Lesson Plans
Concerning the American Girl
Students reflect on women's rights through an examination of "ideals of womanhood" over time.
Celebrating America
Students analyze this primary source to capture what they see, think, feel, and wonder. After they explore the origins of Independence Day celebrations and reflect on why citizens celebrate the birth of their country.
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.
Party Factions
Students investigate the effect of party factions on the 1880 U.S. presidential election, then compare and contrast that to the 2016 U.S. presidential election and consider applicable parallels to the present.
Science & the Suffragettes
Students evaluate historical claims and the evidence to support them and consider their applicability to today.
Perspectives: Strong-Weak Government
Students explore historical and contemporary issues presented in political cartoons and consider why it is important to consider different perspectives when investigating issues.
Diagramming the Federal Government
Students analyze data from an historical diagram of the U.S. federal government, then research infographic design and explore types and methods of presenting data to help facilitate understanding by a modern-day audience.
States of the Union
Students compare and contrast key words and themes from presidential State of the Union addresses and then consider what themes they think should be emphasized in the next State of the Union address.
Presenting Party Platforms
Students compare and contrast presidential party platforms and consider how the presentation of information can affect the electorate.
Politics: Everybody’s Doing It!
Students explore how cartoons have been used historically to comment on politics, then try their hand at political commentary.