Less than $5 8th Grade Social Studies & History Activities (by date, latest first)

Engage your students with this all-inclusive National Maritime Day resource pack! Perfect for grades 4-8, this comprehensive set includes reading passages, comprehension questions, quizzes, fill-in-the-blank exercises, true/false activities, and answer keys—all designed to teach students about the history, significance, and modern impact of the maritime industry.

What’s Included:

• Informative Reading Passages: Covering the origins of National Maritime Day, the role of the maritime industry in global trade, wartime contributions of mariners, and future innovations.
• Skill-Building Worksheets: Multiple-choice questions, short-answer prompts, and fill-in-the-blank exercises to reinforce learning.
• Critical Thinking Activities: True/false statements and discussion questions to encourage deeper analysis.
• Answer Keys: Save time with ready-to-use answer keys for all activities.
• Versatile Use: Ideal for social studies, history, or career readiness lessons, as well as homeschooling or substitute plans.

Why Teachers Love It:

• Aligned with Standards: Supports reading comprehension, critical thinking, and real-world connections.
• Print-and-Go Convenience: No prep required—just download and teach!
• Engaging Content: Brings maritime history to life with relatable examples and interactive tasks.

Perfect for: National Maritime Day (May 22nd), units on transportation, careers, or global trade, and cross-curricular lessons combining history and environmental science.

Download now and set sail for an unforgettable learning adventure!

National Maritime Day, maritime industry, reading comprehension, worksheets, social studies, global trade, history activities, middle school resources, no-prep lessons.

Immerse your students in the vibrant culture of New Orleans with this engaging Jazz & Heritage Festival resource pack! Perfect for grades 4-12, this comprehensive unit explores the history, music, food, and economic impact of one of America’s most iconic festivals. With ready-to-use worksheets, quizzes, and interactive activities, students will discover the multicultural roots of Louisiana while building critical thinking and reading comprehension skills.

What’s Included:

• Informative Reading Passages: Covering the festival’s origins, musical diversity, cultural exhibits, and economic impact.
• Student Activities: Fill-in-the-blank exercises, multiple-choice quizzes, true/false questions, and short-answer prompts.
• Cultural Exploration: Lessons on Cajun, zydeco, and gospel music, plus traditional Louisiana food and crafts.
• Real-World Connections: Discussion questions on tourism, community pride, and how festivals preserve heritage.
• Answer Keys: Save time with complete answer keys for all activities.

Why Teachers Love It:

• Cross-Curricular: Integrates music, social studies, geography, and economics.
• Engaging & Interactive: Brings the festival to life with relatable content and hands-on tasks.
• Flexible Use: Ideal for whole-class lessons, group projects, or independent study.
• No Prep Required: Print or assign digitally for seamless classroom integration.

Perfect For:

• Music and arts classes
• Social studies units on cultural heritage
• Louisiana state history
• Black History Month (highlighting jazz and blues traditions)
• End-of-year fun activities

Help students experience the soul of New Orleans—download today!

Dive into a comprehensive and engaging exploration of key historical Palestinian conflicts with this ready-to-use educational resource. This pack covers five major events, including the First Intifada, Second Intifada, Gaza War (2008–09), and more—each presented in a detailed 150-word paragraph. Perfect for upper elementary, middle, or high school students studying history, current events, or global studies.

Each paragraph is followed by a complete set of activities to reinforce understanding and promote critical thinking:

• ✅ 3 Comprehension Questions
• ✅ 3 Multiple-Choice Questions
• ✅ 5 Fill-in-the-Blank Sentences
• ✅ 5 True/False Statements
• ✅ Complete Answer Key Included

What’s Included:

• 5 Detailed informational paragraphs (150+ words each)
• 15 Comprehension Questions
• 15 Multiple Choice Questions
• 25 Fill-in-the-Blanks
• 25 True/False Statements
• Organized Answer Key for easy grading

Educational Benefits:

• Builds historical knowledge and global awareness
• Develops comprehension and inferencing skills
• Supports test-prep with varied question types
• Encourages classroom discussions on real-world events

Recommended Use:

• History or Social Studies units
• Reading comprehension practice
• Sub plans or independent study
• Homeschool curriculum supplements

Introduce your students to the rich and fascinating world of Chinese Traditions with this engaging, fully editable resource! Designed for middle school and high school learners, this packet provides a comprehensive overview of key cultural practices, values, holidays, philosophies, and their historical significance. Through interactive worksheets, quizzes, and class projects, students will explore one of the world’s oldest and most influential cultures.

