Explore United States History and Government with these FREE social studies educational resources–all aligned to NY State Academic Standards.

Elementary School

Learning to Respect Each Other

In this lesson plan from Discovery Education, students will understand the following:

1. Dr. Martin Luther King was a strong advocate of nonviolent protest and fought for civil rights for all Americans with an eloquence that can be found in speeches such as his famous “I Have a Dream” speech.
2. Throughout U.S. history, certain groups of people have been discriminated against for characteristics as superficial as the color of their skin. That racism still exists despite the passage of laws that make it illegal.
3. Stereotypes can lead people to make unfair judgments about individuals and groups.
4. Segregation is hurtful and unfair to those discriminated against.

Related NY State Academic Standards: SS.E.1, SS.E.1.1, SS.E.1.1A, and more!

Middle School

“A Date Which Will Live in Infamy”

In this lesson plan from Teaching With Documents, students will:

• Define each of the following vocabulary terms as used in this speech: infamy, premeditated, implications, onslaught, uttermost, mincing, and dastardly.
• Find examples in Roosevelt’s address of these techniques for enhancing the effect of a speech: repetition, alliteration, emotionally charged words, appeal to self-preservation, and assurance of moral superiority.
• Compare and contrast Roosevelt’s “Day of Infamy” address with Patrick Henry’s “Liberty or Death” speech before the Virginia Convention.
• Interview a person who heard President Roosevelt deliver the “Day of Infamy” address and to write an article about the experience.

High School

Pearl Harbor

In this lesson plan from Discovery Education, students will:

• research the events that took place at Pearl Harbor;
• write an in-depth article as though they experienced those events firsthand; and
• discuss what lessons can be learned from Pearl Harbor.

Related NY State Academic Standards: SS.C.1, SS.C.1.1, SS.C.1.3, and more!

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