Lesson Plans
Trade: Responsibility on the World Stage
In this lesson geared towards fifth graders, students analyze primary sources to understand the principles of fair trade and consider their responsibilities as global citizens.
Economics of Slavery, the Cotton Industry, and the Panic of 1837
Students analyze primary sources to investigate how market forces impacted the supply and demand for cotton in the early 1800s, the relation of the cotton industry to slavery and the economic and political factors that contributed to the Panic of 1837. Next, students summarize the learning in the form of an essay or poster. After, they identify a current issue where a group is exploited for the gain of others and create an action list to increase awareness of this issue.
Why is the Civil Rights Movement Taking So Long?
Students analyze oral histories to explore potential social, economic, and geographic barriers to achieving or promoting civil rights. After, students craft a response to the lesson's question in writing or video format.
The Long Civil Rights Movement
Students analyze primary sources to investigate the long arc of the civil rights movement by examining economic and social conditions and actions that were taken prior to and after the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. After, students interview a local civil rights activist and/or design an action plan to make their community aware of a contemporary civil rights issue.
How Did Birds Gain Political Protection?
Students analyze a variety of primary sources to investigate the impact turn-of-the-20th-century women’s fashion industry had on migratory birds, grassroots political efforts taken to protect the birds, and subsequent state and national laws. After, students research a contemporary biodiversity issue and create a poster, flyer, or written announcement to inform people and call them to action.
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.
Women Land Ownership & the World Economy
Students analyze a map to investigate woman land ownership around the world, then conduct research to better understand and female land ownership and its importance to global economic health.
Tree of Liberty
Students compare and contrast perspectives of the economics of slavery and free industry in the mid 19th century, then consider issues they might include under a tree of liberty for modern times.