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

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!

This is a great resource for students to become familiar with key terms relating to World War II. If you choose to use this as the classroom collaboration project, just share the file with your class, assign a certain number of terms/slides to each student, and allow them to work on the Google Slide together in realtime!

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!

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!

Introduce your students to Emperor Qin Shi Huang and one of Ancient China's most impactful dynasties! Challenge them to examine the evidence and decide if he was a hero or a villain for the people of China ! Students will be engaged during this interactive lesson with great opportunities for discussion and debate!

Key Features:

• No Prep, Ready to Use: This resource is designed for easy classroom implementation with no preparation required—perfect for busy teachers.
• Interactive & Engaging: In addition to reading, students can participate in interactive activities that encourage deeper understanding of the Qin Dynasty’s importance to Chinese history.
• Student-Centered Learning: This resource promotes critical thinking by asking students to reflect on the long-term impacts of Qin Shi Huang’s rule, the harsh policies of legalism, and the dynasty's influence on China’s development.

Save 30% when you purchase the Early Civilizations Activity Bundle!

Engage your students with this thought-provoking worksheet, designed to deepen their understanding of Elie Wiesel’s experiences as described in his memoir, Night. Through a powerful excerpt and historical background, students will explore themes of dehumanization, fear, and resilience. This worksheet includes comprehension questions that encourage critical thinking, helping students connect with the text and reflect on the impact of the Holocaust. Perfect for both print and Google Doc formats, this resource is ideal for middle and high school classrooms studying Holocaust literature, memoirs, or themes of social justice.

Includes:

• Background information on Elie Wiesel and his journey during the Holocaust
• An excerpt from Night describing his arrival at Auschwitz
• Six detailed questions to assess comprehension and promote analysis
• Suitable for individual or group work, in-class discussion, or homework assignments

Empower your students to think critically and compassionately as they engage with this moving piece of history.

Bring Ancient Law to Life with an Interactive Lesson on Justinian’s Code!

Introduce your students to one history's most famous rulers and examine first-hand a selection of the laws he created! Students will be engaged during this interactive lesson, geared toward great discussion and debate!

If you don't know about Peardeck, it's a free Google extension that allows students to actively participate in your lesson through formative assessments and interactive questions you can add to your presentations right from Google Slides.

Dive Deep into the Fascinating Eras of Egyptian History with The Three Kingdoms of Egypt!

Engage students with this comprehensive interactive reading assignment exploring the Old, Middle, and New Kingdoms of Egypt—three pivotal eras that shaped ancient Egypt’s development and legacy. Perfect for middle and high school World History classes, this assignment introduces students to the unique characteristics, accomplishments, and historical figures of each kingdom, along with the lasting influence of ancient Egyptian culture.

Perfect For:

• World History and Social Studies Teachers: A must-have resource for introducing students to the key phases of Egyptian history.
• Building Contextual Understanding: Enables students to connect Egypt’s historical achievements with broader themes in world history.
• Variety of Learning Levels: Content is accessible and engaging for diverse student levels, encouraging independent and critical thinking.

Save 30% when you purchase the Early Civilizations Activity Bundle!

Lights, Camera, History!

Presenting the "The Prince of Egypt" Movie Lesson that will captivate your classroom and elevate your teaching to new heights. Step into the ancient world of Egypt with your students and experience the saga of Moses and Pharaoh Ramses in the acclaimed animated film, "The Prince of Egypt." Ignite their curiosity and critical thinking as they analyze historical accuracy, cultural representation, and thematic elements.

Guided Questions and Discussion Prompts - Enhance Engagement and Understanding!

Empower your students to dive deep into the narrative. Our comprehensive guided questions and discussion prompts will channel their insights, encouraging thoughtful conversations and illuminating connections between the film and historical realities.

Product Details:

• Lesson Plan
• 25 Guided Movie Questions
• 5 Discussion/Writing Prompts
• Answer Keys
• *Includes digital version in Google Docs or PDF version for printing!

Encourage your students to explore, analyze, and connect with the past like never before!

Engage Your Students in the Key World War II Battles with This Research Assignment!

Dive deep into the critical battles of World War II with this comprehensive U.S. and World History research assignment. Perfect for middle and high school students, this resource guides learners through the most significant military conflicts that shaped the course of WWII. Through independent research, students will investigate the causes, outcomes, and strategic significance of these key battles.

