Lesson Plans
The Immigrant: Acquisition or Detriment?
Students investigate historical and contemporary pros and cons of immigration and reflect on your own views of the issue.
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.
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.
Politics: Everybody’s Doing It!
Students explore how cartoons have been used historically to comment on politics, then try their hand at political commentary.