This lesson will have students critically explore the period of the Jim Crow era. This highly engaging, interactive, primary based power-point, will have students analyze and understand the implications of the Jim Crow laws, along with the monumental Supreme Court decisions of 'Plessy v. Ferguson', and 'Brown V. Board of Education'. Students will be introduced to the different levels at which discrimination & various forms of oppression existed during the Jim Crow years; individual, institutional, and societal. Students are to determine at which level these measures of control apply. Complete with colorful imagery, student analysis of political cartoons, and a comprehension primary based reading activity, this lesson will engage students and provide a critical context from which to understand this era of time. This Civil Rights unit can be downloaded in its entirety, or as individual lessons. This lesson includes: • Lesson Plan • One 24 Slide Power-Point presentation • One Power-Point student handout • 'A Tale of Two Schools' Reading • Handout: 'Tale of Two Schools' Reading Questions • Handout: Cause and Effect Chart- Obstacles to Voting • Student Examples of Cause and Effect Chart • Handout: Film- Freedom Song

This lesson will have students critically explore the period of the Reconstruction that took place in the deeply segregated southern states of the U.S. This highly engaging, primary based, interactive power-point will introduce students to the different levels at which discrimination & various forms of oppression existed; individual, institutional, and societal. Students will analyze different forms of control that the ex-Confederate leaders implemented, such as; the Black codes, literacy tests, poll tax, and the inequality of land and resources; all of which served to prevent newly freed blacks from exercising their constitutional rights. Students are to determine at which level these measures of control apply. Students will be vicariously drawn into this time period by taking two literacy tests (primary sourced based tests from this era). Class discussion, and critical thinking is promoted throughout the entire lesson. This Civil Rights unit can be downloaded in its entirety, or as individual lessons. Lesson One: Introduction to the Reconstruction Era This lesson includes: • One power-point presentation- 34 slide • One Power-Point Student handout • One primary source: Black Codes scenarios Lesson Two: Reconstruction Era and the Black Codes This lesson includes: • One presentation- 38 slide • One Power-Point Student handout • Two primary sources: State Literacy Tests and the answer k

This Power-Point lesson will provide students with an introductory framework from which to understand the judiciary process. Students will delve into the fundamental aspects of a courtroom such as: the basic structure and lay-out of a courtroom, the function of different roles (judge, jury, defense, prosecutor), and the common procedures and language used in a courtroom environment. Students will also explore the importance of how to create an opening and closing statement, the legal grounds of when to object, and understand the dynamics of a direct and cross examination. This resource will be very useful for teachers who are searching for an engaging & informative way to introduce students to the concept of mock trials. Materials • Lesson Plan • 1 Power-point (35 Slides) & accompanying student handout • 1 Power-point (12 Slides) & accompanying student handout • Handouts ➢ Jury Role Play ➢ Opening Statement ➢ Closing Statement ➢ Objections ➢ Debriefing**

This lesson involves having students examine the impacts of the Industrial Revolution in the United States with a specific focus on child labor. It is recommended that students will have explored to some degree the Industrial era prior to this lesson. This lesson will prompt students to analyze social activist Lewis Hines' photographs that depict the various jobs and working conditions of which children were forced to work in. The provided 60 slide power-point and the student handout that accompanies the presentation is interactive, visual, problem posing, and vicariously draws the students into the lives of the children of the Industrial era. This lesson will have students delve deeper into critical thought, and encourage a social justice perspective by having students compare and contrast the child labor of the Industrial era with the child labor that exists today. A 22 minute documentary film titled "Zoned for Slavery: The Child Behind the Label' supplements this lesson and is available online through U tube in three separate parts: Part I https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1XtYhfcEZ9A Part II https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QOwNHeAqBE Part III https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=klSngDpTlM4 This lesson includes: - 60 slide power-point presentation - Teacher lesson plan - Student power-point handout - Student Venn diagram handout