What's Included: ✅ Editable short-answer worksheets and multiple-choice questions ✅ Fill-in-the-blank exercises to reinforce understanding ✅ Thought-provoking class discussion prompts and project ideas ✅ Full answer keys included for quick and easy grading ✅ Organized sections on Chinese traditions, celebrations, philosophies, and daily life practices

Topics Covered:

• Traditional Chinese festivals (Lunar New Year, Mid-Autumn Festival, Dragon Boat Festival)
• Key philosophies (Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism) and their cultural impact
• Family traditions and the importance of filial piety
• Chinese art, music, calligraphy, and martial arts
• How traditions continue to influence modern Chinese society

Skills Developed: ✔️ Cultural awareness and global citizenship ✔️ Critical thinking and historical analysis ✔️ Research and creative presentation skills ✔️ Understanding cultural continuity and change over time

Why You'll Love It:

• Fully editable to adjust for different grade levels and classroom needs
• Great for World History, Social Studies, Cultural Studies, or Global Education units
• Can be used for individual assignments, group activities, class debates, or cultural projects
• Encourages students to make cross-cultural comparisons and understand global diversity
• Suitable for Grades 6–12

File Format:

• PDF version for immediate use
• Editable Word document version for customization
• Printer-friendly and digital-ready!

Usage Ideas:

• Lesson supplements for Chinese history or global studies units
• Homework or enrichment assignments
• Sub plans or independent study activities
• Interactive bulletin boards or cultural appreciation days

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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 engaging 90-minute lesson plan introduces Grades 5–8 students to the key events, causes, and impact of the American Civil War. Centered around the animated YouTube video The American Civil War Explained, the lesson includes interactive discussions, guided note-taking, and a comprehensive student worksheet. Students explore important topics such as slavery, states’ rights, the secession of Southern states, major battles, the Emancipation Proclamation, and the war’s lasting legacy.

Through a mix of multimedia, critical thinking questions, and short writing tasks, learners develop a deeper understanding of the war’s historical significance. The included worksheet features a timeline activity, vocabulary matching, true/false questions, short answers, and character identification, all with an answer key for easy assessment.

The lesson encourages active participation, critical reflection, and historical empathy. It’s ideal for classroom use during a U.S. history unit and adaptable for both in-person and distance learning. This lesson helps students connect past events to present-day issues of equality, unity, and the importance of civil rights in American history.

The Tudors: A Fascinating Journey Through History

An Engaging History Ebook for Grades 6–8

Step back in time and discover the exciting world of the Tudors, one of the most dramatic and important periods in British history! This beautifully illustrated and informative ebook is designed especially for middle school learners, combining rich historical content with fun facts, eye-catching images, and student-friendly language.

Students will explore:

• How the Tudors came to power and ruled England
• The lives of powerful monarchs like Henry VIII and Elizabeth I
• How religion, exploration, and culture changed the country forever ✝️
• What everyday life was like for rich nobles and poor villagers alike ⚔️

From thrilling jousting tournaments to dangerous sea voyages, from Shakespeare’s plays to Tudor fashion, this ebook brings history to life and helps students understand how the Tudors shaped the world we live in today.

Includes:

• Detailed chapters with illustrations and photos
• A printable student worksheet packed with fun and educational activities
• A complete answer key for easy marking or self-checking

Whether used in class, at home, or for projects, this ebook is the perfect companion for any young historian exploring the world of the Tudors.

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.

Celebrate Mexican history and culture with this engaging 90-minute classroom lesson about Cinco de Mayo! Using a short, informative video by History channel, students will learn the true story behind May 5th, exploring key historical events like the Battle of Puebla, the role of General Ignacio Zaragoza, and the resistance against French invasion.

