Less than $5 12th Grade Social Studies & History Lesson (by date, latest first)

Bring history to life with this ready-to-use 90-minute lesson on the 4th of July! Perfect for middle and high school students, this engaging plan uses a fun YouTube video to explain the real story behind Independence Day.

Students will learn key facts, explore myths, and discover how the holiday began. The lesson includes a warm-up activity, guided video viewing, a short lecture, and class discussion.

It also comes with a printable worksheet full of activities: true or false, fill in the blanks, matching, short answers, and a creative writing task. An easy-to-follow answer key is included.

No prep needed! Just print and go. Great for history, social studies, or American culture classes.

Your students will enjoy learning about the past in a fun and meaningful way. This lesson builds critical thinking, reading, and writing skills.

Celebrate Independence Day with more than fireworks—teach the history behind it!

Download it today and make your lesson memorable and educational.

This 90-minute high school lesson explores key milestones of the American Civil Rights Movement from 1909 to the present. Using the YouTube video "Turning Points in Civil Rights History," students are introduced to pivotal events, legislation, and grassroots efforts that shaped the fight for equality.

The lesson begins with a warm-up discussion to activate prior knowledge, followed by a guided viewing of the video with fill-in-the-blank notes. Students then complete a chronological timeline activity and engage in deeper analysis through group discussion and a critical thinking task that connects historical movements to current civil rights issues. A brief review quiz wraps up the session to reinforce learning.

The included student worksheet features a variety of activities—guided notes, a timeline sort, a written reflection, and a quiz—with an answer key provided for easy assessment. This lesson not only builds historical understanding but also encourages students to think critically about ongoing struggles for justice and equality in modern society.

This 90-minute lesson introduces students to the history, meaning, and modern observance of Memorial Day in the United States. Using the educational video “What Is Memorial Day?” as a foundation, students will explore the origins of the holiday, key historical events, and how it is commemorated today.

The lesson includes vocabulary development, comprehension questions, timeline creation, and international comparisons with similar holidays like Remembrance Day and ANZAC Day. Students will also engage in reflective writing to consider the importance of honoring those who have served in the military. A printable worksheet with engaging activities and an answer key is included to support learning and classroom discussion.

Perfect for upper elementary and middle school learners, this lesson encourages critical thinking, empathy, and historical understanding.

This 90-minute lesson introduces students to the concept and importance of World Fair Trade Day through engaging, age-appropriate activities. Aimed at upper elementary and lower secondary learners, the lesson fosters global awareness and social responsibility by exploring how Fair Trade supports farmers, workers, and communities in developing countries.

The session begins with a warm-up discussion and a short educational video to spark curiosity. Students then complete a guided reading task and comprehension questions that highlight key information about World Fair Trade Day and its global impact. A vocabulary section reinforces essential terms, while a matching activity connects Fair Trade products with their countries of origin.

Interactive elements include a fun word scramble, a product hunt, and a mini role-play where students imagine being Fair Trade farmers and shoppers. The lesson wraps up with a reflective writing task, encouraging students to express why Fair Trade matters in their own words.

A printable worksheet is included, containing all activities and an answer key for easy assessment. This lesson is ideal for integrating citizenship education, ethics, or global studies into your classroom and helps learners become more informed and compassionate global citizens. No prior knowledge of Fair Trade is required.

The Industrial Revolution, often categorized into the First Industrial Revolution and Second Industrial Revolution, marked a transitional phase in the global economy towards more extensive, efficient, and consistent manufacturing methods, following the Second Agricultural Revolution. Initiating in Great Britain circa 1760, the Industrial Revolution extended to continental Europe and the United States by approximately 1840. This shift involved moving from manual production techniques to machinery; novel chemical manufacturing and iron production methods; a greater reliance on water and steam power; the creation of machine tools; and the emergence of the mechanized factory system. Production significantly surged, leading to an unparalleled increase in both population and the pace of population growth. The textile sector was the pioneer in adopting modern manufacturing techniques, making textiles the leading industry regarding employment, output value, and capital investment.

This handy ebook will help you teach your students about the Industrial Revolution. It contains facts, plenty of activities, the students' printable worksheet, and the relevant answer key at the end.

This engaging lesson on the Titanic disaster combines historical analysis with language learning. Using a video and transcript, students explore key events leading to the sinking of the Titanic, analyze decision-making factors, and enhance their English skills through interactive activities. The lesson begins with a warm-up discussion, allowing students to share prior knowledge. A listening comprehension task follows, reinforcing key details from the video.

