Lesson Plans
Diana’s White House Garden
Pair the picture book, Diana’s White House Garden, with primary sources to strengthen student vocabulary and word choice skills while investigating the purposes of World War II victory gardens. After, students can share, in words or pictures, an example of a community coming together for the greater good.
What Do You Do with a Voice Like That?
Pair the picture book, What Do You Do with a Voice Like That, with primary sources to have students investigate Representative Barbara Jordan and the role she played in a changing political landscape in the 1960s and 1970s and during the Watergate investigations of President Nixon. After, students may share, in words or pictures, an example of how they have used their voice to affect positive change at home, school or in their local community.
Motor Vehicle Safety
Students analyze safety features on a car design prior to national standards, investigate motor vehicle safety legislation over the years, then consider what safety features you would include on a modern-day motor vehicle.
The Immigrant: Acquisition or Detriment?
Students investigate historical and contemporary pros and cons of immigration and reflect on your own views of the issue.
Concerning the American Girl
Students reflect on women's rights through an examination of "ideals of womanhood" over time.
I Won’t Stand for Segregation
Students analyze primary sources to investigate the story of Sister Rosa, then compare how contemporary culture has characterized her and add your own lyrical tribute.
Science & the Suffragettes
Students evaluate historical claims and the evidence to support them and consider their applicability to today.
Election Day
Students explore, compare, and contrast historical and contemporary reflections about elections in America.
Illustrating America
Students explore the stories we tell when illustrating America through primary source analysis, reflection, and creation.
Politics: Everybody’s Doing It!
Students explore how cartoons have been used historically to comment on politics, then try their hand at political commentary.