This lesson involves having students identify the basic principles and grievances of the Declaration of Independence, as well as exploring the conception of the 'Articles of Confederation' and the 'Constitution of the United States'. Students will demonstrate their interpretation of excerpts of the Declaration of Independence in a hands on activity.The provided Power-Point is a primary based resource that is designed to engage the students in the learning process. Full of colorful images, intertwined with problem posing questions, discussion and writing topics, and a variety of appealing video clips, students will be invited to closely examine and understand the historical interconnections between the 'Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, and the U.S. Constitution. A wrap-up, thought-provoking activity includes having students work in pairs and analyze a fictitious country and its' governing laws. This activity serves as a critical discussion piece in prompting students to understand the complexities and ethical considerations in creating laws that govern a country. Materials Include: • 36 Slide Power-Point • One Guided Power-Point Handout • Activity Handout: Interpreting the Declaration of Independence • Activity Handout: Examining 'Pelonia'

This resource will have students critically explore the main factors that led to the American Civil War in an interactive and fun way! This comprehensive 63 slide Power-Point is full of primary sources; embedded with engaging sound effects, hip hop music & video clips that will encourage students to delve deeper into their analysis of what factors caused the Civil War. Problem solving, prediction, debate, and higher analytical skills are fostered throughout the presentation. Hands-on activities takes place at the conclusion of the lesson in which students are to demonstrate their knowledge in a 1) time-line game, and 2) timeline- project. Time frame for lesson: • 8-10 class periods (60 min) Materials: • One 63 slide Power-Point • Detailed Lesson Plan • Printable Handouts: 1) HANDOUT #1- The Road to the Civil War 2) HANDOUT #2- Civil War Map 3) HANDOUT #3- Film Questions 4) HANDOUT #4- Timeline Activity/Competition 5) HANDOUT #5- Civil War Timeline Project Instructions 6) HANDOUT #6- Civil War Timeline Project Information 7) Poster Project Grading Rubrics

This lesson will have students critically explore a contentious current event issue involving the cases of Michael Brown and Eric Garner. The lesson will invite students to examine the context and controversy that surrounds the two cases, although emphasis will be placed on the Eric Garner case. A thought-provoking power-point presentation & accompanying handouts will prompt students to analyze a variety of news resources; all of which frame the issue in a particular way, and offer different explanations as to the underlying causal factors in Garner’s death. This lesson includes: • One 21-slide Power-Point • Detailed Lesson Plan • Printable Handouts: 1) Handout #1- Analyzing Controversy & the Criminal Justice System 2) Handout #2- Analyzing Sources 3) Handout #3- Current Events: America’s Criminal Justice System

This lesson involves having students critically examine the legacy of Christopher Columbus and its’ traditional narrative offered in children’s books and school textbooks. Through the analysis of primary sources, students will re-examine the way in which the Columbus story has and continues to be portrayed in mainstream literature. Students will delve further by analyzing the implications of this portrayal. This lesson will encourage students to become ‘critical readers’ in comparing primary and secondary sources of information, and in doing so, will also prompt students to explore and understand the subtle ways in which stereotypes can be formed and perpetuated in society. The provided 44 slide Power Point and the student handout that accompanies the presentation is interactive, visual, and highly engaging. A Venn diagram activity, and a debate at the conclusion of this lesson can both serve as a form of assessments. This lesson includes: • 44-slide Power Point • Detailed Lesson Plan • Printable Handouts: 1) Handout #1- Power-Point Questions 2) Handout #2- Howard Zinn Chapter I 3) Handout #3- Secondary textbook version 4) Handout #4- Debate Role Play 5) Handout #5- Venn Diagram

This resource will provide students with a unique, and engaging way to learn about the Bill of Rights. In a critical reading activity, students will explore and understand the historical background of which each constitutional right came to exist. The provided reading is an easy to read, attention-grabbing resource. The second part of this lesson involves having students delve deeper into their analysis of each constitutional right by doing the following: 1)defining each amendment in their own words, 2) summarizing the historical background of why /how each amendment came to exist, 3) creating an illustration that depicts the meaning of each constitutional right. Materials: • Bill of Rights Reading (6 pages) • Handout: Analyzing Bill of Rights (T chart) • Handout: The Value of Rights

