Less than $5 Higher Education Social Studies & History Resources

Free download for phase 1 of planning a concept-based lesson by Lynn Erickson's teaching theory. Download and brainstorm an essential question.

Visit our Blog How To Teach Geography

There is no correct way to teach geography, but there are some best practices. When I began my teaching career in geography 26 years ago in Memphis City Schools, Memphis, TN, the district was focused on concept-based teaching — teaching to the big ideas & conceptual-based learning based upon Lynn Erikson's concept-based instruction. At first, I found it very challenging to implement this strategy into my lessons as it was a new concept and it significantly varied from the way we had all been presenting content to our students. It took persistence; it took patience, but I believe it was a huge part of why my students enjoyed geography and were able to grasp it. An example of this would be teaching the concept of "human population" and then applying this concept to world population ideas and issues throughout the world such as:

Push and pull factors of migration

Cartograms, and population density maps

Causes and outcomes of population growth and decline

China's one-child policies due to overpopulation

Africa's population decline

Europe's population decline, etc.

This conceptual-based learning worked well, and students were learning and grasping the concepts and material. It required me to spend more time on the concept with my students, but it gave them a BIG PICTURE of how variables affect population and how population trends work and are influenced. It made them think at higher levels preparing their pathways for high-level learning and working to strengthen their brain connectivity. It gave them a different viewpoint of looking at geography, rather than focusing on one small concept at a time.

Just to give you an idea of how I would/do begin planning each concept-based lesson, I would begin with a brainstorming bubble, and in the center circle, I would type in an essential question. All an essential question (they always have to use big terminology) is an open-ended question that educators use to spark student interest. I say, let' not make this harder than it has to be.

Here are examples of essential questions specific to geography:

How have Revolutions impacted our world? (This could be taking a look at the meaning behind "revolution" and empowering student understanding of this "concept" through discussing many different types of revolutions such as the American Revolution, the Industrial Revolution in the United States and Europe, the Russian Revolution, the Cultural Revolution, the Sudanese Revolution, and the Chinese Revolution of 1949.)

Does music create culture, or vice versa?

Who is an American?

How can learning about other cultures teach us about our own?

What is the relationship between climate and natural resources?

Need an idea for an essential question? There is so much information today on essential questions than there was when I first started teaching. Simply, type into your search engine: "Essential questions for geography." and then align it with your curriculum. Others have "essentially" (no pun intended) done this work for you over the years.

☑ For secondary, middle school and high school students☑Check out the preview to see what is included.

Visit our store Geography & Math Made Easy to view other related resources.

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© Geography & Math Made Easy Resources. Created by Martha Boykin ^ Will Boykin. All rights reserved. Purchase of this product grants the purchaser the right to reproduce pages for classroom use only. If you are not the original purchaser, please download the item from my store before making copies. Copying, editing, selling, redistributing, or posting any part of this product on the internet is strictly forbidden. Violations are subject to the penalties of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act.

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15 World War posters with ELA/SS/History writing activities or discussion starters for secondary students. Use as individual assignments or with small/whole group settings. Excellent graphics with 3 thought provoking prompts per each page.Includes: use: Propaganda (Definitions, Activity for defining, and application of) Critical thinking skills Analysis Explanation Illustrating Inferencing Designing Problem Solving Segregation and much more! Excellent for teaching fact-based, textual evidence with inferencing and critical thinking, as well as for standardized testing practice.

Entrepreneur Series

This assignment is part of a 50-assignment series—perfect for enriching lessons or projects. Check out my store for bundle deals to enhance your curriculum.

Explore the life, achievements, contributions, and legacy of a notable entrepreneur in a clear, structured format:

• Written at a 9th-grade level with 8 paragraphs and 8 comprehension questions.
• Includes an answer key for easy grading.
• The consistent format across the series makes it ideal for compare/contrast activities or group projects.

