Free 12th Grade U.S. History Resources

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World War II Historical Fiction List * World History * U.S. History * AP*

By Christa Nonnemaker

World War II fiction novels offer high school teachers a powerful tool for engaging students in historical learning. These novels provide immersive experiences that transport readers into the tumultuous era of the 1940s, allowing them to witness the human experience amidst the chaos of war. Through compelling characters and gripping narratives, students can gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of the conflict, including its causes, consequences, and the diverse perspectives of those involved. Moreover, reading World War II fiction encourages critical thinking and empathy as students explore themes of resilience, sacrifice, and the impact of war on individuals and societies. By delving into these narratives, students not only enhance their historical knowledge but also develop important skills in analysis, interpretation, and perspective-taking, making World War II fiction an invaluable addition to any high school curriculum.

This list is by no means exhaustive but it contains newer as well as classic titles, many of which have been made into movies. Share this list with students for reading suggestions over the break or during the school year for book reports or other assignments. Or use for a student book club or even your own book club! World War II historical fiction is quite popular right now!!!

I admit that my own historical fiction novel, Hearts at War, is on the list! I wrote this novel with the high school student in mind, in order to delve deeper into life on the home front for those coming-of-age. The story centers around a Japanese-American boy and a Caucasian girl who grow up in Southern California and then follows how their lives diverge once Pearl Harbor is attacked. Students might be surprised to learn that Japanese-American Nisei served as secret translators in the Pacific theater of war during World War II. I wanted that piece of history to come to light which has been hidden for far too long.

English Language Arts
U.S. History
World History
Free
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Presidents Word Puzzles

By Beth Hammett

1 Crossword, 1 Word Search, and 3 Crytogram puzzles to accompany Top Ten Outstanding Presidents' unit found at: http://www.TeachShare.com/Product/Top-Ten-Outstanding-Presidents-A-Complete-Unit-for-Presidents-Day Can be used alone. Fun for group or individual activities!

Presidents' Day
Social Studies - History
U.S. History
Free
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Summer Coloring Pages Sheets - End of the year Activities World Oceans Day

By The Students Palace

Fun Summer Coloring Pages For Toddler, Preschool, Kindergarten, Girls, Boys Kids. This paint dauber coloring Pages is perfect for younger to practice pre-writing skills and have fun at the same time. Makes a fun gift!

Feel free to let us know how we're doing in the Ratings & Comments section.

WHAT YOU WILL RECEIVE

  • 2 Pages Coloring Pages

  • ( PDF )

  • Large 8.5'' x 11'' designs that can easily be printed on regular sized paper

  • High-resolution images

  • Unlimited prints

  • Great for kids, boys and girls

JUST DOWNLOAD, PRINT AND GET STARTED

  • This item comes as a high-resolution PDF file that you can download straight after purchasing.

  • You can print as many copies as you want.

NOTE

  • This is a digital item.

  • No physical product or printed material will be shipped.

  • No refunds as this is a digital product.

End of Year
Summer
U.S. History
Free
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FREEBIE The History and Significance of Labor Day

By Homeschool with Big Easy Homeschooling Mom

Dive into the history and significance of Labor Day with this comprehensive educational resource.  Perfect for upper middle to high school students, this freebie includes a detailed and complex reading passage on the origins and evolution of Labor Day, along with 20 thought-provoking questions and a separate answer key.  Also included are note-taking sheets to enhance student engagement and retention. This resource is ideal for history lessons, social studies classes, or as an enrichment activity leading up to Labor Day.

Reading
Social Studies - History
U.S. History
Free
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Henry Kissinger Hero or Villain? A Cold War Reading Comprehension Worksheet

By More Lessons Less Planning

Unmask the Enigma: Was Henry Kissinger Hero or Villain? (Delve into His Complex Legacy!)

Unravel the captivating and controversial legacy of Henry Kissinger, a Cold War icon!