This lesson is based on my own personal experience as a participant on a USA-Mexico border tour project organized by Rethinking Schools &Global Exchange that provided first-hand experience and knowledge concerning the effects of U.S. foreign policy, such as NAFTA, on the lives of ordinary people who reside in the Tijuana area. This lesson will invite students to critically explore the growing militarization of the U.S. -Mexico border and its' impacts since NAFTA's inception, with a specific focus on the controversial program called 'Operation Gatekeeper'. A 35-slide power-point complete with primary sources, intertwined with problem posing questions, debate topics, and an engaging 'loop diagram' activity, will likely prompt student's perception of the U.S- Mexico border to be challenged, transformed, or altered. **Note: Students should have some prior knowledge and understanding of NAFTA before they begin this lesson. If not, please refer to my product titled 'U.S.-Mexico Border: Effects of NAFTA'. Materials: • One 35-slide Power-Point • Detailed Lesson Plan • Printable Handouts: 1) Handout #1- Power-Point Questions 2) Handout #2- The U.S.-Mexico Border Puzzle Pieces

This lesson is based on my own personal experience as a participant on a USA-Mexico border tour project organized by Rethinking Schools & Global Exchange that provided first-hand experience and knowledge concerning the effects of U.S. foreign policy, such as NAFTA, on the lives of ordinary people who reside in the Tijuana area. Students will be prompted to delve far beyond the mainstream explanation that answers the critical question as to why people cross the U.S.-Mexico border. This lesson will have students examine the broader context, and underlying factors to this question, which intimately tie itself to Mexico's agricultural economy. Students will identify the causal puzzle pieces, and then create a ‘LOOP’ (web) diagram that will serve to demonstrate their understandings of how these underlying causes interconnect with one another. Materials • One 50 Slide PowerPoint • Grading Rubrics • Student Loop Diagram Examples • Printable Handouts: 1) Handout #1- Power-Point Guided Notes 2) Handout #2- The U.S.-Mexico Border Puzzle Pieces

This Cold War Unit review & assessment includes: - an easy to use comprehensive study guide - one 31 slide Power-Point review game quiz - one 31 slide Power-Point Game review Quiz with answers - an exam: 5 matching questions, 35 multiple choice questions, and 4 Core-based essay questions All of the above materials can be reformatted, edited, and modified to suit your objectives.

This unit is composed of four highly engaging, primary based, interactive power- points that will have students critically explore the different levels at which discrimination & various forms of oppression existed in the era of the Reconstruction & the Jim Crow years. Students will analyze different forms of control that the ex-Confederate leaders implemented, such as; the Black Codes, literacy tests, poll taxes, Jim Crow laws, the formation of the Ku Klux Klan, and the inequality of land and resources, all of which served to prevent newly freed blacks from exercising their constitutional rights. Students are to determine at which level; individual, societal and institutional, do these measures of control apply. Monumental Supreme Court decisions of 'Plessy v. Ferguson' and 'Brown V. Board of Education' will be introduced. This unit is abundant with hands on, critical thinking activities that will engage students and provide a meaningful context from which to understand this era of time. This Reconstruction Unit can be downloaded in its entirety, or as individual lessons. A lesson plan is included for the entire unit. Lesson One: Introduction to the Reconstruction Era This lesson includes: • One power-point presentation- 34 slides • One Power-Point Student handout • One primary source: Black Codes scenarios Lesson Two: Reconstruction Era and the Black Codes This lesson includes: • One presentation- 38 slides • One Power-Point Student handout • Two primary sources: State Literacy Tests and the answer keys Lesson Three: The Ku Klux Klan This lesson includes: • One power-point presentation- 21 slides • One Power-Point Student handout • One Primary Source Reading CP. Ellis ‘Why I Quit the Klan’ • One Student Handout: Questions for the Reading C.P. Ellis Lesson Four: The Jim Crow Laws This lesson includes: • One power-point presentation- 20 slides • One Power-Point Student handout • Cause & Effect Chart handout • Supplementary materials: • 'A Tale of Two Schools' Reading, and 'Tale of Two Schools' Reading Questions • Movie Guide Questions-Freedom Song student handout

This WWII unit review includes: - an easy to use study guide with illustrations - a 40 slide power-point game quiz (works well with clickers) - an exam: 40 multiple choice questions & two essay questions All of the above materials can be reformatted, edited, and modified to suit your objectives.