These printable maps will be useful whether you are studying geography, world history, countries around the world, or you are just trying to show your kids the route you are taking on your next vacation! For kids learning about states, we’ve included a printable map of the world, as well as maps of North and South America, Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa, and Antarctica. Furthermore, the world map printable set comprises labeled and blank options for printing. To print the printable map pdf file simply download this ressource and use it for students in pre-kindergarten, first grade, second grade, third grade, fourth grade, fifth grade, sixth grade, seventh grade, junior high, and even high school.

The blank world map is particularly useful for providing a bird’s eye perspective of the globe, oceans, continents, and major nations. It also helps locate me on the map with children of various ages.

That ressource countains:

• Blank World Map (with /without country names)
• North America Map (with / without country names)
• South America Map (with / without country names)
• Australia Map (with / without country names)
• Asia Map (with / without country names)
• Europe Map (with / without country names)
• Antarctica Map (with / without country names)
• Africa Map (with / without country names)
• United States Map (with / without country names)

Whether you are a parent, a teacher, or homeschooler these blank maps are a super handy resource in relation to your social studies. Use them to track historical events, label states when studying the United States, and chart historical battles. These printable maps work well for extra practice, summer learning (plotting summer vacations), tracking global events, tracking the spread of the coronavirus, and even as homework practice for labeling nations and their capitals.

>>>> ⭐ More Similar Activities ⭐ <<<<<

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Unveiling the Ingenious Sumerians: Dive into the Cradle of Civilization with this Engaging Reading Comprehension Worksheet

Journey back to the dawn of human civilization with this captivating reading comprehension worksheet that delves into the remarkable world of the Sumerians! Discover their groundbreaking achievements in:

• Cuneiform Writing: Explore the revolutionary writing system that revolutionized communication and record-keeping.
• City-State Marvels: Uncover the rise of sophisticated urban centers with complex social structures.
• Ziggurat Wonders: Ascend the awe-inspiring ziggurats, understanding their religious and astronomical significance.
• Pioneering Inventions: Witness the Sumerians' remarkable advancements in agriculture, irrigation, mathematics, and more.

Content:

• Engrossing Narrative: Dive into a captivating journey that details the Sumerians' rise, inventions, societal structures, and lasting legacy.
• Primary Source Analysis: Analyze an excerpt from the Epic of Gilgamesh, fostering critical thinking and providing firsthand insight into their culture.
• Reinforcing Activities: Solidify understanding with multiple-choice, true-or-false, fill-in-the-blank, and short answer questions that assess student comprehension and encourage in-depth analysis.
• Comprehensive Answer Key: Facilitate easy grading and insightful classroom discussions with a detailed answer key.

Learning Objectives:

• Analyze the Sumerians' groundbreaking contributions to writing, city-building, agriculture, and various other fields.
• Understand the rise and structure of Sumerian city-states and their impact on the development of Mesopotamian society.
• Explore the symbolic and practical significance of the enigmatic ziggurats.
• Evaluate the enduring influence of the Sumerian civilization on later Mesopotamian cultures and beyond.

Common Core State Standards:

This reading comprehension worksheet aligns with the following Common Core State Standards:

• Reading: RI.5.1, RI.5.2, RI.5.3, RI.5.4, RI.5.5, RI.5.6
• Writing: W.5.1, W.5.2, W.5.4, W.5.8
• Speaking and Listening: SL.5.1, SL.5.2, SL.5.3
• Social Studies: SS.5.C.2, SS.5.C.3, SS.5.C.4

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!

There are so many amazing people we can learn from during Black History Month (and the rest of the year). This board includes several influential Black Americans and phrases that are simple and short enough for younger grade levels!

What You will Get

• 13 PAGES
• PDF + PNG + PPTX Format
• HIGH QUALITY

NOTE

• This is a digital item.

• No physical product or printed material will be shipped.

• No refunds as this is a digital product.

JUST DOWNLOAD, PRINT AND GET STARTED

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:

• Teacher Reference Guide
• 35 Slide Presentation
• Guided Notes
• Four Articles
• Four Corner Signs

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

• Controversy and the Criminal Justice System (Eric Garner Case)
• César Chavez: Analyzing Primary Sources
• The 'Bill of Rights' Time Travel
• Mock Trial: Class Preparation (MY BEST SELLER)!
• Analyzing The Declaration of Independence & the U.S. Constitution
• Post Zombie Apocalypse: What Form of Government Would YOU Create?

