Browse lesson plans

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.

A magic carpet ride: Exploring carpet weaving in India

In this lesson, a photo analysis activity helps students learn about carpet weaving in India. Students discuss how this tradition compares to the weaving traditions of other cultures.

Format: lesson plan (grade 7 Visual Arts Education and Social Studies)

By Eric Eaton.

Of earth, water, and fire: World pottery traditions

In this lesson, a photo analysis activity helps students learn about pottery traditions from around the world. Students discuss how these traditions are similar to and different from one another.

Format: lesson plan (grade 6–8 Visual Arts Education and Social Studies)

By Eric Eaton.

Quilts

This lesson plan in designed to be one part of a fourth grade social studies unit on the Appalachian Mountains. It is based on the mountain custom of quilt making. This plan uses the book The Quiltmakers Gift by Jeff Brumbeau. It also uses the book internet site and other related sites. Enrichments of this lesson would be to display quilts, have a real quilt maker visit, have the class create their own paper quilt, etc.

Format: lesson plan (grade 3–4 English Language Arts and Social Studies)

By Barbara Waters.

Resources on the web

National Museum of the American Indian

This website uses Flash technology to present online multimedia exhibitions about the history and culture of American Indians. An excellent online educational resource about codetalkers during WWI and WWII is also available. (Learn more)

Format: website/lesson plan

Provided by: Smithsonian Institution