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

Grade Range:
8-12
Resource Type(s):
Interactives & Media, Lessons & Activities
Duration:
135 minutes
Date Posted:
8/3/2012
In this lesson, students will examine the difference between history and memory by debating the legacy of John Brown. Using video clips of an actor playing Brown, students are invited to debate his actions and determine how history should remember him. The video segments are also avai

Grade Range:
5-8
Resource Type(s):
Lessons & Activities
Duration:
135
minutes
Date Posted:
2/9/2011
This lesson plan, developed in support of the exhibition Paper Engineering: Fold, Pull, Pop, and Turn, introduces students to the variety of mechanisms included in movable books and encourages them to build their own pop-up in support of a social studies lesson. Making pop-ups subtly rei

Grade Range:
6-12
Resource Type(s):
Lessons & Activities
Duration:
120 minutes
Date Posted:
10/21/2020
Debates are one of the most anticipated events in the lead up to a presidential election. Each candidate carefully plans their strategies to persuade the American public that they are the one to vote for in November. In this learning resource, learners will examine historical examples of presidentia

Grade Range:
6-12
Resource Type(s):
Lessons & Activities
Duration:
120 minutes
Date Posted:
12/29/2020
Have you ever thought about the speeches presidential candidates give after an election? Why do they make these statements? What do they want the American people to know as a result? This activity shares two sets of victory and concession speeches that illustrate some of the candidates’ goals for

Grade Range:
6-12
Resource Type(s):
Lessons & Activities
Duration:
120 minutes
Date Posted:
2/1/2021
The inaugural address, delivered by the president of the United States after they take the oath of office, is one of the most anticipated events each election cycle. The newly elected president is not required to deliver an inaugural address, but following the example of George Washington, it has be

Grade Range:
9-12
Resource Type(s):
Lessons & Activities
Duration:
120
minutes
Date Posted:
4/30/2010
This lesson plan outlines topics for short research projects and classroom performances related to the Mexican War. Have students select individuals connected to the Mexican War, perform research, and then interview each other to showcase the disparate views on the motivations behind the War and

Grade Range:
K-4
Resource Type(s):
Lessons & Activities
Duration:
120 minutes
Date Posted:
9/24/2012
In 1962, Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring changed the way people thought about their relationship to nature. Warning readers of the impact of man-made pesticides on birds, insects, and other wildlife, Carson’s book caused a firestorm of public responses and is considered by some experts

Grade Range:
K-4
Resource Type(s):
Lessons & Activities
Duration:
120
minutes
Date Posted:
6/30/2013
Architects design the buildings we use every day. Their designs solve problems, like how to make a sturdy building, and reflect their ideas about beauty and history. By using this OurStory module from the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History, children and adults can learn about archi

Grade Range:
K-4
Resource Type(s):
Reference Materials, Lessons & Activities
Duration:
110 minutes
Date Posted:
3/8/2012
In 1943, Martha Graham, Aaron Copland, and Isamu Noguchi created Appalachian Spring, a ballet that told the story of an American pioneer community. By using this OurStory module, children and adults can enjoy exploring this history through children's literature, museum objects, and hands

Grade Range:
7-12
Resource Type(s):
Lessons & Activities
Duration:
100 minutes
Date Posted:
7/7/2008
In this classroom activity, students will research to gather information in order to create a radio broadcast about the five court cases that made up Brown v. Board of Education, and tell the stories of the African Americans from different walks of like who demanded better educational opportuniti