8th Grade U.S. History Research (by date, oldest first)

This unit connects learning with technology to Social Studies. This is perfect for technology class or for use in a Social Studies or History classroom that wants to incorporate technology with a lesson. No download is required to use either Adobe Express (www.adobe.com/express) or Canva (www.canva.com) - both free products, making it easy for teachers who are not able to download software on classroom computers to still give their students a choice in learning. Alternatively, this lesson can be completed using MS Word/PowerPoint or Google Docs/Slides if the teacher prefers.

To begin the lesson, students complete a webquest to learn about the Civil War. Student handouts in both print and digital formats are included, along with an answer key for easy grading. Additionally, a wordsearch puzzle with answer key is included, perfect for early finishers or to include with the lesson.

Next, students are provided with a quick tutorial for both Canva and Adobe Express, as well as links to other resources to help them with their project. The tutorials are intended to help students get started with the program and then use the resources within the program to refine their creations. Students create a timeline about the history of the civil war after conducting research. They use that information along with graphics, pictures and backgrounds from the Internet and also supplied in Adobe Express or Canva to create a finished presentation that explains the timeline of events during the Civil War and add their own opinions and insights to the project.

This is an excellent creative project to add to a unit on the Civil War or other social studies lessons on the growth and development of the United States. The project was created for grades 6-8 but could easily be used with upper elementary or high school students.

Materials Required

· Access to computers for each student (or pair of students)

· Internet access

Project Duration (approximate)

· Introduction to the Lesson: Review expectations, overview of the program .5-1 (50 minute class period)

· WebQuest – 1 (50 minute) class period

· Word Search Puzzle – approximately 15-20 minutes

· Student research and timeline creation: 3-5 (50 minute) class periods

· Presentations to the class of each project (optional): Time will vary depending on class size and time allotted for discussion of each presentation.

Files Included with this Lesson

· Teacher & Student Notes and Resources

· WebQuest with Answer Key (digital and print versions)

· Word Search Puzzle with Answer Key

· Student Timeline Project Expectations and Grading Rubric

· Getting Started Tutorial for Adobe Express

· Getting Started Tutorial for Canva

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Lesson Overview

In this lesson, students learn fun facts about Independence Day (July 4) as they complete a WebQuest (Internet Scavenger Hunt) to answer questions about the topic. A complete answer key is provided for easy grading, along with resources for both teachers and students. Two versions of the WebQuest are included to let teachers print the questions or to provide them digitally as an interactive page in an editable Microsoft PowerPoint file.  Also included is a word search puzzle with answer key, perfect as a part of the lesson, or as an extension activity for early finishers.

This lesson was designed for middle school (grades 6-8) but could be used in upper elementary as well.

This lesson is great for distance learning/remote learning. You can upload it to your school's learning management system (Google Classroom, Edmodo, Canvas, etc.) or share with students via Google Drive.

Materials Required:

• Computers with Internet access for each student (or pair of students)
• Software such as Microsoft Word or Google Docs

Files included:

• Teacher & Student Resources
• WebQuest questions for students - print and digital versions (editable)
• WebQuest Answer Key (non-editable, .pdf)
• Word Search Puzzle with Answer Key

Approximate Lesson Duration:

• 1 – 1.5 (50 minute) class periods

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G-RATED VERSION | CLEAN VERSION

Please Note: Sex and drugs of this time are not addressed in this lesson as they may not be appropriate in certain educational settings. You are welcome to put your spin on it if you feel your students are developmentally and socially ready.
This lesson is focused on counterculture's free-thinking.

**INCLUDES TWO REAL-LIFE ENCOUNTERS (INTERVIEWS)**

What is counterculture and how can it change the world we live in?

Students will look at the counterculture of the 1960-70s through the festival at Bethel, New York— the age of hippies, the Civil Rights Movement, and the Vietnam War. Explore the event surrounding this time and event and determine how the counterculture of this time made an impact and changed American culture. This lesson also implements depth and complexity of the topic.