Beyond Simple Labels:

  • Explore contrasting perspectives on Kissinger's actions, analyzing his diplomacy, Cold War strategies, human rights record, and impact on history.
  • Primary source analysis brings historical context to life, fostering critical thinking and source evaluation skills.
  • Engaging assessment activities - multiple choice, true/false, fill-in-the-blanks, and short answer - reinforce understanding and encourage individual analysis.
  • Answer key included for efficient grading and self-assessment.

Learning Objectives:

  • Analyze the multifaceted legacy of Henry Kissinger, considering both his achievements and ethical concerns.
  • Evaluate primary sources and engage in critical thinking about complex historical figures.
  • Formulate informed opinions and participate in respectful debate on controversial topics.
  • Recognize the nuances of historical figures and events, avoiding simplistic labeling.

Content & Benefits:

  • Compelling Reading Passage: Examines key events of Kissinger's career, including China diplomacy, Cold War negotiations, Vietnam War involvement, and support for certain regimes.
  • Vivid Primary Sources: Analyze excerpts from speeches and Congressional hearings, highlighting diverse perspectives and historical context.
  • Differentiated Assessment: Multiple question formats cater to diverse learning styles and abilities.
  • Teacher-Friendly: Answer key saves time and facilitates easy grading.

Common Core Standards Alignment:

  • RI.5.1, RI.6.1, RI.7.1, RI.8.1, RI.9-10.1: Cite textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly and implicitly.
  • RI.5.2, RI.6.2, RI.7.2, RI.8.2, RI.9-10.2: Determine central ideas or themes of a text and analyze their development.
  • RI.5.3, RI.6.3, RI.7.3, RI.8.3, RI.9-10.3: Analyze how and why authors use evidence to support their claims.
  • RI.5.5, RI.6.5, RI.7.5, RI.8.5, RI.9-10.5: Analyze the authors' point of view and purpose.
  • WHST.6-8.9, WHST.9-12.9: Draw evidence from informational texts to support claims and create an argument.

Download today and empower your students to become critical thinkers and informed citizens!

Bonus Tip: Encourage students to research and debate Kissinger's legacy in small groups, fostering collaboration and deeper understanding.

Government
U.S. History
World History
Free
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ChatGPT for History Teachers guide: Gain time for a better work life balance

By Yugen Learning

Use this resource to learn how to ChatGPT can help you claim back hours of work for a better work life balance when preparing time and delivering history to your students. How you can more quickly develop interesting and differentiated resources to cater for all your students, even on the fly in the classroom.

Find inspiration in the processes shared and gain insights into how ChatGPT can transform your teaching practice

This resource includes;
Sample . preview pages from the full book (Limited due to Amazon conditions)
The book is free if you have Kindle Unlimited

The full book is available from Amazon:
https://bit.ly/3Mnp1DM

Or for a small investment you can reclaim back hours of normal preparation time.

What the eBook covers to help you reclaim time and get a better work life balance:

"ChatGPT for History Teachers" is a valuable resource for educators seeking to unlock the full potential of A.I. in the classroom. Written in a clear and engaging style, this book empowers history teachers to harness the power of ChatGPT and revolutionise their teaching practice. By embracing A.I., you'll create immersive learning experiences, foster critical thinking skills, and ignite a passion for history in your students.

Discover the power of artificial intelligence in the classroom with "ChatGPT for History Teachers." This comprehensive guide equips history teachers with the foundational skills needed to integrate ChatGPT, a cutting-edge language model, into their teaching practice. Whether you're a seasoned educator or just starting your teaching journey, this book will empower you to harness the potential of A.I. to create more engaging, efficient, and personalised learning experiences for your students.

Chapter 1: Understanding ChatGPT, where you'll gain an overview of how to use ChatGPT, its potential benefits, and how it can enhance your teaching practice. Dive deeper into Chapter 2: Getting Started with ChatGPT, where you'll learn how to set up an account, navigate the interface, and engage with the A.I. through various modes of interaction.

