Lesson Plans
Presidential Portraits
Students learn about George Washington and Abraham Lincoln through the lens of both primary and secondary sources, investigating different types of primary sources, considering how portraits are created to convey information, and imagining their own presidential potential.
Gettysburg Address Game On
Students consider whether equality is important to our democracy as they develop a deep understanding of the literary and historical value of the Gettysburg Address through analysis of primary sources and a close reading of the text with several game-based activities to reinforce their knowledge and understanding. After, students connect their learning to today by writing a response to the lesson focus question: In what ways is equality a proposition, or belief, worth fighting for? Numerous extension activities are also provided.
American Memory & Me Birthday Project
Students learn about primary sources then analyze both secondary and primary sources to investigate historical events that happened on their birthdays, helping them to recognize that each person is part of and contributes to the ongoing American memory. After, students create news sheets that summarize key points of a seminal historical event or person in American history, celebrate their births, and describe the legacies they would like to imprint on the American memory.
Pledge of Allegiance Image Sequencing
Most school children in the United States recite the Pledge of Allegiance every morning. But what does the pledge really mean? By analyzing primary source images and pairing them with the text, students deepen their understanding of a citizen's commitment to country. After, students create and decorate their own pledge to family, heritage, culture, class, or school.
The Star Spangled Banner: 3-5
Through analysis of secondary and primary sources, students are introduced to key historical events that led to the creation of the U.S. national anthem, helping them to learn the lyrics to The Star Spangled Banner and expanding their overall understanding of U.S. history. After, students apply their newfound knowledge as they contemplate the significance that the song and the American flag have for them personally.
Lessons for My Community
Students learn about a fable written by a past U.S. president, then write and illustrate their own fable that contains a lesson useful for their school or local community.
Shaping the Future by Preserving Our Heritage
Students explore historic and contemporary artifacts that tell the American story and inspire them to dream. After, students consider how preserving our heritage can help shape the nation's future.
At School
Students compare and contrast school historical and contemporary classrooms and extended day care school programs and the value they provide to communities.
For United America, YWCA
Students analyze a poster to investigate audience and creator purpose, then conduct research to learn more about the YWCA in order inform creation of a poster that conveys the advocacy organization's mission and reaches out to women today.
Family Customs Past and Present: Exploring Cultural Rituals
Students analyze primary sources to investigate rituals and customs of various cultures, then interview family members to deepen their understanding of their own cultural celebrations.