Browse lesson plans

Beyond the headlines: Kyrgyzstan

In this lesson, students research the recent history of the former Soviet republic of Kyrgyzstan and explore its strategic significance for world powers.

Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Social Studies)

By Jacqueline Olich.

Careers in medicine and the ancient Greeks

In CareerStart lessons: Grade six, page 4.4

In this lesson for grade six, students will learn about ancient Greek medicine and the Hippocratic Oath and will research contemporary medical careers.

Format: lesson plan (grade 6 Social Studies)

By Mandy Matlock.

The French Revolution: "Those who have and those who have not"

This lesson is part of the French Revolution unit that examines the reigns of the absolute monarchs and the monetary crisis of the French government.

Format: lesson plan (grade 9 Social Studies)

By Kevin Huntley.

India's path to independence

This interdisciplinary plan includes the study of the effects of imperialism and India's struggle for independence through history texts, literary works, and online resources. Activities include a seminar, research, and a news broadcast. Although this unit is designed for integrated English II and World Civilizations, lessons can be adapted to other class structures.

Format: lesson plan (grade 9–10 English Language Arts and Social Studies)

By Marian Johnson.

It's in the garbage

In Intrigue of the Past, page 1.9

In studying archaeological concepts, students will analyze garbage from different places demonstrate competence in applying the concepts of culture, context, classification, observation and inference, chronology and scientific inquiry.

Format: lesson plan (grade 3–5 English Language Arts and Social Studies)

Linking important geographic sites to world history

Students will learn the importance of geography as it relates to significant events or periods in world history, especially that which pertains to Europe and the United States.

Format: lesson plan (grade 9–10 Social Studies)

By Guy Swanson.

Martin Luther's Reformation in Hugo's The Hunchback of Notre Dame

The setting of Victor Hugo's novel, The Hunchback of Notre Dame is the fifteenth century, the transitional period between the Middle Ages and the Renaissance/Reformation era. This era ushers in the period known as the modern age and historical events are chronicled through Hugo's novel. Hugo sets The Hunchback of Notre Dame at the decline of feudalism and the infancy of absolutism through Louis XI (Spider King), the rise of a urban middle class and the beginnings of commerce as it is known today. Primarily this novel satirizes the Catholic Church's absolute power -- its abuses, and its excesses. Students will discover how Hugo's satire operates to show the Catholic Church's abuse of power during the late Middle Ages and the early Reformation in The Hunchback of Notre Dame.

Format: lesson plan (grade 9–10 English Language Arts and Social Studies)

By Nancy Webber.

Medicine in ancient Greece - Overview

This lesson provides a brief look at the origins of Greek medicine and a comparison with modern medicine. Also included is an edited text of the Hippocratic Oath.

Format: lesson plan (grade 6 Social Studies)

By Bruce Schulman.

Mummy madness

This is a lesson for seventh grade Social Studies students to learn and demonstrate the mummification process used in ancient Egypt.

Format: lesson plan (grade 6–7 Social Studies)

By Jo Oliver.

Those feuding Greeks!

This lesson is designed to familiarize students with the philosophical, political, economic, military and social differences between Athens and Sparta.

Format: lesson plan (grade 9 Social Studies)

By Pernell Collett.

World War I political debate

In CareerStart lessons: Grade six, page 4.7

In this lesson for grades six and seven, students will use their knowledge of World War I to debate whether Germany should have paid reparations following the war.

Format: lesson plan (grade 6–7 Social Studies)

By Shea Calloway.

Resources on the web

Holocaust and resistance

In this lesson, students reflect on the Holocaust from the point of view of those who actively resisted Nazi persecution. After reviewing the history of the Holocaust, in order to understand the legal and bureaucratic authority with which the Nazis systematically... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 9 Social Studies)

Provided by: EDSITEment

Life and Debt in Haiti

This unit from the Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies at Duke University focuses on a key aspect of conflict and poverty in poor countries -- the diminishing domestic agriculture sector -- and examines some of the international actors in its decline.... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Social Studies)

Provided by: Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies

National Geographic Education Guide

This website provides teachers with an abundant of lesson plans for all grade levels covering the many aspects of geography including: human, culture, people and places, history, etc. The lesson plans are developed to promote and support education meets the... (Learn more)

Format: website/lesson plan

Provided by: National Geographic

National Geographic Xpeditions

A comprehensive site for the study of geography and its relation to history, archaeology, world cultures, and economics. Teachers can access lesson plans, activities, interactive museums and exhibitions, and maps. (Learn more)

Format: website/lesson plan

Provided by: National Geographic