Chapter 3: Using ChatGPT as a Research Assistant shows you how to leverage ChatGPT's capabilities to assist with research tasks, generate content, and access historical information with ease. Learn how to create historical timelines in Chapter 4, allowing you to cater to different literacy levels and provide targeted support for student learning.

Chapter 5: Advanced Techniques and Classroom Applications takes you to the next level, showcasing how ChatGPT can be used to create interactive historical scenarios, facilitate formative assessment, and personalise learning experiences for students with different abilities and learning styles. Explore the ethical considerations and limitations of using A.I. in education in Chapter 6.

As you progress, the book highlights the experiences of real history teachers who have successfully integrated ChatGPT into their classrooms. Case studies provide practical examples of how ChatGPT can enhance teaching and learning. Journey alongside Socrates as he discovers the power of personalised learning, formative assessment, and research and writing support through ChatGPT.

Chapter 8: Future Directions and Conclusion, explore the exciting possibilities of using A.I. in education. Discover emerging trends and the potential for advancements in the field, including the integration of image, speech, and animation A.I. in history education.

Social Studies - History
U.S. History
World History
Free
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FREE: Why is Eagle the Symbol of America Worksheet with VIDEO and answer key

By Jared Bruening

Each worksheet includes additional questions on the front side, a writing activity or table to complete, on the backside some include a PRIMARY SOURCE or an ART ACTIVITY or an INTERACTIVE WRITING PROMPT. ANSWER KEY INCLUDED.

EAGLE VIDEO: https://youtu.be/imBaXkZO2NA

Social Studies - History
U.S. History
Free
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World War I Study Guide

By Sarah Austin

A World War I study guide that students can utilize when preparing for an exam.

Social Studies - History
U.S. History
Free
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FREEBIE: 9/11 Reading Passage, Q & A, and Note-Taking Sheets

By Homeschool with Big Easy Homeschooling Mom

This detailed resource package includes a thorough reading passage on 9/11, exploring the causes, events, and consequences of this pivotal moment in history. It comes with 20 critical questions, an answer key, and note-taking sheets for students making this resource perfect for engaging your upper middle and high school students.

English Language Arts
Reading
U.S. History
Free
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D.C. Sniper: True Crime Forensic Science Reading Comprehension Worksheet

By More Lessons Less Planning

Unmasking the Madness: Cracking the D.C. Sniper Case with Forensics & Public Collaboration (Reading Comprehension & Forensics)

Bring history to life with this gripping reading comprehension worksheet that delves into the terrifying D.C. sniper attacks of 2002. Explore how forensic techniques like ballistics analysis and geospatial profiling, combined with the power of public cooperation, brought an end to this serial shooter case.

This comprehensive resource equips students with:

  • Chilling Case Study: Students grapple with the real-life horror of the sniper attacks and the immense pressure to find the perpetrators.
  • Engaging Assessment: Multiple choice, true/false, fill-in-the-blank, and short answer questions assess reading comprehension, critical thinking, and analysis skills.
  • Primary Source Integration: A news report excerpt emphasizes the importance of public vigilance and the value of seemingly minor details.
  • Answer Key Included: Save valuable time with a ready-made answer key for easy grading.

Learning Objectives:

  • Students will understand the challenges of investigating serial crimes and the crucial role of forensic science in such cases.
  • Students will gain insight into specific forensic techniques like ballistics analysis and geospatial profiling, and how they aid investigations.
  • Students will appreciate the significance of public cooperation in providing vital leads and solving complex crimes.
  • Students will analyze the ethical considerations surrounding public awareness and potential panic during criminal investigations.

