United...

Seventh graders consider how Kentucky was involved in the Civil War. In this American Civil War lesson, 7th graders view PowerPoint presentations on the topic and then discuss the state's neutrality policy and eventual secession....

Many dream of coming to America, but few may enter. The lesson explores the Hart-Celler Immigration Act of 1965 and how it changed immigration policies in the United States. Academics learn how immigration quotas impacted Western Europe...

Young historians study civilian Arkansas during the Civil War. They look at the many challenges they faced to keep their homes in order while the men were at war. Learners hear stories of bands of outlaws who ravaged the state during...