This lesson clears up common misconceptions about the holiday and dives into important vocabulary, critical thinking, and creative writing. A printable student worksheet is included with a variety of activities:

✔️ Vocabulary matching
✔️ Comprehension questions
✔️ Timeline sorting
✔️ Map labeling
✔️ Diary-style creative writing

An answer key is provided for easy grading. This resource is ideal for Grades 4–8, Social Studies, History, or ESL classes, and is perfect for cultural celebration weeks or May-themed lessons.

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.

This engaging Coloring pages features a collection of inspiring quotes promoting equality, justice, and freedom, beautifully paired with intricate designs for coloring. Perfect for classrooms, homeschool activities, or personal use, these pages encourage creativity while fostering discussions about human rights and global values. Ideal for Human Rights Day, Social Studies lessons, or year-round inspiration. Let students reflect, color, and connect with these powerful messages of hope and humanity.

WHAT YOU WILL RECEIVE

• 26 coloring pages
• (PDF + PNG)
• Large 8.5” x 11” designs that can easily be printed on regular sized paper
• High-resolution images
• Unlimited prints
• Great for kids, boys, girls, and teens

Explore United States history through the art of haiku with the History in A Haiku Activity! This comprehensive kit is designed to enrich and engage students in their understanding of U.S. History while honing their creative writing skills. With carefully curated historical prompts, research resources, and a structured writing process, this activity offers a dynamic way to learn about various U.S. historical topics and craft expressive haikus.

Key Features:

• 30 Fascinating Historical Prompts: Choose from a diverse range of 30 U.S. historical topics that span different cultures, regions, and time periods.
• Grading Rubric: A comprehensive grading rubric guides students in meeting the criteria for historical accuracy, creative expression, language use, and more.
• Step-by-Step Guide: A detailed lesson plan and instructions make it easy to implement the activity effectively in your classroom.
• Extensions and Variations: Discover ways to extend the activity with group collaboration, multimedia integration, and exciting variations to cater to diverse learning preferences.
• Bonus Challenge: Encourage creativity with a bonus challenge that offers students the opportunity to earn extra credit by incorporating unique historical references.
• Grading Scale: A clear grading scale ensures students understand the evaluation process and helps you provide constructive feedback.
• Teacher Instructions: Detailed teacher instructions and suggestions for variations provide you with a flexible framework to adapt the activity to your classroom's needs.

Benefits:

• Enhance Historical Understanding: Foster a deeper understanding of world history by researching and connecting with different cultures and periods.
• Develop Creative Writing Skills: Cultivate creativity and descriptive language skills as students craft haikus that convey historical messages and imagery.
• Engaging and Interactive: The activity actively involves students in research, critical thinking, and artistic expression, making history come alive.
• Tailored Learning: Choose prompts that align with your curriculum or pique students' interests, creating a personalized learning experience.
• Meaningful Assessment: Assess historical understanding, language skills, and creativity through a well-defined grading rubric.

Immerse your students in the past, inspire their creativity, cultivate a deeper appreciation for history and language, and bring history to life in your classroom!

Students will use their research and context clues skills as they explore in depth 16 key figures of World War I through this online (or print) activity, as they work to find the missing pieces of information in the chart!

Key Figures include:

Arthur Zimmerman
Douglas Haig
Edith Cavell
Ferdinand Foch

John Pershing
Manfred von Richthofen
Mehmed V
Nicolas II

...and more!

Google Compatible - just copy and assign to students. Print version also available! Answer keys included!

Dive into the Teachings of Buddhism with This Comprehensive Notes and Graphic Organizer Resource!

Help your students explore the principles, history, and global influence of Buddhism with this engaging and NO-PREP social studies lesson. Perfect for middle and high school history or world religions classes, this resource makes teaching Buddhism both structured and accessible.

What’s Included:

• Detailed Notes:

• Covers Buddhism’s origins, key teachings, sacred texts, and historical development.

• Organized to help students grasp complex topics with ease.

• Graphic Organizer:

• Interactive format for students to summarize and retain key information.

• Encourages active learning and participation.

• Teacher-Friendly Layout:

• Saves you prep time with ready-to-use materials.

• Flexible for in-class instruction, homework, or study guides.