GEOGRAPHY THUMBPRINTS: A CHARACTER ANALYSIS OF A PERSON, CHARACTER, COUNTRY, OBJECT, EVENT

This lesson, although written for geography, is not subject-specific and is adaptable to any subject or topic — history, ancient studies, book studies or any time you are studying a person, character, country, object, or event. Use this character analysis to explore people, reading characters, historical characters or people, events, countries, and objects. No, an object, country, or event does not have feelings, but what if they did? How would they feel? What would they see? What would they hear? What would they say? Encourage your student to think outside the box and stretch their minds and higher-level thinking skills.

Materials Needed

• butcher paper, poster board, or drawing paper
• Emotional chart (Included)
• Character analysis chart (Included)
• Markers
• Rulers

Type of Lesson

Group cooperation, research, exploratory, examination

Closure:

3-5 minute Presentations

Copyrighted by @MarthaBoykinLessons

For use of one class only and not to be distributed, copied, or printed outside of the classroom. Additional licenses can be purchased if other instructors and classes wish to use this lesson.

Disclaimer:

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

Visual learners delight with these character analysis graphic organizers! Help students uncover and focus on important character traits for writing and visualizing fiction and non-fiction characters. Includes critical thinking, problem solving, research skills, and test prep concepts. Includes: 3 Character Analysis sheets with traits boxes graphic organizers Background Profile graphic organizer Personal Profile graphic organizer Historical Info graphic organizer Character Road Map with directions 3 Road Map Symbols handouts Easy and fun to use with individuals and small/whole groups for analysis, close reading, building characters, and test prep in English, literature, and history classes for at-risk, GT, Pre-AP, AP, homeschool, etc...

This WebQuest includes 15 questions - each with a link for students to explore to find the answer to the questions.

Includes a comprehensive answer key.

Written at a 9th grade level but suitable for many grades.

Check out other WebQuests in the US Government series. Bundle also available.

Unmasking the Silent Killer: Agent Orange and its Toxic Legacy (Reading Comprehension & Critical Analysis)

Beyond Battlefield Scars: Delve into the haunting truth of Agent Orange, a chemical defoliant used in the Vietnam War. Explore its immediate and long-term devastation on human health, the environment, and future generations. Analyze primary sources, grapple with ethical dilemmas, and contemplate the ongoing struggle for justice and healing. This resource ignites critical thinking and historical reflection, sparking discussions about human rights, responsibility, and the lasting impact of warfare.

Key Features:

• Uncover the Dark Reality: Understand the composition, deployment, and immediate effects of Agent Orange.
• Analyze a Primary Source: Decipher a Vietnamese doctor's firsthand account of the tragedy's ripple effect.
• Multiple Choice, True/False, Fill in the Blank, and Short Answer Questions: Assess comprehension and encourage diverse perspectives.
• Examine Ethical Dilemmas: Debate the justifications and consequences of chemical warfare, considering long-term harm.
• Explore the Devastating Legacy: Unveil the human suffering, environmental contamination, and generational health issues endured to this day.
• Confront Questions of Justice: Investigate efforts for support and remediation, recognizing the need for accountability and healing.
• Teacher Answer Key: Save time and facilitate self-assessment.

Learning Objectives:

• Analyze historical texts and primary sources to gain informed perspectives.
• Evaluate the ethical implications of chemical warfare and its long-term effects.
• Understand the complex human and environmental consequences of military decisions.
• Engage in critical thinking and discussions about responsibility, justice, and solutions.
• Analyze the historical context and enduring legacy of a controversial weapon.

Recommended Common Core Standards:

• Reading: RI.8.1, RI.8.2, RI.8.3, RI.8.4, RI.8.6, RI.8.7, W.8.2, W.8.4, W.8.9
• History: SS.8.10, SS.8.11, SS.8.12

Bonus! Earn TeachShare credits by purchasing and reviewing this resource! Your feedback helps improve the product and rewards you for supporting a fellow educator.