GRADE LEVEL: 7TH-12TH

TIME FRAME: 60-90 MINUTES

TYPE OF ACTIVITY: GROUP COOPERATION OR INDIVIDUAL ACTIVITY

OBJECTIVES

o The learner will understand the circumstances and purpose of the Woodstock Art & Music Fair Festival of ‘69.

o The learner will read first-hand accounts of those who attended Woodstock ‘69.

o The learner will hypothesize how Woodstock ‘69’s counterculture changed American culture.

o The learner will explore the changes over time in American culture before, during, and after Woodstock.

MATERIALS:

o Reading Activity (Included) May consider laminating for future use with classes and for durability.

o Depth & Complexity Activity (Included)

o Folder with pockets, one per group. Place the laminated reading activity on the left-hand pocket and

the Depth & Complexity, Geographically Speaking, and Exit Tickets copies in the right-hand pocket, paper

clipped together. Print the cover page and glue or staple it to the front of the folder. Place one folder at

each group’s station.

o Exit Tickets (Included)

o Song from Spotify or other sources: Jimi Hendrix's “The Star Spangle Banner,” Live at Woodstock

o Technology to play the YouTube video of Jimi Hendrix’s appearance on the Dick Cavett Show.

o Internet access for any research needed.

INCLUDES:

o Teacher's Guide

o Introduction Activity

o Procedure

o Closure/Evaluation

o Anwer guides

Disclaimer:

One purchase is for the use of one teacher. If additional teachers would like to use this product, please purchase additional licenses.

Music is a great way to get students engaged and support the learning process. Our brain and body must be in a state of calmness to gear up for learning. Studies have shown that using music in the classroom provided an increased level of positivity and calmness in students.

This bundle includes 7 lessons + 3 freebies.

OR BUILD YOUR OWN BUNDLE HERE

In order to fully appreciate and understand a work of literature, it is important for students to acquire background knowledge on the the person who wrote it and the time period in which it was written. This scavenger hunt serves as an excellent introduction to Mark Twain and can be used in conjunction with any of his works.

This resource includes:

• 15 questions about the life and times of Mark Twain
• Full Answer Key

_______________________________________________________________________

Also, check out these great Scavenger Hunts for other famous authors by Language Arts Excellence:

⭐ Shakespeare Scavenger Hunt

⭐ Edgar Allan Poe Scavenger Hunt

___________________________________________________________________________

Click to Follow Language Arts Excellence

Ready for a road trip? My Road Trip to the Top Ten National U.S. Parks lets you think about and plan to visit the top ten U.S. national parks:

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Grand Canyon National Park

Yosemite National Park

Yellowstone National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park

Olympic National Park

Zion Canyon National Park

Grand Teton National Park

Acadia National Park

Glacier National Park

35 pages of fact-based fun and interesting facts, such as how many visitors pass through parks and scenic and wildlife information, along with where each park is located. Note park spellings are based on National Park Service website for student research purposes.

Includes:

Directions with Ideas for Implementation and for Assessment

Includes writing prompts, diorama, research ideas, and more...

Research and Writing Components

Math and Science Skills Connections

Info Sheet Handout with Junior Ranger Motto and core values of the

National Park Service

My Road Trip U.S. Map to plot itineraries

My Road Trip Mileage Chart for incorporating math skills

Location of Parks

Established Dates of Parks

Sizes of Parks

Scenic Beauty coloring sheet for each park

Scenic Beauty facts

Fact Boxes to add visitor/researched info

Fun Sheet to List the Top 5 places to visit in each park

Record Yearly Temperatures and Averages (Science)

Best Time to Visit

Best Features

Excellent across curriculum lesson plan that encourages critical thinking and planning skills for a fun U.S. national parks road trip! Students who have visited listed parks can be class experts as the lesson plan progresses.

Meets CCSS.

Need a great accompanying packet?

Try "Dialects of the U.S." at Educator Helper storefront.

Native American Heritage Month and Indigenous Peoples Day Crossword Puzzles are a fun and educational resource to help students learn key Native American terms and concepts. Perfect for Indigenous Peoples Day , these puzzles are designed for elementary and middle school students, promoting awareness while enhancing vocabulary skills. Ideal for classroom activities or homework assignments.