Vocabulary exercises introduce essential maritime terms, while a timeline activity helps students organize events in sequence. A true-or-false exercise encourages critical thinking by assessing their understanding of the story. Role-playing activities immerse students in historical perspectives, fostering communication and teamwork. Additionally, a creative writing task invites them to write a diary entry from a passenger’s point of view, developing narrative skills.

The lesson concludes with a reflective discussion on the tragedy’s causes and lessons learned. By integrating listening, reading, speaking, and writing skills, this lesson offers a well-rounded approach to both historical understanding and language acquisition.

Introduce your students to the Cold War with this interactive reading lesson, which includes:

• notes and highlights about the U.S-USSR tensions
• warm up and review questions
• click and drag activity
• discussion questions to get students to formulate an opinion

Students will be engaged during this interactive lesson, geared toward great classroom discussion and debate!

Students will simulate the spread of the Black Death through this fun and engaging classroom game! Students are assigned roles and play to win by collecting cards that earn points for their role. But watch out - the plague is all about! Will you survive?

Great addition to a Middle Ages unit, or to use as a classroom game any time throughout the year!

Looking for more fun and engaging activities for your classroom? Check out these resources:

• History Makers Trading Cards - Research Activity and Classroom Game! - Students research historic figures and create trading cards, fostering creativity and critical thinking in history classrooms!

• The Fly Swatter Game! - An interactive vocabulary review game for any subject that is sure to be a class favorite!

• Exploring Empires! World History Research Project - students explore every aspect of a historic empire by conducting research, creating a visual representation, and presenting their findings to the class!

• World History Crossword and Word Search - MEGA BUNDLE! - 40 crosswords and word searches for everything from prehistory to the 20th century!

Don't miss out on exciting resources to enhance your classroom! Follow The Classroom Globetrotter to stay up to date about the latest products and exclusive sales. Thank you for your support!

This inquiry based lesson will vicariously draw your students into the lives, circumstances, and struggle for social justice as they engage in the analysis of three primary sources. Specifically, this resource will have students;

• Discuss and analyze the motivations and philosophy of César Chávez
• Understand the problems faced by farmworkers in California's central valley and beyond. 
• Analyze primary sources related to the meaning and context of the Chicano Rights Movement.

The primary sources include;

1. Photograph taken on December 19, 1969 outside of a Safeway supermarket in Seattle, WA (strike and boycott led by Cesar Chavez)
2. Speech given by César Chavez to the Commonwealth Club of California on Sept 9, 1984.
3. Viva La Causa Documentary film- the grape strike and boycott led by César Chávez and Dolores Huerta in the 1960s. The film shows how thousands of people from across the nation joined in a struggle for justice for the most exploited people in our country — the workers who put food on our tables.

Materials Include:

• Teacher Reference Guide
• Google (10) Slide Presentation
• Interactive Guided Notes Handout
• Economics Chart

If you liked this lesson see other related lessons here:

• American Japanese Internment
• Unit BUNDLE- Reconstruction, Jim Crow & the KKK
• Jim Crow: Separate and Unequal
• Women's Suffrage: Iron Jawed Angels (Comparing Sources)
• Civil Rights Movements: Then and Today
• The Ku Klux Klan: The Past & Today
• Proposing a 28th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution
• 'The Quotable Rebel' Activity: First Day of School

This product is made for:

• adapting instruction
• differentiating instruction
• on level learners
• struggling writers
• struggling readers
• ESL/ENL
• Deaf Education
• Homework
• Classwork
• Homeschooling
• Bell Work
• Virtual Instruction
• Remote Instruction

This product includes adapted notes about George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. After reviewing the packet, students can complete the questions - short answer, fill in the blanks, and true false at the end of the product independently or with support.

if you downloaded this product, and you liked it, please leave me a positive review.

This product is made for:

• adapting instruction
• differentiating instruction
• on level learners
• struggling writers
• struggling readers
• ESL/ENL
• Deaf Education
• Homework
• Classwork
• Homeschooling
• Bell Work
• Virtual Instruction
• Remote Instruction

This product was created for students when learning about Martin Luther King Jr. Students can read the passage about Martin Luther King Jr. that is included in this packet independently or with support. Students will answer short answer questions and true/false questions pertaining to the passage. Students can do this with help or independently.

