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United States History Lesson Plans

  1. "A Practical Experiment In Colonization"- The purpose of this activity is to provide an opportunity for American History students to gain practical experience in the basic types of challenges that may exist in the establishment of any early colony.
  2. A Review of American History- The purpose of this lesson is to review the importance historical events and time periods of United States history from discovery to the present. Through the use of art, crafts, drama, music, and dance, students can acquire a better understanding of the important contributions of individuals as well as cultural groups, and their impact on U.S. history.
  3. A Study of the PortolaExpedition: 1769- During the first week, students will take on the identity of a personon the Portola expedition. Each day the students will be requiredto keep a journal for their character. For the second week,the students will, as a class, devise a list of questions for each character(the teacher may help in this to get things going).
  4. American Experience Abroad: An Interview- Young people rarely realize how much other nations impact the United States. With foreign trade being so controversial, students need an opportunity to examine a broad spectrum of information about our complex relationships with overseas friends and foes.
  1. American Revolution Simulation- The student will understand the grievances of the American colonists.
  2. Civil Rights Movement, 1954-1968- In this Unit, students will examine the various political and social changes which have occurred as individuals and groups have raised civil rights issues and challenged the status quo in the 1950’s and 1960’s.
  3. Cold War- This lesson plan focuses on how various movies depict the relationship between the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War era.
  4. Crossroads American History Curriculum- A full K-16 curriculum.
  5. Data Gathering :Vietnam- This lesson is designed to give students experience in gathering data on an issue, get a feeling for the emotional climate during a stressful time, and to stimulate critical thinking. It is a great device for an inquiry lesson on Vietnam.
  6. Diversity of Culture in America- Ask students what they think is meant by that old-time saying, "America is a melting pot." Ask students who know their family history to describe their family origins to the class; or tell them something about your own background.
  7. Family History- The overall purpose of this assignment is to develop in the students the understanding that America is politically, ethnically, culturally, and economically a "NATION OF IMMIGRANTS".
  8. Freedom Of The Press- This lesson focuses on the role the press plays as a "watchdog" for the citizenry. By examining who two reporters uncovered the story behind the Watergate break-in, students see not only the benefits of a free press, but also the obstacles that can be placed in the way of reporters trying to gather information.
  9. From Sea To Shining Sea- Students are engaged in a study of the colonization and westward expansion of the United States; noting the impact of the westward migration upon the lifestyle(s) of Native Americans, and upon the natural environment(s).
  10. Harriet Tubman Classroom Activities- 10 lesson on Harriet Truman.
  11. Have minorities Gained Acceptance- Students will cite evidence gathered from magazines about how much Blacks are accepted into the mainstream of American life. They will support their conclusions by writing an answer to an essay question.
  12. "Hello, I Am Deborah Sampson"- The purpose of this activity is to get students more active in the learning process, to have students realize that it is people who have an impact on our history, to have students learn about the people and events in the American Revolution, and have students become aware of the shortage of information written about women during this time period.
  13. How Man Negotiates Away His Natural Freedom- The relevance of this lesson is that students are asked to recognize that our legal-political system has developed through a process of moving from philosophical ideals to compromised working models.
  14. Intro Activity for the 13 Colonies- To allow the students to see the difficulties that the original settlers of the 13 colonies had in creating a colony that would please everyone.
  15. John Muir Day Study Guide- Prepared to help teachers commemorate John Muir Day.
  16. Let's Tour the White House- Be able to locate and summarize information for other projects such as National Parks, Civil War Battles, Presidents, or even systems of the body.
  17. Mayflower- Students will acquire a general knowledge of the food and living conditions that the pilgrims in 1620 experienced while crossing the Atlantic Ocean on their voyage to America.
  18. New Deal Classroom Activities- 5 lessons on FDR.
  19. Oregon Trail Diary- This activity continues throughout the entire western unit so that students may add details from their studies to their own diaries for added realism.
  20. Reenacting the Great Depression with Slides- The students will be able to recreate an imagined dialogue based upon a given picture/slide.
  21. Sears Catalog and the American Frontier- Students gain insight into the revolutionary effect the Sears catalog and mail-order sales had on frontier American lives. Students explore the dramatic changes that paved the way for today's internet commerce.
  22. Sectionalism In Early U.S.- The purpose of this activity is to aid the students in putting themselves into a situation that demands a change of attitude from the 1990's to the early 1800's. Also to make it possible for them to stop the "I'd never ..." attitude and turn it to a "I can see where I might ...".
  23. Sequencing of Events- The purpose of this activity is to enable students to sequence events and to tie together in visual form a specific period in American History.
  24. Simulation: Oregon Trail- The students will develop research techniques, decision making skills, writing skills and interpersonal skills.
  25. Symbolic Speech- This lesson is to show students the role of the Supreme Court in respect to interpreting the law.
  26. Tea At The White House- Many subjects are enhanced through this activity. Not only are the students learning about famous historical people - they are also learning valuable research and writing skills, memorization techniques, social skills, and creativity.
  27. The Great Depression- Following the conclusion of the lesson, students will be able to recite in a written examination the effects of the cultural and economic strains that existed during this time period with one hundred percent accuracy.
  28. The Revolutionary War: Internet Scavenger Hunt- This scavenger hunt was developed by the classroom teacher to enable students to find answers to questions using the Internet.
  29. The Settlement of Jamestown- Students will demonstrate an understanding of how a town like Jamestown was settled.
  30. The War of 1812 in the News- Students will gain an appreciation for the importance of news papers in American history while learning about the different views and fronts of the War of 1812.
  31. United States History Lesson Plans by George Cassutto- Offers a great number of lesson plans aimed at the 7th grade.
  32. Using the Internet To Study:"I Have A Dream"- Students understand, analyze, and interpret historical events, conditions, trends and issues to develop a historical perspective.
  33. Utah Centennial Studies- 20 lessons.
  34. Virginia History/Language Arts-American Revolution- Students will become familiar with the Table of Contents, will be able to relate their own experiences with the people of that time, and will, thus, remember the relevant information about the American Revolution.
  35. Women in American History- This unit will introduce students to the many talented women in American history and the early struggle for women to receive the right to vote.

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