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U.S. Constitutional Compromises: Inquiry Approach
By Sarah Austin
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:
Supporting Questions:
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China's Camps: "Re-education Centers" Or "Concentration Camps"?
By Sarah Austin
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
The Debate on Affirmative Action
By Sarah Austin
Affirmative Action had been a contentious issue in the United States since the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960's. The Supreme Court’s 2023 decision to reject race-conscious admissions at colleges and universities around the nation upended decades of law and the higher education landscape. This lesson will invite students to draw connections between the past and today, as they take a focused look at affirmative action as it applies to admission programs at universities. Students will be provided with an introductory framework from which to understand the historical roots of affirmative action and its' controversial application today through the analysis of primary sources, research, and student-led discussion forum activity.
Time Frame: 2-3 class periods (Based on 60 min class period)
Materials:
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Pearl Harbor high school US History Digital Escape Game
By Frenchified
Are you looking for a new way to make the events associated with the attack on Pearl Harbor more interesting for your students? Look no further! With this no-prep digital escape game, your students can dive into a world of adventure as they uncover the truth about Pearl Harbor.
The game includes access to a website where students need to locate the keys that will unlock a set of locks. Here's where the real fun begins — each key has its own unique code, so they'll need to pay close attention and watch videos, visit websites, and read texts in order to find the information needed to win.
This game is easy to use – just send your students off on their adventure and let them do the rest. They can play either individually or in teams. In addition, this digital escape game is highly adaptable; it can be played anytime, anywhere - even at home!
Introduce some excitement into your virtual lessons and encourage your students’ critical thinking skills while still having fun with this outstanding Pearl Harbor digital escape game.
It's 1942. The Japanese have attacked Pearl Harbor. They plan to attack again, but you can stop them! You've got the code-breaking information, but in order to get to it you'll have to figure out the combinations to unlock the box where the decryption information is locked. Learn and review the important events surrounding the attack in this Pearl Harbor digital escape game.
Digital escape games are a fun way to start a unit, or to review at the end of a unit. They can also be used to learn about a cultural or historical event. This game will have your students reading carefully and paying attention to the smallest details in order to complete the challenge and unlock the locks.
This item includes:
Your students will enjoy learning without even realizing that they are learning! The challenging game format will get them excited about finding the code to unlock each lock - and the format of the clues for each lock will have them paying close attention - there's no way to solve the puzzles without being 100% focused!
Topics in this game include:
Prep is very easy - you just need to share the website URL with your students. You may want to test the site before you use it, just to make sure nothing is blocked by your district. As some of the clues can be challenging to unlock, you may choose to help your students with the trickier ones. With the teacher guide, you will have the answer key - so you can help guide students towards the correct answer by giving them hints, or if you have limited time, you can adjust the game by reducing the number of locks they need to unlock - just give them the answer(s) to help the activity fit your time constraints.
The Cuban Missile Crisis Declassified
By Sarah Austin
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:
If you liked this lesson see other related ‘Cold War’ lessons here:
César Chavez: Analyzing Primary Sources
By Sarah Austin
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;
The primary sources include;
Materials Include:
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Analyzing Environmental Disasters Caused by Human Activity
By Sarah Austin
You may hear about natural disasters often, but some of the deadliest disasters in world history have been environmental disasters caused by human activity. This lesson involves having your students investigate environmental disasters that have taken place on our planet. Their initial focus will be to examine the Chernobyl disaster in the Soviet Union. After closely exploring the historical background to this accident, students will then choose and research a different environment disaster, and create a Google Slide presentation to demonstrate their findings.
This Resource Includes:
If you liked this lesson see other related 'Geography' lessons here:
RETHINKING HISTORY- Through the Narratives of Christopher Columbus
By Sarah Austin
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;
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:
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World Cultures The Physical Geography of Russia Passage & Activities - NO PREP!
By Holly O'Hara
This passage and assortment of activities are an engaging and accessible way for your students to strengthen their knowledge of the physical geography of Russia!