This product is made for:

• adapting instruction
• differentiating instruction
• on level learners
• struggling writers
• struggling readers
• ESL/ENL
• Deaf Education
• Homework
• Classwork
• Homeschooling
• Bell Work
• Virtual Instruction
• Remote Instruction

This product was made for students to learn about the 50 states, the spelling of each state, and each state's abbreviation. This product includes slides that are made up of the states that begin with the same letter on each slide, as these states can be confusing. For example: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, and Arkansas as well as their abbreviations so students can see the difference. Slides that show states that don't have any similarities, like Georgia, and states that have two words, like New York, are also addressed.

Each slide is provided with the state name and the abbreviation. Students can attempt to fill in the blanks of the abbreviations that were reviewed on each previous slide as well. This helps students to learn the spelling, abbreviations, and location of each state. This product can be used for students who benefit from having material adapted and it can also be used with students who are on grade level as well.

You may also be interested in the following:

The First Americans:

https://www.TeachShare.com/Product/The-First-Americans-Notes-and-Review-Adapted-8855127

Learning and Writing my Address:

https://www.TeachShare.com/Product/Learning-and-Writing-My-Address-Example-Template-8218625

United States Research Report:

https://www.TeachShare.com/Product/United-States-Research-Report-8493424

United States Facts – Adapted Notes

https://www.TeachShare.com/Product/United-States-Facts-Adapted-Notes-Review-8507918

If you download this product, and like it, please leave me a positive review. :)

This product was made for students to choose 1 of the 50 states and research it. Students are provided with an example of a research report on California in this product. The example state research report includes 7 slides - cover page, where is your state?, facts of the state, symbols of the state, interesting fact about the state, state flag, and why did you write about your state? The example provides students with a foundation of what is expected when they complete their own state research report. This product was developed for students who benefit from adapted instruction. This product can also be used with students who are on grade level as well.

The template is provided for students to write their rough draft. Once students are finished they can create a final draft using Microsoft PowerPoint, Google Slides, etc. using the information from their rough draft.

You may also be interested in the following:

Missouri Compromise, Compromise of 1850, and North and South Notes and Review

https://www.TeachShare.com/Product/Missouri-Compromise-Compromise-of-1850-and-North-and-South-Notes-and-Review-11467594

The Oregon Trail Westward Expansion Adapted Notes and Review

https://www.TeachShare.com/Product/The-Oregon-Trail-Westward-Expansion-Adapted-Notes-and-Review-11455653

The 19th Amendment Adapted Notes and Review

https://www.TeachShare.com/Product/The-19th-Amendment-Adapted-Notes-and-Review-11433110

The Civil War Adapted Notes and Review

https://www.TeachShare.com/Product/The-Civil-War-Adapted-Notes-and-Review-10707128

The Civil War Vocabulary Review and Test: https://www.TeachShare.com/Product/The-Civil-War-Vocabulary-Review-and-Test-11283426

Industrial Revolution Adapted Notes and Review:

https://www.TeachShare.com/Product/The-Industrial-Revolution-Adapted-Notes-and-Review-10820168

World War 1 Adapted Notes and Review:

https://www.TeachShare.com/Product/World-War-1-Adapted-Notes-and-Review-10344094

World War 2 Adapted Notes and Review

https://www.TeachShare.com/Product/World-War-2-Adapted-Notes-and-Review-10556417

The Bill of Rights Adapted Notes and Review

https://www.TeachShare.com/Product/The-Bill-of-Rights-Adapted-Notes-and-Review-10296100

Early English Settlements Adapted Notes and Review

https://www.TeachShare.com/Product/Early-English-Settlements-Adapted-Notes-and-Review-10141382

5 Regions of the United States Adapted Notes and Review

https://www.TeachShare.com/Product/5-Regions-of-the-United-States-Adapted-Notes-and-Review-10115445

The Northeast Region Adapted Notes and Review

https://www.TeachShare.com/Product/The-Northeast-Region-Adapted-Notes-and-Review-9386984

The First Americans

https://www.TeachShare.com/Product/The-First-Americans-Notes-and-Review-Adapted-8855127

Learning and Writing my Address

https://www.TeachShare.com/Product/Learning-and-Writing-My-Address-Example-Template-8218625

United States Research Report

https://www.TeachShare.com/Product/United-States-Research-Report-8493424

The First Americans

https://www.TeachShare.com/Product/The-First-Americans-Notes-and-Review-Adapted-8855127

United States Abbreviations Review

https://www.TeachShare.com/Product/United-States-Abbreviations-Review-8498466

The Road to the Revolution Adapted Notes and Review

https://www.TeachShare.com/Product/The-Road-to-the-Revolutionary-War-Adapted-Notes-and-Review-10223854

The War of 1812 Adapted Notes and Review

https://www.TeachShare.com/Product/The-War-of-1812-Adapted-Notes-and-Review-10329341#show-price-update

The Louisiana Purchase Adapted Notes and Review

https://www.TeachShare.com/Product/The-Louisiana-Purchase-Adapted-Notes-and-Review-10311351

3 Branches of Government Adapted Notes and Review

https://www.TeachShare.com/Product/3-Branches-of-Government-Adapted-Notes-and-Review-10296131

if you downloaded this product, and you liked it, please leave me a positive review.