Common Core Standards Alignment
This resource addresses various Common Core Standards in Reading Informational Text and Social Studies, depending on the specific grade level you target. Here are some potential alignments:

  • RI.2.5 (Determine the central ideas of a text and analyze their development)
  • RI.3.6 (Distinguish between whose point of view is presented in the text and the author's point of view)
  • SS.8.1 (Analyze the impact of terrorism on a society)
  • SS.9.12.F (Evaluate the effectiveness of law enforcement strategies in addressing public safety issues)

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!

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Forensics
U.S. History
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Germany 1933 -1939 senior school revision activity booklet

By Yugen Learning

Do your middle/high school students need a no prep revision activity booklet

Detailed revision booklet for Nazi Germany between 1933 - 1939.

(37 pages in length)

It does include some revision questions (No answers included).

Hopefully it is beneficial for your students as they prepare for their exams.

British History
U.S. History
World History
Free
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FREE Mount Rushmore WORKSHEET with VIDEO and answer key!

By Jared Bruening

Each worksheet includes additional questions on the front side, a writing activity or table to complete, on the backside some include a PRIMARY SOURCE or an ART ACTIVITY or an INTERACTIVE WRITING PROMPT. ANSWER KEY INCLUDED.

MOUNT RUSHMORE VIDEO: https://youtu.be/d8nUwy60zKM

Social Studies - History
U.S. History
Free
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FDR & The New Deal Matching Game

By Sarah Austin

Are you looking to engage your students in the study of FDR's New Deal? This New Deal Matching Game is the perfect way to get your students excited and engaged with history. The game provides slides to guide both the teacher and the student through note-taking, student discussions/debate, and the ‘New Deal Matching Game’.

Instructions: Organize into groups of 3-4 students. Each group will analyze 10 scenarios that will be presented in the next several slides. Fill out the T-chart addressing the following…

1. Which New Deal program(s) is the best match in addressing the problems associated with each scenario? Write in the letter of the card. 

(*You will use each program only once).

2. Acronyms? Write in the abbreviation. 

3. Which of the 3 R’s best applies to each of the scenarios; Relief, Recovery, or Reform? (Hint, scenario #3 is the only one that has two of the R’s)

If you would like to purchase the entire Unit, 'Mystery: What Caused the Great Depression'? (FDR Matching Game is included), click HERE.

U.S. History
Free
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FREE Pledge of Allegiance History WORKSHEET with VIDEO and answer key!

By Jared Bruening

Each worksheet includes additional questions on the front side, a writing activity or table to complete, on the backside some include a PRIMARY SOURCE or an ART ACTIVITY or an INTERACTIVE WRITING PROMPT. ANSWER KEY INCLUDED.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE VIDEO: https://youtu.be/BPoPVo1-nnE

Social Studies - History
U.S. History
Free
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1950s Consumer Sears Catalog Simulation

By Sarah Austin

The year is 1956. You & your partner have taken advantage of new economic conditions & purchased a suburban home. Upon moving to the suburbs, you find you need to fill your home with clothes & furniture. 

Use the Sears catalog provided to fill your home. The average monthly income in the USA in 1955 was $360. Let’s say you & your partner have been saving, and have a savings account of $600. The mortgage payment on your home is $60 per month, & let's say you use $40 per month for groceries. That leaves you with $500 to spend for the month!

Fill out the provided order sheet with the products you want to buy, and their prices. Do not spend more than $500, because then you will end up in debt! Beware–life events and circumstances happen, so adjust accordingly!

This Resource Includes:

  • Teacher Reference Guide
  • Google Slide Presentation
  • Sears Catalog Student Handout
  • Life Event Cards
  • 1956 Sears Catalog (Printable & digital versions)

*If you would like to purchase the entire lesson CLICK BELOW!

1950s & 60s: Conformity or Rebellion (Counter-culture)?

If you liked this lesson see other related lessons & activities here:

  • Protest Movements of the 1960's: E-Chapter Textbook Project
  • César Chavez: Analyzing Primary Sources
  • The Cold War and Vietnam
  • Hot War Turns into the Cold War
Social Studies - History
U.S. History
Life Skills
Free