THIS PRODUCT INCLUDES:
I do my best to make sure every product is free of typos or mistakes, but please feel free to message me with any corrections or concerns.
World Cultures Physical Geography of East Asia Passage & Activities- NO PREP!
By Holly O'Hara
This passage and assortment of activities are an engaging and accessible way for your students to strengthen their knowledge of the physical geography of East Asia, including countries such as China, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and Hong Kong.
THIS PRODUCT INCLUDES:
I do my best to make sure every product is free of typos or mistakes, but please feel free to message me with any corrections or concerns.
World Cultures The Government of North Africa Passage & Activities - NO PREP!
By Holly O'Hara
This passage and assortment of activities are an engaging and accessible way for your students to strengthen their knowledge of the government of North Africa, including countries such as Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, and Egypt.
THIS PRODUCT INCLUDES:
I do my best to make sure every product is free of typos or mistakes, but please feel free to message me with any corrections or concerns.
World Cultures The Economy of Russia Passage & Activities - NO PREP!
By Holly O'Hara
This passage and assortment of activities are an engaging and accessible way for your students to strengthen their knowledge of the economy of Russia!
THIS PRODUCT INCLUDES:
I do my best to make sure every product is free of typos or mistakes, but please feel free to message me with any corrections or concerns.
World Cultures The Five Themes of Geography Passage & Activities- NO PREP!
By Holly O'Hara
This passage and assortment of activities are an engaging and accessible way for your students to strengthen their knowledge of the five themes of geography!
THIS PRODUCT INCLUDES:
I do my best to make sure every product is free of typos or mistakes, but please feel free to message me with any corrections or concerns.
World Cultures Physical Geography of SW Asia Passage & Activities - NO PREP!
By Holly O'Hara
This passage and assortment of activities are an engaging and accessible way for your students to strengthen their knowledge of the physical geography of Southwest Asia, including countries such as Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, Israel, and Turkey.
THIS PRODUCT INCLUDES:
I do my best to make sure every product is free of typos or mistakes, but please feel free to message me with any corrections or concerns.
The Civil War: The Battle of Gettysburg Passage & Activities - NO PREP!
By Holly O'Hara
This product introduces the Battle of Gettysburg, an iconic battle during the Civil War, to students. The passage specifically discusses the events that led to the battle, the events of the three day conflict, the immediate impact of this moment in history on the outcome of the war, and the long lasting legacy of this battle on America.
THIS PRODUCT INCLUDES:
★ 2 page passage
★ 10 multiple choice comprehension questions
★ 5 short answer comprehension questions
★ Primary source analysis of a letter written by a Union soldier
★ Choice board with diverse activities to extend learning
★ Answer keys
★ Link to Google Slides version
This product is a part of my Civil War series (products will be linked as they are published) ⤵⤵⤵
Pre-War: 1830s-1860
Secession and Formation of the Confederacy (1860-1861)
Opening Conflict (1861)
Early War (1862)
Eastern Theater
Western Theater
Turning Points (1863)
Total War and Union Advancements (1864)
End of the War (1865)
Reconstruction (1865-1877)
I do my best to make sure every product is free of typos or mistakes, but please feel free to message me with any corrections or concerns.
The Civil War: The Second Battle of Bull Run Passage & Activities - NO PREP!
By Holly O'Hara
This product introduces the Second Battle of Bull Run, a significant conflict of the Civil War, to students. The passage specifically discusses the motives and actions of soldiers on both sides of the conflict, the events that set the battle into motion, the Union's retreat, and the impact that this battle had on the outcome of the war.
THIS PRODUCT INCLUDES:
★ 2 page passage
★ 10 multiple choice comprehension questions
★ 5 short answer comprehension questions
★ Primary source analysis of an official military report written in 1862
★ Choice board with diverse activities to extend learning
★ Answer keys
★ Link to Google Slides version
This product is a part of my Civil War series (products will be linked as they are published) ⤵⤵⤵
Pre-War: 1830s-1860
Secession and Formation of the Confederacy (1860-1861)
Opening Conflict (1861)
Early War (1862)
Eastern Theater
Western Theater
Turning Points (1863)
Total War and Union Advancements (1864)
End of the War (1865)
Reconstruction (1865-1877)
I do my best to make sure every product is free of typos or mistakes, but please feel free to message me with any corrections or concerns.