Cause and effect, character traits, and critical thinking are the focus of this Conspiracy Theory Role Play Game. Students develop and define their beliefs and opinions, sort fact and fiction, use character trait role play cards, debate and argue their points of view, think about community responsibilities, question ethics and morals, and use cooperative learning to save planet Earth with this fun, educational, fact-based scenario about conspiracy theories. Includes: Directions Fact-Based Newspaper Article Conspiracy Theory Scenario Cause & Effect Worksheet Conspiracy Theories Worksheet Role Play Cards (optional directions are included) Character Traits Handouts (Positive & Negative) Character Reflection Sheet Optional Writing and Illustrating Activity Fact versus Fiction Excellent for AP, dual credit, GT, homeschool groups, flipped classes, ELA, History/Social Studies, Journalism, Science, STEM, STEAM! Use for building and assessing cause and effect, character traits, critical thinking, facts, logic, time management, writing, working with research based information and citations of research materials. Meets CCSS and state ELA guidelines. Makes learning engaging and interactive. Use with Circular Reporting on TeachShare for a complete lesson plan on how we believe and how media plays a role in what we believe.

A review of ten presidents that changed history (Lincoln, Kennedy, Roosevelt, and more). Includes facts, visuals, coloring handouts, supplemental resources, activities guide. Everything needed to celebrate President's Day! 23 visually stimulating slides with dates and facts.

Use this Reading Response Assignment and Battle Royale style activity to teach about Bushcraft and Primitive Survival Techniques while reinforcing simple geographical knowledge about world geography and the basic biomes of the world. Any fan of fortnite or other battle royale style video games will love this assignment! But even the students who don't play fortnite will enjoy making their battle royale survival plan.

I normally use this assignment during my Ancient History unit on early humans as a way to help students understand the hardship of surviving without modern technology. I've also used it directly after my unit on the Fall of Rome when we discuss the collapse of civilization before diving into Feudalism in Europe.

Really this assignment is a plug and play that you can use in many different class periods. Thinking tactically about survival never goes out of style, and students are always engaged during this assignment. I've also used it as a last minute sub plan and have never gotten a bad note!

2024 Presidential Election Bundle: Deep Dive & Classroom Debate Guide

Bring the excitement of the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election into your high school classroom with this engaging bundle! This product includes two comprehensive resources designed to spark critical thinking and informed debate.

Resource 1: "Trump vs. Harris - A Deep Dive into Key Issues" This reading comprehension worksheet explores the key policies and positions of Donald Trump and Kamala Harris on major topics like immigration, healthcare, climate change, and the economy. Students will compare and contrast these views, developing an understanding of how different perspectives shape national debates. The worksheet includes multiple-choice, matching, fill-in-the-blank, and short-answer questions to test comprehension and critical thinking.

Resource 2: "2024 U.S. Presidential Election Political Survey & Classroom Debate Guide"
This survey and debate guide prompts students to answer 40 thought-provoking questions on a wide range of political issues. Based on their answers, students will reflect on their own political leanings and engage in classroom debates, using the facilitator's guide to encourage meaningful and respectful discussions.

Key Features:

• Critical Thinking: Students analyze policies, reflect on their own beliefs, and engage in constructive debates.
• Real-World Relevance: Lessons are based on current election topics, fostering civic engagement.
• Versatility: Use in class discussions, homework, or even sub plans.
• Comprehensive Activities: Includes analysis, debate, and reflection, ensuring that students deepen their understanding of politics.

Learning Objectives:

• Analyze and evaluate the positions of political candidates on critical issues.
• Develop and articulate informed opinions through discussion and writing.
• Foster respectful debate and develop civic engagement.
• Understand the impact of political decisions on society and the role of voting in a democracy.