WHAT YOU WILL RECEIVE

• 20 Pages ( 10 Pages For Puzzles + 10 Pages For Solution )

• ( PDF + PNG Files )

• 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 + PNG files 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.

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The Juneteenth Crossword Puzzle is a fun and engaging activity that tests your knowledge and vocabulary related to the Freedom day. This crossword puzzle is specifically designed to celebrate the joys and activities associated with Freedom day.

The crossword puzzle is a great way to challenge yourself and have fun while expanding your Juneteenth-related vocabulary. It encourages critical thinking, problem-solving, and word recognition skills. Whether you're enjoying a sunny beach day or staying indoors during a Freedom day rain shower, this crossword puzzle is a perfect way to pass the time and enjoy the spirit of Freedom day .

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

WHAT YOU WILL RECEIVE

• 11 Pages

• ( PDF + PNG Files )

• 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 + PNG files 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.

Follow me from Here .

Elevate Juneteenth Quotes with our diverse bundle of therapeutic activities. Explore soothing Quotes Coloring Pages and intricate Quotes Mandala Coloring Pages, Reading Comprehension. Engage your mind with Jigsaw Puzzles, Quotes Cut and Paste, Mazes , Word Search , Sudoku, Crossword . Foster connection with Games. This collection offers relaxation, mindfulness, and empowerment for all ages.

WHAT YOU WILL RECEIVE

• ( 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 and girls

JUST DOWNLOAD, PRINT AND GET STARTED

• This item comes as a high-resolution PDF + PNG files 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.

Printable Father's day & Juneteenth activities are perfect for keeping kids engaged and entertained during Fathers day & Freedom day. These activities include a variety of fun and educational options that can be easily printed and completed at home or on the go.

this bundle contains coloring pages, mazes, Word search , Sudoku , fill in the blank , color by number , mandala coloring sheets , Reading comprehension and much more ...

WHAT YOU WILL RECEIVE

• ( 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 and girls

JUST DOWNLOAD, PRINT AND GET STARTED

• This item comes as a high-resolution PDF + PNG files 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.

Follow me from Here .

Printable Juneteenth activities are perfect for keeping kids engaged and entertained during Freedom day. These activities include a variety of fun and educational options that can be easily printed and completed at home or on the go.

this bundle contains coloring pages, mazes, Cut And Paste, Mandala, Reading Comprehension , Color By Number.

WHAT YOU WILL RECEIVE

• ( 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 and girls

JUST DOWNLOAD, PRINT AND GET STARTED

• This item comes as a high-resolution PDF + PNG files 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.

Follow me from Here .

Puzzles are the best activities for brain teasing labyrinths, these exercises support learning through play by developing concentration and problem solving skills.

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

WHAT YOU WILL RECEIVE

• ( PDF + PNG Files )

• 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 + PNG files 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.

Follow me from Here .

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.

Engage your students with this creative biography project as they learn about key figures of the Civil Rights Movement! Project includes template for a Funko Pop character, Biographical Information/Research Page, "A Letter to the Past" template, grading rubric, and detailed instructions! Students will pick a famous leader from the Civil Rights Movement, research their life and achievements, and have fun as they use their creative mind!

A great mini-project for Black History Month or the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday!

Make Valentine’s Day Educational with This Fun History Research Activity!

Engage your students with this exciting, Valentine’s Day-themed research activity that blends history and fun! Perfect for middle and high school social studies or world history classes, students research a historical figure and learn more about others as they hear from potential Mystery History Dates! Each student will choose a historical figure, complete a Mystery Date profile of them, and meet other Mystery Dates in this stations-based activity. After they read about all Mystery Dates, students will identify who each figure is, and determine who would be least and most compatible with their own chosen figure. Out of all these Mystery History Dates, will they find a match? Or a dud?

Activity includes:

- Overview and instructions

- Mystery History Date Profile Sheet

- Mystery History Date Guess List

- Mystery History Date Compatibility Sheet

- Variations for small-groups and a Game Show edition!

