In this activity, students will watch and discuss a 22-minute video of a theater presentation created by the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History. The activity could also include an in-classroom simulation, extension activities, and a sing- along performance of a freedom song.
In this lesson, students will discuss the concept of democracy and through this lens, analyze the unjust Jim Crow laws that dominated the South. Through discussion, readings and the examination of primary sources, students will gain an understanding of how the period immediately following World War II set the stage for numerous challenges to Jim Crow, one of which was the 1947 Journey of Reconciliation. Students will culminate this lesson by creating a historical marker that honors the Journey of Reconciliation’s riders and educates the public about this important period of history.
In this lesson on an adapted article about President George Washington, students will learn about his life, legacy, and importance to the American history. Lesson includes speaking, listening, reading and writing activities, games, homework and on line quiz. This resource supports English language development for English language learners.
In this lesson on an adapted article about President John Adams, students will learn about his life, legacy, and importance to the American history. Lesson includes speaking, listening, reading and writing activities, games, homework and on line quiz. This resource supports English language development for English language learners.
In this lesson on an adapted article about President Thomas Jefferson, students will learn about his life, legacy, and importance to the American history. Lesson includes speaking, listening, reading and writing activities, games, homework and on line quiz. This resource supports English language development for English language learners.
This lesson introduces students to the philosophy of nonviolence and the teachings of Mohandas K. Gandhi that influenced Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s views. After considering the political impact of this philosophy, students explore its relevance to personal life and contemporary society.
In this lesson, students will explore what it means to be an active, engaged citizen by sharing moments from their own lives. Students will then explore a tumultuous period of southern history, the Jim Crow Era, when it took numerous active, engaged citizens and community members to fight against the inequality and injustice of southern laws. This lesson will culminate with students teaching classmates about an historical figure representative of an active, engaged citizen by creating a “living†museum exhibit. (Teacher Note: The “living†museum activity can be used with any historical time period or theme throughout your curriculum.)
This article provides facts and history of the events leading to and after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in Pompeii in A.D. 79.
This teacher's packet is designed to provide Middle and High School Teachers ideas and tools to explore the history of Victor Green's travel guide for Black travelers during the Jim Crow era in North Carolina. It provides lessons and activities to take a closer look at this time period in our state's history and learn about the NC businesses featured in Victor Green's books.
Students will explore the reasons North Carolina Constitution of 1776 needed reform, noting the changes to the NC Constitution that were made in the Constitutional Convention of 1835. Students will then apply what they have learned by assuming the role of North Carolina Governor David L. Swain and delivering a persuasive speech to the NC legislature on why the 1835 Constitutional Convention is necessary.
This Educator Notebook provides information on Women’s History in North Carolina for teachers to use as a resource, either as stand-alone units, or integrated into standard curriculum. Included is research from museum curators and educators, and articles published in the Tar Heel Junior Historian magazine which are written for students in grades 4-12. Lesson plans and suggested activities complement many of the topics. Adaptable to multiple ages, they meet curriculum goals set forth by the NC Department of Public Instruction and connect to classes in national and world history, geography, economics, and the arts, and can be part of any unit of social studies. This resource's link takes you to a very short form that gives you free downloadable access to the complete PDF book.
On the coast of North Carolina, on a one mile stretch of Topsail Island, sits the community of Ocean City. This short video explores how this was a special place where Black families could vacation, own property, and enjoy the beach in peace during a time where few places were open to them.
In this lesson, students compare, contrast, and reflect on primary source documents to infer how the two leading commanders of the U.S.-Mexican War influenced Ulysses S. Grant and prepared him for future leadership roles.
This online exhibit explores Victor Green's travel guide, The Green Book, which helped Black travelers during the Jim Crow era. The exhibit takes a closer look at the North Carolina businesses that were featured in his book, and what life was like for Black travelers in North Carolina during this time.
In this lesson, students will learn about the road to the American Revolution through a living timeline activity highlighting British actions and American reactions. After understanding the origins of the Revolution, students will independently research major military engagements of the War. Finally, students will be responsible for teaching their classmates what they have learned about the American Revolution.
This course was created by the Rethink Education Content Development Team. This course is aligned to the NC Standards for 8th Grade Social Studies.
This course was created by the Rethink Education Content Development Team. This course is aligned to the NC Standards for 8th Grade Social Studies.
In this lesson, students will employ their detective skills to examine the life, ideals, and actions of John Brown, one of historyʹs most controversial abolitionists. Reviewing primary source documents regarding Brown’s actions throughout the 1850s, students will work with partners in an inquiry activity to learn about the righteous crusade Brown waged against slavery, based in religious faith yet often carried out with violence.  Applying critical thinking skills to the “evidence†presented regarding Brown, students will make a “detective’s†determination regarding Brown’s character and the justifiability of his actions.
In this lesson, students evaluate the actions of various citizens during the Civil Rights Movement and how their actions brought about changes for society (then and now) through the examination of poetry, biographies, speeches, photographs, historical events, and civil rights philosophies.
Students will explore how various black entrepreneurs thrived in Durham's downtown, so much so that Durham's Parrish Street was soon known as Black Wall Street. Students will gain a sense of the challenges overcome and successes experienced by the various black entrepreneurs and businesses on Black Wall Street.