The Civil War: Battles of Shiloh & Fort Donelson Passage & Activities - NO PREP!
By Holly O'Hara
This product introduces the Battles of Shiloh and Fort Donelson during the Civil War to students. The passage specifically discusses the strategic importance of waterways in Tennessee, the events of both battles, the impact and legacy of these battles on the outcome of the war, and more.
THIS PRODUCT INCLUDES:
★ 2 page passage
★ 10 multiple choice comprehension questions
★ 5 short answer comprehension questions
★ Primary source analysis of a letter from a Union soldier
★ Choice board with diverse activities to extend learning
★ Answer keys
★ Link to Google Slides version
This product is a part of my Civil War series (products will be linked as they are published) ⤵⤵⤵
Pre-War: 1830s-1860
Secession and Formation of the Confederacy (1860-1861)
Opening Conflict (1861)
Early War (1862)
Eastern Theater
Western Theater
Turning Points (1863)
Total War and Union Advancements (1864)
End of the War (1865)
Reconstruction (1865-1877)
I do my best to make sure every product is free of typos or mistakes, but please feel free to message me with any corrections or concerns.
The Civil War: The Battle of Antietam Passage & Activities - NO PREP!
By Holly O'Hara
This product introduces the Battle of Antietam, a significant conflict during the Civil War, to students. The passage specifically discusses the motives and actions of soldiers on both sides of the conflict, the events that set the battle into motion, the massive cost of life imposed by the fighting, and the impact that this battle had on the outcome of the war.
THIS PRODUCT INCLUDES:
★ 2 page passage
★ 10 multiple choice comprehension questions
★ 5 short answer comprehension questions
★ Primary source analysis of a letter written by a soldier who fought in the battle
★ Choice board with diverse activities to extend learning
★ Answer keys
★ Link to Google Slides version
This product is a part of my Civil War series (products will be linked as they are published) ⤵⤵⤵
Pre-War: 1830s-1860
Secession and Formation of the Confederacy (1860-1861)
Opening Conflict (1861)
Early War (1862)
Eastern Theater
Western Theater
Turning Points (1863)
Total War and Union Advancements (1864)
End of the War (1865)
Reconstruction (1865-1877)
I do my best to make sure every product is free of typos or mistakes, but please feel free to message me with any corrections or concerns.
The Civil War: The Emancipation Proclamation Passage & Activities - NO PREP!
By Holly O'Hara
This product introduces the Emancipation Proclamation, famously issued during the Civil War, to students. The passage specifically discusses the events that led to the Proclamation and President Abraham Lincoln's motivations, the immediate impact of this moment in history, the long lasting legacy of this document on America, and more.
THIS PRODUCT INCLUDES:
★ 2 page passage
★ 10 multiple choice comprehension questions
★ 5 short answer comprehension questions
★ Primary source analysis of the Emancipation Proclamation
★ Choice board with diverse activities to extend learning
★ Answer keys
★ Link to Google Slides version
This product is a part of my Civil War series (products will be linked as they are published) ⤵⤵⤵
Pre-War: 1830s-1860
Secession and Formation of the Confederacy (1860-1861)
Opening Conflict (1861)
Early War (1862)
Eastern Theater
Western Theater
Turning Points (1863)
Total War and Union Advancements (1864)
End of the War (1865)
Reconstruction (1865-1877)
I do my best to make sure every product is free of typos or mistakes, but please feel free to message me with any corrections or concerns.
Social Studies Primary and Secondary Sources Passage & Activities- NO PREP!
By Holly O'Hara
This passage and assortment of activities are an engaging and accessible way for your students to strengthen their knowledge of primary and secondary sources!
THIS PRODUCT INCLUDES:
I do my best to make sure every product is free of typos or mistakes, but please feel free to message me with any corrections or concerns.