"This black t-shirt, which says “Silence = Death” with a pink triangle, symbolizes the struggle against AIDS.
Lessons & Activities

Grade Range:
K-2
Resource Type(s):
Lessons & Activities
Duration:
15
minutes
Date Posted:
6/30/2013
Take a close look at two architectural drawings to learn about symmetry and scale. Part of an OurStory module entitled Building Beautiful Buildings, this activity includes step-by-step instructions, images of museum objects, and background information on architecture. OurStory is designe

Grade Range:
K-4
Resource Type(s):
Lessons & Activities, Worksheets
Duration:
15 minutes
Date Posted:
3/9/2012
A field trip to the grocery store can give you a look at how traditional foods from around the world are now part of American culture. In this activity, students will use discussion prompts and a worksheet to make the most of their visit. This activity is part of an OurStory module entitled

Grade Range:
1-6
Resource Type(s):
Lessons & Activities
Duration:
15 minutes
Date Posted:
9/4/2012
Thomas Edison said, "To invent, you need a good imagination and a pile of junk." With these words of wisdom in mind, we challenge you to create your own yo-yo using items found in your recycling bin.This activity from Spark!Lab includes suggested procedures and ideas for extending your learning.

Grade Range:
3-5
Resource Type(s):
Lessons & Activities, Worksheets
Duration:
15 minutes
Date Posted:
3/9/2012
It's in the numbers! Explore how charts and data maps can help you see immigration patterns in history. Part of an OurStory module entitled Coming to America, this activity includes data sources, discussion questions, links to free online tools, and background information. OurStory is de

Grade Range:
2-4
Resource Type(s):
Reference Materials, Primary Sources, Lessons & Activities
Duration:
15 minutes
Date Posted:
3/15/2010
Take a close look at some special dishes that Lady Bird Johnson had created for the White House. Use the discussion and observation questions to think about the dishes and the dishes you have in your own home, and find out how these dishes connected to Lady Bird Johnson's work to protect the envi

Grade Range:
1-6
Resource Type(s):
Lessons & Activities
Duration:
15 minutes
Date Posted:
8/29/2012
Build a monument and think about monuments in Washington, DC and the history those monuments celebrate. This activity from Spark!Lab includes step-by-step directions, discussion questions, and ideas for extending your learning. Spark!Lab activities encourage young learners to explore the inventio

Grade Range:
K-4
Resource Type(s):
Lessons & Activities
Duration:
15
minutes
Date Posted:
3/22/2012
Follow simple directions to make a musical instrument, then try out some "call and response" jazz rhythms. Part of an OurStory module entitled Duke Ellington and Jazz, this activity includes links to instructions to make a drum or “sound-sandwich,” discussion prompts, and bac

Grade Range:
3-5
Resource Type(s):
Lessons & Activities, Primary Sources
Duration:
15
minutes
Date Posted:
3/9/2012
How can the Statue of Liberty be used in a timeline? Take a close look at an object made by an immigrant, then tell your family or cultural stories through a timeline. Part of an OurStory module entitled Coming to America, this activity includes a guided exploration of a museum artifact,

Grade Range:
6-12
Resource Type(s):
Primary Sources, Interactives & Media, Lessons & Activities, Worksheets
Duration:
13 minutes
Date Posted:
4/2/2012
When John Jea joined a ship’s crew in 1806, he was not prepared for the dangerous conditions, hard work, and preparation necessary for life at sea. Listen to a dramatic reading of his narrative, and then study the supporting primary sources to answer the discussion questions. This resourc

Grade Range:
6-12
Resource Type(s):
Primary Sources, Interactives & Media, Lessons & Activities, Worksheets
Duration:
12 minutes
Date Posted:
4/2/2012
Olaudah Equiano’s first-person account recalls his terrifying journey as an 11-year-old captive aboard a slave ship from Africa to Barbados in 1756. Listen to a dramatic reading of his narrative, and then study the supporting primary sources to answer the discussion questions. This resource is