Bring History to Life with This Interactive Trading Card Research Activity and Classroom Game!

Engage your students in a dynamic exploration of historical figures with the History Makers Trading Cards activity. This interactive resource combines historical research with creative design and classroom gameplay, making it perfect for a variety of social studies or history lessons.

Students will research significant figures from history, gather key facts, and design their own trading cards featuring each historical person’s image, accomplishments, and contributions to the world. Once the cards are created, students can use them in a classroom game that encourages discussion, debate, and friendly competition.

What's Included:

• Customizable Trading Card Templates: Templates for students to design unique cards for each historical figure.
• Research Guide: A structured guide to help students organize important information on each individual, such as key dates, achievements, and historical significance.
• Classroom Game Instructions: Fun and competitive game ideas for using the cards in classroom activities to reinforce learning.
• Versatile Usage: Perfect for individual assignments, group projects, or as a creative assessment tool.

Key Benefits:

• Research Skills Development: Students enhance their research abilities by diving deep into the lives of notable figures across history.
• Creativity and Critical Thinking: The hands-on creation of trading cards allows students to engage creatively while critically analyzing each figure’s impact on history.
• Interactive Learning: The trading card game offers an engaging way to review and reinforce historical knowledge in a fun, competitive environment.

This resource is ideal for middle and high school social studies, world history, and US history classrooms. It can be used for individual research projects, group activities, or as a classroom competition. Turn your students into historical researchers and trading card designers while making history lessons interactive and exciting!

Looking for a fun and exciting way to incorporate Valentine's Day into your social studies classroom? Look no further than "Historical Heartthrobs: Valentines from Famous Figures!"

This engaging teaching resource features a collection of heartfelt Valentine's Day messages inspired by famous figures from history and pop culture. From influential leaders and activists to beloved artists and entertainers, each Valentine's Day message offers a unique and imaginative glimpse at some of history's most iconic individuals.

Students will use context clues, research skills, and their knowledge of history and pop culture as they read through the Valentine's Day cards to determine which "Historical Heartthrob" would have written it! With a diverse range of figures spanning different time periods and backgrounds, this resource encourages students to explore the lives of historical figures in a relatable and engaging way.

Activity includes:

- Historical Heartthrobs: Valentines from Famous Figures - World History Edition Worksheets

- Historical Heartthrobs: Valentines from Famous Figures - U.S. History Edition Worksheets

- Extension Activity: Create Your Own Historic Valentine!

- Answer Keys

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!

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!

World History Ultimate Bundle! Yearlong Activities, Worksheets, Lessons, Games & Projects for Your Classroom

Bring world history to life and save time with this ultimate yearlong bundle! This comprehensive collection includes over 125 engaging activities covering major historical periods, from Prehistory, Ancient Civilizations, and the Middle Ages to World War II and the 21st Century. Designed for middle school, high school, and homeschool students, this bundle provides an extensive range of resources to enhance your world history curriculum, making history interactive, fun, and memorable.

What’s Included:

• Reading Comprehension Worksheets: This is a new product line, currently covering key historical periods from Prehistory to Ancient Greece, with more added throughout the year!
• Interactive Reading Lessons: Explore historical events and figures with guided questions and in-depth analysis.
• Worksheets & Notes: Perfect for classwork, homework, and review.
• Projects & Research Assignments: Encourage deep dives into specific historical topics, fostering critical thinking.
• Crossword Puzzles & Word Searches: Fun ways to reinforce vocabulary and key historical concepts.
• Classroom Games: Make history fun with interactive activities that engage all learners.
• Teacher Guides & Answer Keys: Detailed guides, rubrics, and answer keys for easy lesson planning and grading.

This Bundle is Ideal For:

• New teachers building a robust collection of classroom activities.
• Experienced teachers seeking fresh, creative resources.
• Homeschool families wanting structured, engaging lessons.

Stay tuned for even more resources added throughout the year as the reading comprehension series continues to expand. Check out the previews to see how these activities can enrich your classroom today!