This unit involves having students take a critical look at the history of colonialism in Vietnam by the imperial powers of China, Japan, France, and the Vietnam War with the United States. Students are encouraged to have a more comprehensive understanding of the Vietnamese people’s struggle for independence and the role their leader, Ho Chi Minh, played in their pursuit of self-determination. Controversial and problem posing questions will be presented throughout this unit for students to consider. The provided Power Point is full of primary based resources that are designed to engage the students in the learning process. Full of colorful images, intertwined with problem posing questions, simulations, debate, discussion and writing topics, song analysis, sound effects, and a variety of primary based video clips- will prompt students in becoming active participants! Materials: • One Power Point (60 Slides) • Handouts: 1) A Critical Look at Vietnam Power Point Questions 2) Vietnamese Independence Debate, French and Viet Minh Roles 3) Vietnamese Independence Debate: Debrief 4) The Most Dangerous Man in America: Reception Questions & Roles 5) The Most Dangerous Man in America: Writing & Discussion Film Questions 6) Venn Diagram: Comparing Primary and Secondary Sources • Documentary Film (1 hr 32 min): 'The Most Dangerous Man in America; Daniel Ellsberg and the Pentagon Papers **Note: Film is not included. This film can be found at most public libraries or purchased online. It is a supplementary part of the lesson.

This lesson will have students explore World War II and the historical circumstances and events from which dictators’ rose to power. Although the central focus of this lesson is to have students critically examine WW II dictators, an overview of important facts and historical events leading up to Pearl Harbor will also be explored. Students will analyze and compare three major dictators of this time period using multiple, primary based resources; power-point, video clips & supplementary materials. Students will document their findings on two separate graphic organizers, which they will use to create a speech from the perspective of one of the assigned dictators; Hitler, Mussolini, & Tojo. The final stage of this learning activity will involve having the students create a Venn diagram, and transform into character and perform their speech in front of their peers. A full description of this 5 day lesson plan is available in the packet. This lesson includes: - One 48 slide Power-Point Handouts: - Power-Point Guided Notes - Dictator Instructions for Writing and Speech Activity - Grading Rubrics - Graphic Organizers

Students can assess their knowledge of World War II major events in an interactive and engaging way through this trivia board game! Included in this fun activity are the following: • 40 multiple choice questions • 12 true or false questions • 1 board game • Set of Trivia Rules • Recommended Procedure for the teacher to follow

Students will utilize their critical thinking skills in the following American Revolutionary War activities. This American Revolutionary Power Point focuses on having the students, using context clues, explore and analyze the strengths and weaknesses that both the American colonies and Britain possessed going into the Revolutionary War. This Power Point effectively lends itself to classroom discussion and debate. The American Revolutionary War Power Point Quiz will assess the student’s comprehension of the lesson. This PowerPoint is full of colorful imagery, and context based information that will prompt students to use their analytical skills in determining the correct answers. Lesson Includes: • Three Power Points— 1) Revolutionary War 'Strengths and Weaknesses' 2) Revolutionary War Quiz 3) Quiz Answers • Student handout (accompanies Revolutionary War PPT) • Unit Study Guide • Unit Exam • Answer Key for Unit Exam

Make history come alive by having students re-enact historical figures from the Civil War era! This role play activity will have students explore the controversial issues of whether slavery should expand into the new western territories, and whether the famous abolitionist John Brown was justified in arming slaves with weapons and raiding plantations in the Southern states as a means to emancipate the slaves. This role play activity is best implemented towards the end of a Civil War unit, and can be used as an alternative measure in assessing student's understanding of the complex issues that underscored the Civil War.

Aligned with the Common Core Standards, this lesson plan will have students analyze and explore secondary and primary sources of information pertaining to the Japanese-American interment experience in the United States during WWII. Students will critically examine the way in which the internment camps were presented to the public through the perspective of the U.S. government and their use of propaganda, and from the Japanese-American internees who lived in the camps. The PowerPoint presentation is full of interactive visuals, discussion topics & hands-on activities that provoke critical thought & will encourage students to delve deeper into the ‘politics’ of how history is presented. Materials: • One 32 slide Power-Point Presentation • Printable Handouts: 1) Power-Point Guided Notes 2) Teacher Answer Key 3) Secondary Source: Textbook Version 4) Primary Source: Poem by Dwight Okit