Lesson Plans
The Fight for Women’s Rights
Students investigate the grievances listed in the Declaration of Sentiments presented at the Seneca Falls Convention in 1848, then research contemporary women in the news to assess the current state of women's rights.
Political Parties – Beginning
Students investigate the major political parties in the United States and the role they play in U.S. elections, then create political parties focused on issues affecting students at their school.
News, Perspective, Bias – Beginning
Through the lens of the Three Little Pigs and the Boston Massacre, students think critically about how perceptions of events are shaped by the storyteller, then consider the importance of taking multiple perspectives into account when reviewing stories and drawing conclusions about events.
Eagle map of the United States
Students analyze how the geography of the United States has changed over time and gain a deeper understanding of the meaning and purpose of symbols to represent national ideals.
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.
Community Service: Washington Chapter
Students analyze primary source photographs and newspaper articles to explore the importance of community service then and now.
Snap a Photo: Agent of Change
Students consider point of view and purpose while they engage in careful observation of Lewis Hine’s photographs that exposed child working conditions, generate and test hypotheses based on evidence, and reflect on their learning by applying it to related questions about a photographer’s point of view or purpose. Teachers may choose to have students extend their inquiry by pairing pictures and poems to tell stories (step 8), then investigate child labor today or another contemporary issue related to children and make connections by writing a poem about a related illustrative image they find (steps 9-10).
Congress and Child Labor
Students analyze primary source images and posters to explore why Congress decided long ago that it was important to pass labor laws to protect children, then apply what they have learned by creating their own historical poster. After, students could investigate child labor today or another contemporary issue related to children and make connections by creating a poster to raise awareness of the issue.
Capture the Flag
Students investigate primary sources to explore the various ways people use the United States flag to show characteristics such as pride, loyalty, and unity for the nation, then create a collage showing examples of celebration and remembrance. After, students can make connections by creating a collage, drawing, poem, video, etc., that shows how the flag makes them feel.
Kids, Collaboration, and Coalitions
Students develop their personal understanding of their membership in a civic community by examining the historic contribution of young people in shaping positive changes in America using primary sources from the Library of Congress and other sources. Students explore coalition-building accomplishments of young people recognizing that any individual, regardless of age, race, status, or gender has the potential to help bring about changes through working together. Students then identify characteristics of collaboration and creating coalitions in order to build their understanding of civic community.