Looking for engaging resources that spark historical debates? Explore my store for a treasure trove of reading comprehensions on diverse themes, from ancient civilizations to modern conflicts. There's something for every classroom!

These posters for Black History Month are perfect for any bulletin board display and a great start to introduce new figures in any classroom! There are 30 men and women in this resource that can help you do just that!

What You will Get

• 30 PAGES
• PDF + PNG Format
• HIGH QUALITY

NOTE

• This is a digital item.

• No physical product or printed material will be shipped.

• No refunds as this is a digital product.

JUST DOWNLOAD, PRINT AND GET STARTED

Teaching map projections can be challenging! This PowerPoint presentation is an easy way to give student the foundation they need to understand what map projections are and how each has its own level of accuracies and distortions based on size and shape of land masses and measurement/distance between points.

Everything you need to for students to make their own game boards based on concepts from unit lesson plans:

Student examples

Templates for squares, objects, and more...

Images for game pieces (male/female of different ages, modes of transportation)

Images for pitfalls and rewards (bridges, buildings, desert, mountains trees, etc...)

Directions

Suggestions for using/playing

Scoring Rubrics

Many items for students to make their own game boards! A great assessment tool for project based classrooms! Use as chapter/novel comprehension, reinforcing skills, main ideas/supporting details, historical events, and more... Fun for students and teachers! Be sure to have a game day to play the board games!

Celtic Mythology Assignment Bundle: A 20-Part Series!

Immerse your students in the enchanting world of Medieval mythology with this bundle of 20 engaging reading assignments. Written at a 7th-grade level, this series is accessible yet thought-provoking, making it suitable for a wide range of learners.

Each assignment includes:

1. A Captivating Story – A carefully adapted myth that balances cultural depth with readability.
2. 4 Thought-Provoking Questions – Designed to reinforce understanding and encourage deeper exploration of themes and cultural context.
3. Answer Key – Simplifies grading and provides clear explanations for each question.

This 20-part series invites students to explore the heroes, creatures, and traditions of Medieval mythology while developing critical thinking and comprehension skills. Perfect for history, literature, or cross-cultural studies, these assignments engage learners of varying skill levels.

Beyond the Battlefield: Uncovering the Untold Stories of Korean Civilians in War

Immerse your students in the heart-wrenching experiences of Korean civilians during the Korean War with this captivating reading comprehension worksheet.

Product Overview:

• Focus: Korean War, civilian hardships, displacement, violence, and loss

• Learning Objectives:

  • Students will understand the immense suffering endured by Korean civilians during the Korean War.
  • Students will analyze the impact of war on families, communities, and everyday life.
  • Students will develop empathy and critical thinking skills through primary source analysis and reflection.

• Common Core Standards:

  • RI.8.7: Analyze the author's point of view in relation to the subject matter.
  • RI.11.6: Evaluate how a primary source is shaped by its point of view.
  • WHST.9-10.2: Write informative/explanatory texts, including the elaboration of claims and evidence, using clear and coherent writing.

• What's Included:

  • A compelling reading passage detailing the hardships faced by Korean civilians during the war, including displacement, violence, and loss.
  • Multiple choice, true/false, fill-in-the-blank, and short answer questions to assess student comprehension and critical thinking.
  • A poignant excerpt from a memoir written by a Korean woman who survived the war as a child, offering a firsthand perspective.
  • A comprehensive teacher answer key for all questions.

Why Buy This Product?

• Engaging narrative: The reading passage and primary source provide a vivid account of the human cost of war on civilians.
• Empathy-building: Students will develop a deeper understanding of the suffering and resilience of Korean civilians.
• Rigorous assessment: The variety of question formats ensures a thorough evaluation of student knowledge and critical thinking skills.
• Differentiation: The questions cater to diverse learning styles and abilities.
• Teacher-friendly: The answer key makes grading quick and easy.

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!

Are you and your student bored with worksheets that accompany your textbooks? Turn those tedious worksheets and end-of-chapter questions into a fun interactive game. Although the is is for a geography page, it can be used for all subject areas.