Common Core Standards:

• ELA Standards: RI.9-10.1, RI.9-10.8, SL.9-10.1, W.9-10.1
• Social Studies Standards: D2.Civ.2.9-12, D2.Civ.6.9-12, D2.Pol.1.9-12

This bundle is an excellent resource for high school government, civics, and social studies classes. It’s perfect for guiding students through real-world political analysis and classroom debate, giving them the tools to become informed and engaged citizens.

Ready to unlock your students' critical thinking potential?
Explore my store for a treasure trove of reading comprehensions that tackle diverse themes and inspire insightful discussions. From historical mysteries to scientific explorations, there’s something for every classroom!

Support a fellow educator and get rewarded! Purchase this resource, leave a review, and earn TeachShare credits you can use on any product on the platform. Your feedback helps others and benefits you too!

2024 Presidential Election: Trump vs. Harris - A Deep Dive into Key Issues

Product Description: Engage your students in critical thinking and civic awareness with this comprehensive reading comprehension worksheet.
Explore the contrasting stances of former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris on six pivotal issues facing the United States in the 2024 election. As students delve into topics like immigration, economy, healthcare, education, climate change, and criminal justice, they'll develop a deeper understanding of the candidates' policies and their potential implications for the nation.

Key Features:

• In-depth analysis: Compare and contrast the candidates' positions on key issues.
• Critical thinking: Engage students in thoughtful reflection and analysis.
• Real-world relevance: Connect classroom learning to current events and civic engagement.
• Versatile resource: Use as a lesson activity, homework assignment, or sub plan.

Learning Objectives:

• Analyze and evaluate different perspectives on complex political issues.
• Develop critical thinking skills, including comparing, contrasting, and analyzing information.
• Understand the importance of informed voting and civic participation.
• Apply knowledge of political concepts to real-world scenarios.

Common Core Standards:

• ELA: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.8.1, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.8.2, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.8.3, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.8.4, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.8.5, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.8.6, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.8.7, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.8.8, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.8.9, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.8.10
• Social Studies: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.8.1, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.8.2, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.8.3, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.8.4, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.8.5, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.8.6, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.8.7, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.8.8, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.8.9, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.8.10

Ready to unlock your students' critical thinking potential? Explore my store for a treasure trove of reading comprehensions that tackle diverse themes and inspire insightful discussions. From historical mysteries to scientific explorations, there's something for every classroom! Support a fellow educator and get rewarded! Purchase this resource, leave a review, and earn TeachShare credits you can use on any product on the platform. Your feedback helps others and benefits you too!

Related Product

2024 Presidental Election Suvery

End of Year "History Talk" Activity for Middle and High School Students

This resource features an engaging "History Talk" activity that will have your students thinking, writing, speaking, and moving all in one class period during the last week of school! In this activity, they must choose between 6 different quotes about history and articulate why the quote aligns with their perspective. I use this lesson at the end of every year to see how my students' perspectives on history have developed and matured throughout the school year. This is perfect if you are looking for an engaging lesson plan during the one of the toughest weeks of the year!

Product includes:

- Comprehensive Lesson Plan

- "History Talk" Sheet for students to fill out

- 6 Corresponding "History Quote" signs to hang up around your room

Though I utilize this product during the last week of school, it really can be used all year long. I hope that it is as successful in your class as it is in mine!

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Are you looking to hold a formal Socratic Seminar in your classroom?

Socratic Seminars (or "Fish Bowl" Conversations as I like to call them with my students) are higher order ways of assessing whether your students are able to understand and react to what they are learning in class. These seminars rely on the power of inquiry and allow students to take the lead in their learning and discussion. The only problem? They require a great deal of preparation. Fortunately, this student-tested resource includes everything you need to conduct a structured and formal set of Socratic Seminars in your classroom. All you need are the 4 or 5 questions to form the basis of these discussions!

Product Includes:

• Assignment Directions with step-by-step instructions on how to conduct fishbowls in your classroom
• Engaging Introductory Activity for the "Fishbowl"
• “Fishbowl” Preparation Sheet
• Conversation Builder Prompts
• Participant Observation Sheet
• Rubric

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Also, check out these great materials by Language Arts Excellence:

⭐ Socratic Seminar Lesson Plan and Materials

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⭐ Novel Playlist Assignment

⭐ Figurative Language Challenge Game

⭐ Peer Edit Forms and Lesson Plan

⭐ Secondary ELA Activities for any Novel

⭐ Emergency ELA Lesson Plan BUNDLE

⭐Differentiated Essay Prompts for use with ANY Novel

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⭐ Click to Follow Language Arts Excellence⭐