Browse lesson plans

Change in a democratic society (Lesson 1 of 3)

This lesson will demonstrate how art can imitate society. Students will learn about democracy in America through an examination of and a Paideia seminar on "The Sword of Damocles," an oil painting by British painter Richard Westall. This lesson should be used after a study of colonial times in America and through the American Revolution.

Format: lesson plan (grade 8–12 Social Studies)

By Sharyn West.

Changes in a democratic society (Lesson 2 of 3)

This lesson is the post-seminar activity to follow Changes in a Democratic Society, Lesson 1. Students will participate in tiered assignments reflecting on the Westall painting, "The Sword of Damocles," and the prior day's Paideia seminar on that painting.

Format: lesson plan (grade 8–12 Social Studies)

By Sharyn West.

Changes in a democratic society (Lesson 3 of 3)

This lesson is a follow-up to Changes in a Democratic Society, Lessons 1 and 2. Students will reflect upon and respond to a sculpture by Auguste Rodin, "Monument for the Defense of Paris." Permission has been granted by Ackland Art Museum to use the following sculptures: "Monument for the Defense of Paris" (Auguste Rodin) and "Wisdom Supporting Liberty" (Aime-Jules Dalou).

Format: lesson plan (grade 8–12 Social Studies)

By Karen Wagoner.

The Craft Revival and economic change

In this lesson plan, originally published on the Craft Revival website, students will interpret photographs and artifacts as representations of western North Carolina’s economy at the turn of the century. They will also analyze historical census data and produce a visual web that will represent the changing nature of the economy of western North Carolina.

Format: lesson plan (grade 8–12 Social Studies)

By Patrick Velde.

Freedom songs of the civil rights movement

Students will listen to freedom songs recorded during the civil rights movement, 1960–1965. Students will write about personal reactions to the music and lyrics. Through reading and pictures, students will briefly explore historical events where these songs were sung. Listening again, students will analyze and describe — musically — particular song(s).

Format: lesson plan (grade 5 Music Education and Social Studies)

By Merritt Raum Flexman.

Native American music: Two North Carolina tribes

In this lesson plan, students will listen to songs from two North Carolina tribes. Students will learn about the music through listening, analyzing, singing, moving, and playing instruments.

Format: lesson plan (grade 4–5 Music Education and Social Studies)

By Merritt Raum Flexman.

Women in flight: Using music to study American women pioneers in flight

As North Carolina's 97-98 Christa McAuliffe Teaching Fellow, I designed this plan to musically enhance the 5th grade social studies of American heroes, focusing on women pioneers in flight. It is intended to utilize singing and rhythmic activities to compare and contrast the lives of Amelia Earhart and Christa McAuliffe. Amelia Earhart was the first woman to successfully complete a solo trans-Atlantic flight and tragically disappeared while attempting to fly around the world in 1937. Christa McAuliffe was selected for NASA's Teacher-in-Space program and tragically died in the 1986 Challenger space shuttle disaster. I traditionally use this plan close to the January 28 anniversary of the shuttle disaster.

Format: lesson plan (grade 5 Music Education and Social Studies)

By Robin Smathers.

Resources on the web

American Masters

From children's book authors to jazz greats, this series presents the biographies of America's great creative talent. (Learn more)

Format: website/lesson plan

Provided by: PBS

American Memory Project Learning Page

Use the American Memory web site to teach about United States history and culture with these tips and tricks, frameworks, activities, and lessons that provide context for their use. (Learn more)

Format: website/lesson plan

Provided by: Library of Congress

Colonial Williamsburg

This extensive website features access to the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Library collections, primary source materials, videos of what life was like in the 18th century in Williamsburg, Va. and much more. (Learn more)

Format: website/lesson plan

Provided by: Colonial Williamsburg Foundation

Crafting North Carolina: A Hands on Exploration of North Carolina's Hand-made Heritage

North Carolina's geography, history, and resources brought to life through the crafts of the state. (Learn more)

Format: website/lesson plan

Provided by: Mint Museum of Art

Drop Me Off in Harlem: Exploring the Intersections

Drop Me Off in Harlem: Exploring the Intersections explores the Harlem Renaissance from the ground up, allowing site visitors to take a virtual tour of the community and to become familiar with the people and artistic works that were central... (Learn more)

Format: website/lesson plan

Provided by: ArtsEdge

FREE: Federal Resources for Educational Excellence

A vast collection of teaching and learning resources for the arts, educational technology, foreign languages, health and safety, language arts, mathematics, physical education, science, social studies, and vocational education. (Learn more)

Format: website/lesson plan

Provided by: FREE: Federal Resources for Educational Excellence

The Gateway to 21st Century Skills

Quick and easy access to educational resources found on various federal, state, university, non-profit, and commercial Internet sites. (Learn more)

Format: website/lesson plan

Provided by: GEM Exchange

Giving voice to history

In this ARTSEDGE lesson, students explore a somber period in American history. During World War II the U.S. government ordered more than 120,000 Japanese Americans to detainment camps. Drawing upon research and analyzing a variety of sources, including... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 6–8 English Language Arts and Social Studies)

Provided by: ArtsEdge

How and why has the White House changed?

In this lesson, the second in the EDSITEment curriculum unit titled “From the White House of Yesterday to the White House of Today,” students explore how the "President's House" has evolved over time. After reviewing James Hoban's original design,... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan

Provided by: EDSITEment

How was the White House designed?

In this lesson, part of the EDSITEment curriculum unit titled “From the White House of Yesterday to the White House of Today,” students explore some of the issues involved in designing the “President's House.” They compare proposed... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan

Provided by: EDSITEment

Musical Harlem

Students will learn to identify musical styles and musicians associated with Harlem, focusing on jazz. They will learn about the special role of music in Harlem as a unifier of a community and of a culture. Students can listen to audio samples and analyze... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade K–4 Music Education and Social Studies)

Provided by: ArtsEdge

The New Americans

This site provides information on five immigrant groups in the United States, including their histories, cultures, and current situations. Eleven lesson plans related to immigration can be accessed in the educator's section of the site. (Learn more)

Format: website/lesson plan

Provided by: Independent Television Service

Scripting the past: Exploring women's history through film

In this lesson, students employ the screenwriter's craft to gain a fresh perspective on historical research, learning how filmmakers combine scholarship and imagination to bring historical figures to life and how the demands of cinematic storytelling can... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 English Language Arts and Theater Arts Education)

Provided by: EDSITEment