Lesson Plans
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,…
The Star Spangled Banner: K-2
Students learn about different types of primary sources and 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, to build their knowledge of U.S. history and consider and identify their personal connections to this song and the American flag.
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…
Reservation Controversies
Students analyze a variety of primary and secondary sources to gain an understanding of the history of government relations, policies, and experiences with Native Americans. After students research contemporary issues relating to American Indian reservations using Congress.gov, news media, and official tribal websites to consider the rights and responsibilities of both the government and the…
The New England Fishing Industry: Sea Changes in a Community
Students analyze photographs, maps and interviews to understand the geographic and economic characteristics of the U.S. Northeast coast and the link between New England’s economic and cultural past and the issues it faces for its future through researching industry issues, interviewing industry actors, and/or researching current legislation related to fishing and fisheries.
The Great Depression and the Present Day
Students analyze primary sources from the Federal Writers’ Project American Life Histories collection to gain a better understanding of the Depression-era beginnings of New Deal government programs, some of which continue to the present day. Next, students will investigate contemporary government programs stemming from or similar to New Deal programs as they consider the question,…
Immigration and Migration: Today and During the Great Depression
Students analyze historical primary sources, including oral histories, photographs and films and collection, to develop an understanding of the lives of immigrants during the Great Depression. Then students gather migration stories of a family member, friend, neighbor or community member, comparing the stories they collected to those of the past and considering the value that…
Exploring Community Through Local History: Oral Stories, Landmarks and Traditions
After being introduced to the American Life Histories: Manuscripts from the Federal Writers’ Project, 1936-1940 collection, students explore the local history and contemporary culture of their community through written and spoken stories; through landmarks such as buildings, parks, restaurants, or businesses; and celebration of cultural traditions.
To Kill a Mockingbird: A Historical Perspective
Through study of literature and and analysis of relevant primary sources, students of all backgrounds better grasp how historical events and human forces have shaped relationships between black and white, and rich and poor cultures of the United States. After, students may consider whether there are people in their community with an historical perspective on…
The Conservation Movement at a Crossroads: The Hetch Hetchy Controversy
Students analyze primary sources to investigate the debate over damming the Hetch Hetchy Valley in Yosemite National Park, which marked a crossroads in the American conservation movement when San Francisco’s need for a reliable water supply, along with a new political dynamic at the federal level, created a division between those committed to preserving the…