11th Grade U.S. History Simulations

The year is 1956. You & your partner have taken advantage of new economic conditions & purchased a suburban home. Upon moving to the suburbs, you find you need to fill your home with clothes & furniture. 

Use the Sears catalog provided to fill your home. The average monthly income in the USA in 1955 was $360. Let’s say you & your partner have been saving, and have a savings account of $600. The mortgage payment on your home is $60 per month, & let's say you use $40 per month for groceries. That leaves you with $500 to spend for the month!

Fill out the provided order sheet with the products you want to buy, and their prices. Do not spend more than $500, because then you will end up in debt! Beware–life events and circumstances happen, so adjust accordingly!

This Resource Includes:

• Teacher Reference Guide
• Google Slide Presentation
• Sears Catalog Student Handout
• Life Event Cards
• 1956 Sears Catalog (Printable & digital versions)

*If you would like to purchase the entire lesson CLICK BELOW!

1950s & 60s: Conformity or Rebellion (Counter-culture)?

If you liked this lesson see other related lessons & activities here:

• Protest Movements of the 1960's: E-Chapter Textbook Project
• César Chavez: Analyzing Primary Sources
• The Cold War and Vietnam
• Hot War Turns into the Cold War

Civics Readers Theater Product Description Bring history to life with our engaging Civics Readers Theater collection! Designed for high school students, this educational product offers an insightful exploration into pivotal moments and concepts in American history through interactive and entertaining scripts. Each script encourages students to step into the shoes of historical figures, facilitating a deeper understanding of the nation's founding principles and governance. This collection is perfect for classroom settings, allowing students to develop their public speaking and critical thinking skills while fostering a love for history. Included Scripts Script #1: Readers Theater: The Philosophical Foundations of the Declaration of Independence Dive into the Enlightenment ideas that inspired the American Revolution. This script introduces students to the influential philosophers whose thoughts on freedom, equality, and governance played a crucial role in shaping the Declaration of Independence. Script #2: Readers Theater: Round Table Discussing Shays' Rebellion Explore the events and significance of Shays' Rebellion through a lively round table discussion. Students will examine the causes and effects of this crucial uprising, gaining insight into how it influenced the creation of a stronger federal government. Script #3: Readers Theater: Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists Step into the heated debates between Federalists and Anti-Federalists as they discuss the ratification of the U.S. Constitution. This script helps students understand the differing viewpoints on the balance of power and the need for a Bill of Rights. Script #4: Readers Theater: Goldilocks and the Three Governments of America Introduce students to the concept of checks and balances through a whimsical retelling of the classic Goldilocks tale. This script cleverly compares the three branches of government to find the "just right" balance of power. Script #5: Readers Theater: A Glimpse into the Making of the U.S. Constitution Transport students to the Constitutional Convention of 1787, where they will witness the intense debates and compromises that led to the drafting of the United States Constitution. This script provides a firsthand look at the challenges and triumphs of creating a new government. Script #6: Readers Theater: The Three Branches of Government Help students understand the structure and functions of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government. This script offers an engaging way to explore how these branches work together to uphold the Constitution and serve the American people. Each script in the Civics Readers Theater collection is crafted to educate and inspire, providing an immersive learning experience that will captivate students' imaginations and enhance their understanding of American civics.

There are two class activities available in this 9 page document. Your students will become immersed in the home front issues of World War II with these two activities.

Activity 1 - Create a Propaganda Poster related to Victory Gardens

Students will review posters from World War II and then create their own using similar elements to what was used then in terms of design, message and purpose.

Activity 2 - Participate in 5 Minute Simulations

Students will take on various roles in the effort to organize community Victory Gardens. They will have a chance to be a leader, community member, representative of the local Victory Garden Committee or a garden/hardware store owner.

Primary source documents from pamphlets published by the US Department of Agriculture as well as photographs from World War II to enhance their understanding prior to completing either activity.

Please check out my other Teaching Resources about World War II:

*The Japanese-American Experience in World War II: PowerPoint Presentation
*The Japanese-American Experience in World War II: Reading Assignment and Worksheet
*Women in the US Military during World War II: Reading Assignment and Worksheet
*Victory Gardens of World War II: PowerPoint Mini-Lesson
*Victory Gardens during World War II: Analyzing Primary Sources
*The Home Front in World War II: Crossword Puzzle and Word Search
*The Home Front during World War II: Reading Assignment and Worksheet

More are always being added so check back frequently!