What’s Included:

• Research Guidelines: Clear instructions for students to conduct their own research on pivotal battles such as the Battle of Stalingrad, D-Day, the Battle of Midway, and more.
• Critical Thinking Questions: Encourage students to analyze the military strategies, geopolitical impacts, and the role of each battle in the larger context of WWII.
• Battle Overview Template: A structured template for students to organize their findings, including sections for key figures, dates, military forces involved, and battle outcomes.
• Engaging Historical Analysis: Questions designed to prompt deeper understanding of how these battles influenced the outcome of World War II and changed global history.

Key Features:

• No Prep, Ready to Use: This resource is designed for immediate classroom use, requiring no preparation—ideal for history teachers looking for a ready-to-go research project.
• Student-Centered Learning: Allows students to take ownership of their learning by diving into independent research on historical battles.
• Flexible Use: Perfect for individual or group work, class projects, or homework assignments.

Join us this Women's History Month as we honor and celebrate the incredible achievements of women throughout history. From trailblazing activists and scientists to innovative artists and leaders, there is so much to learn and be inspired by. Discover the stories of these amazing women who have shaped our world and continue to pave the way for future generations. Whether you're a teacher looking for resources or simply curious to learn more, our curated content will educate and empower you. Let's celebrate the resilience, strength, and brilliance of women this Women's History Month!

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Inspiredbymlg@outlook.com

Get ready to spice up your Cinco de Mayo celebration with a deep dive into its vibrant history and rich traditions! Join the fiesta as we unravel the fascinating origins and significance of this beloved Mexican holiday. From its roots in the Battle of Puebla to its modern-day festivities worldwide, discover the true essence of Cinco de Mayo like never before. Explore captivating stories, cultural insights, and festive customs that make this day a global sensation. Whether you're planning a festive gathering or simply curious about the history behind the fun, our comprehensive guide has you covered. Embrace the spirit of Cinco de Mayo and immerse yourself in the colors, flavors, and rhythms of this iconic fiesta. Let's celebrate together!

☺ Earn TeachShare credits for future purchases by providing feedback for paid products. (Feedback on free products is also greatly appreciated!)

☺ Follow me to receive notifications when new products are posted. You will also receive occasional messages alerting you to sales, promotions, and other exciting news.

☺ Don’t quite see what you are looking for? Leave me a note in the “Ask a Question” tab. I would be happy to create a product to meet the needs of you and your students.

⭐Questions? Send me an email at

Inspiredbymlg@outlook.com

Black History in 2024: An Engaging Activity for Active Learners!

Supercharge your students' Black history lessons with "Black History in 2024," an interactive activity that goes beyond memorization!

This captivating experience allows students to transcend the role of passive learners and become active contributors to their understanding of African American history.

Here's how it benefits your students:

• Deepen Historical Thinking: By exploring the lives and legacies of influential Black leaders, students gain a richer understanding of their impact.
• Spark Imagination: The activity prompts students to envision how these historical figures would navigate and contribute to the world of 2024. This fosters critical thinking and sparks curiosity about the ongoing evolution of Black history.
• Boost Engagement: The interactive nature of the activity keeps students excited and fosters a more dynamic learning experience.
• Promote Active Learning: Students aren't just memorizing facts; they're analyzing, interpreting, and applying their knowledge in a creative way.

"Black History in 2024" is the perfect way to make Black history come alive for your students!

☺ Earn TeachShare credits for future purchases by providing feedback for paid products. (Feedback on free products is also greatly appreciated!)

☺ Follow me to receive notifications when new products are posted. You will also receive occasional messages alerting you to sales, promotions, and other exciting news.

☺ Don’t quite see what you are looking for? Leave me a note in the “Ask a Question” tab. I would be happy to create a product to meet the needs of you and your students.

⭐Questions? Send me an email at

Inspiredbymlg@outlook.com

The Cuban Missile Crisis of October 1962 pushed the United States and the Soviet Union to the brink of nuclear war. This lesson will have students critically examine the complex relationship between the United States and Cuba that led to this climatic point in history. Students will delve deeper into this conflict by analyzing the differing points of view and perspectives concerning the events that led to the Cuban Missile Crisis through the study of three sources of information.

This resource is a perfect lesson for students to work independently, or for a substitute to teach!