Key Features:

• Focus on Key Themes: Students learn about the Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path, and Buddhist traditions.
• Visually Engaging: The graphic organizer helps students structure their understanding.
• Standards-Aligned Content: Designed for world history and social studies curriculum needs.
• Adaptable Use: Suitable for lecture-based learning, group discussions, or independent work.

Perfect For:

• World History Teachers: Add depth to your unit on world religions.
• Religious Studies Classes: Provide students with a concise yet comprehensive overview of Buddhism.
• Time-Saving Lesson Plans: Ready to use and easy to implement.

Explore the history of the world through the art of haiku with the History in A Haiku Activity! This comprehensive kit is designed to enrich and engage students in their understanding of World History while honing their creative writing skills. With carefully curated historical prompts and a structured writing process, this activity offers a dynamic way to learn about various historical topics and craft expressive haikus.

Key Features:

• 30 Fascinating Historical Prompts: Choose from a diverse range of 30 world history topics that span different cultures, regions, and time periods.
• Grading Rubric: A comprehensive grading rubric guides students in meeting the criteria for historical accuracy, creative expression, language use, and more.
• Step-by-Step Guide: A detailed lesson plan and instructions make it easy to implement the activity effectively in your classroom.
• Extensions and Variations: Discover ways to extend the activity with group collaboration, multimedia integration, and exciting variations to cater to diverse learning preferences.
• Bonus Challenge: Encourage creativity with a bonus challenge that offers students the opportunity to earn extra credit by incorporating unique historical references.
• Grading Scale: A clear grading scale ensures students understand the evaluation process and helps you provide constructive feedback.
• Teacher Instructions: Detailed teacher instructions and suggestions for variations provide you with a flexible framework to adapt the activity to your classroom's needs.

Benefits:

• Enhance Historical Understanding: Foster a deeper understanding of world history by researching and connecting with different cultures and periods.
• Develop Creative Writing Skills: Cultivate creativity and descriptive language skills as students craft haikus that convey historical messages and imagery.
• Engaging and Interactive: The activity actively involves students in research, critical thinking, and artistic expression, making history come alive.
• Tailored Learning: Choose prompts that align with your curriculum or pique students' interests, creating a personalized learning experience.
• Meaningful Assessment: Assess historical understanding, language skills, and creativity through a well-defined grading rubric.

Immerse your students in the past, inspire their creativity, cultivate a deeper appreciation for history and language, and bring history to life in your classroom!

Use this crossword puzzle and word search combo to introduce and review key terms relating to the early era of U.S. History, from European Exploration of the New World to the beginning of the Atlantic Slave Trade.

Students will use their research and context clues skills as they explore in depth 20 key figures of World War II through this online (or print) activity, as they work to find the missing pieces of information in the chart!

Key Figures include:

Adolf Hitler
Anne Frank
Benito Mussolini
Benjamin O. Davis, Jr
Bernard Montgomery
Charles de Gaulle
Chiang Kai-shek
Douglas MacArthur
Dwight Eisenhower
Erwin Rommel
Franklin D. Roosevelt
George S. Patton

...and more!

Google Compatible - just copy and assign to students. Print version also available! Answer keys included!

Ready to get your students moving and learning with an engaging, exciting, and all-around fun French Revolution review game that is sure to become a class favorite? Then, The Fly Swatter Game is right for you! Students compete to swat the fly with the word that matches the definition they are given. Multiple formats (project-to-board/screen or print options) and multiple game modes keep this game fresh and exciting. It's engaging, it's intense, but most of all, it's loads of fun that will have your students wanting to play again and again!

Use this game to review key terms relating to The French Revolution!

What’s Included:

• PowerPoint version of game board and instructions to be projected to a board, wall, or screen
• Larger flies that can be printed and cut out to use around your entire classroom
• Teacher instructions
• Student Study List of terms and definitions
• Teacher Vocabulary Call List to be used during gameplay
• Blank flies and call lists if you want to add or customize the game!

Fly swatters not included (I found cheap ones at the local dollar store!), but you can always have students use their hands or create their own fly swatters from paper!

This product pairs perfectly with the The French Revolution - World History Crossword Puzzle and Word Search!