Lesson Plans
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.
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.
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.
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.
Women’s Rights: Seneca Falls & Beyond
Students investigate a key event in the history of women's rights and the importance of commemorating the struggle for equal rights, then consider possible contributions to help ensure a future with greater equality.
Bonus Veterans
Students analyze primary sources to learn about the Bonus Army and to consider the question, How does informing ourselves about the past guide us in the future?
Politics: Everybody’s Doing It!
Students explore how cartoons have been used historically to comment on politics, then try their hand at political commentary.