This lesson includes:

• Teacher Reference Guide
• Reading: ‘On the Brink- From the Bay of Pigs to the Cuban Missile Crisis’
• 44 min Documentary film ‘Fidel Castro Declassified’
• 2 page set of 7 questions (analysis and comprehension)
• Venn Diagram
• American history textbook version

If you liked this lesson see other related ‘Cold War’ lessons here:

• Hot War Turns into the Cold War
• The Cold War and Vietnam
• Cold War Unit Review & Assessment
• The Korean War: A Critical Reading Activity
• Protest Movements of the 1960's: E-Chapter Textbook Project

This lesson will have students explore & debate the five major compromises that were made at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia in 1787. The delegates were charged with the task of amending the Articles of Confederation. However, they quickly decided to replace the Articles and write a new constitution. Because the delegates came from all parts of the country, they differed on a number of key issues. In order to keep the convention going and ensure ratification of the Constitution, the delegates had to compromise a number of times. As a result, the final document is sometimes described as a "bundle" of compromises.

Materials Include:

• Student Guided Notes T-Chart
• 23 Slide Presentation
• Teacher Answer Key

Supporting Questions:

• What was the purpose of the Constitutional Convention?
• What are the five compromises of the Constitution?
• How did the Constitutional Convention address the issue of slavery?

If you liked this lesson see other related 'Government' lessons here:

• Controversy and the Criminal Justice System (Eric Garner Case)
• The 'Bill of Rights' Time Travel
• Mock Trial: Class Preparation (MY BEST SELLER)!
• Post Zombie Apocalypse: What Form of Government Would YOU Create?
• YOU Be the Judge: Analyzing Supreme Court Decisions

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

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 lesson will have students critically explore what has been described as “one of the worst human rights crisis in the world”— referring to the camps located in the northwestern province of China, which are currently holding a million or more Uighur Muslims. The Chinese government disagrees with this portrayal, and has claimed that the camps are merely “re-education centers.” This lesson will have students analyze the validity of the two portrayals through the study of multiple sources.

The central investigative question is:

Are the camps in China “re-education centers” or are they “concentration camps”?

Time Frame: 2-3 class periods (60 min)

Materials:

• Lesson Plan

• 14 Slide Presentation

• Student Handout

In this lesson, students will gain a frame of reference for understanding how multiple factors can influence how history is written. This resource will prompt students to be able to answer not only “What happened?” BUT-- “How do you know?” and “Why do you believe your interpretation is valid?”

Critical questions are posed;

• What kind of factors can influence how history is written?
• What is a primary source? What is a secondary source? Strengths and limitations of each?
• Does one's analysis of recent historical events differ from distant past events?

Students will explore these important questions through the study of Christopher Columbus. Through the analysis of primary & secondary sources, students will re-examine the way in which the Columbus story has been portrayed in mainstream literature. A culminating Venn diagram activity will complete the lesson.

Two Optional Extension activities include;

#1. Analyze Excerpts from Children's books; Identify the different possible ways in which the following images and/or text can influence a reader’s understanding of Christopher Columbus and the Taino culture.

#2. Debate: Should Columbus Day be Celebrated?; FOR & AGAINST arguments included.

This Resource Includes:

• Teacher Reference Guide
• 34 Google Slide Presentation & Guided Notes
• Two Optional Extension Activities: 1# Analyzing Children's Literature, #2 Debate- Should Columbus Debate continue to be celebrated?

If you liked this lesson see other related lessons here:

• The Debate on Affirmative Action: Exploring Two Sides of the Issue
• Native American Residential Schools in the U.S. (Gallery Walk Activity)
• Westward Expansion & the Transcontinental Railway: Exploring Perspectives
• U.S. Imperialism UNIT: Interactive Notebook
• The 'Bill of Rights' Time Travel

This is a lesson designed to bring the ‘Five Themes of Geography’ to life! Students will go beyond the mere rote memorization of these themes, but will explore and apply each of these themes to an eye opening example found in the REAL WORLD; whether it be a tribal man’s adaptive ability to hold his breath for an extended amount of time while deep sea hunting, to the ancient Roman’s impressive engineering skills in constructing the famous waterway system known as the aqueducts.

The Slide Presentation will guide your students through an exciting journey of the five themes. This interactive lesson is designed to teach the concepts, and then quiz students of their understanding of each theme, and finally a more comprehensive assessment takes place at the end of the lesson.

This lesson contains:

• Google Slide Presentation (includes engaging video clips)
• Interactive Guided Notes
• Assessment
• Answer Key

If you liked this lesson see other related 'Geography' lessons here:

• Seeing Through Maps: Understanding Projections and Purpose
• Intro to Economics: Needs V. Wants
• Analyzing Environmental Disasters Caused by Human Activity