This is a great strategy to get your students involved and learning! Whether you are introducing a unit, researching, or reviewing at the end of a lesson or unit, this a great activity/game that will turn your worksheets and end-of-chapter questions into great fun! All ages will enjoy this activity, from 10 and older.

Can be played with any subject: English, Language Arts, Science, Social Studies, Geography, Math, Algebra, etc.

Requires:

• Post-it Notes
• Butcher paper
• Set of questions, worksheet, or end-of-chapter questions
• writing utensils

Student will work in groups, each group competing against other group to answer the questions quickly and correctly. It's a race against time!

This game takes a little preparation on the teacher's part, but will create a positive and exciting learning environment. Get your students involved.

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Customer Tips:

When do I post new products? Throw sales? Be the first to know:

• Click the green star next to my picture to become my newest follower.

How to get TeachShare credit to use on future purchases:

• Go under “My TeachShare”, and Click on “My Purchases”. Then, click the provide feedback button next to your purchase. Every time you leave feedback on a purchase, TPT gives you credits that you can use to save money on future purchases. I value your feedback as it helps me determine what types of new products I should create for you and other buyers.

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© Martha Boykin Products. All rights reserved. Purchase of this product grants the purchaser the right to reproduce pages for classroom use only. If you are not the original purchaser, please download the item from my store before making copies. Copying, editing, selling, redistributing, or posting any part of this product on the internet is strictly forbidden. Violations are subject to the penalties of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act.

................................................................................................................................

Disclaimer:

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

A review of ten presidents that changed history (Lincoln, Kennedy, Roosevelt, and more). Includes facts, visuals, coloring handouts, supplemental resources, activities guide. Everything needed to celebrate President's Day! 23 visually stimulating slides with dates and facts.

Entrepreneur Series

This assignment is part of a 50-assignment series—perfect for enriching lessons or projects. Check out my store for bundle deals to enhance your curriculum.

Explore the life, achievements, contributions, and legacy of a notable entrepreneur in a clear, structured format:

• Written at a 9th-grade level with 8 paragraphs and 8 comprehension questions.
• Includes an answer key for easy grading.
• The consistent format across the series makes it ideal for compare/contrast activities or group projects.

Remembering the Forgotten: Korean War Veterans Share Their Stories

Honor the sacrifices and legacy of Korean War veterans with this engaging reading comprehension worksheet that delves into their first-hand accounts and experiences.

Product Overview:

• Focus: Korean War veterans' stories, historical significance, human cost of war

• Learning Objectives:

  • Students will understand the importance of remembering and honoring Korean War veterans.
  • Students will analyze the lasting impact of the war on veterans, including psychological trauma and the challenges of sharing their experiences.
  • Students will develop critical thinking skills by examining primary source accounts and evaluating the broader significance of preserving the veterans' stories.

• Common Core Standards:

  • RI.8.11: Analyze how a particular historical event or decision is portrayed in different media (e.g., textbooks, speeches, movies).
  • RI.11.6: Evaluate how a primary source is shaped by its point of view.
  • WHST.9-10.2: Write informative/explanatory texts, including the elaboration of claims and evidence, using clear and coherent writing.

• What's Included:

  • A captivating reading passage highlighting the dwindling generation of Korean War veterans and the importance of preserving their stories.
  • A variety of engaging assessment questions, including multiple choice, true/false, fill-in-the-blank, and short answer formats.
  • Primary source excerpts from a Korean War veteran's speech and a daughter's interview with her veteran father, offering personal perspectives on the war's impact and the need to remember.
  • A comprehensive answer key for all questions.

Why Buy This Product?

• Human connection: The reading passage and primary sources bring to life the personal experiences and sacrifices of Korean War veterans, fostering empathy and understanding.
• Rigorous assessment: The variety of question formats ensures a thorough evaluation of student knowledge and critical thinking skills.
• Differentiation: The questions cater to diverse learning styles and abilities, allowing you to effectively reach all students.
• Historical remembrance: Students gain valuable insights into the often overlooked Korean War and the lasting impact on veterans' lives.
• Teacher-friendly: The answer key and clear organization make grading efficient and straightforward.

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!