Other (Social Studies & History) Activities

Explorers!

Alternative Learning Unit

Integrated ELA & Social Studies

Reading Journal

SS.8.A.2.1 - Compare the relationships among the British, French, Spanish, and Dutch in their struggle for colonization of North America. Clarifications/Examples: This benchmark implies a study of the ways that economic, political, cultural, and religious competition between these Atlantic powers shaped early colonial America.

Essential Question: What were the causes and effects of European exploration of the Americas?

Includes:

-Primary Source Analysis

-Learning Goal Chart

-Bingo

-Readings of 11 explorers (including fun facts)

-Venn Diagram comparison activity

-Choice board

-Final writing project

-ELA Strategies for a Social Studies class

List of Explorers:

-Cortez

-Marco Polo

-Christopher Columbus

-Cabot

-Vasco Nuñez de Balboa

-Hudson

-Juan Ponce de Leon

-Magellan

-Pizarro

-Leif Ericsson

-Bjarni Herjulsson

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Check out samples on my Instagram: @HistoryGuruTeachShare

Customer Tips:

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• Look for the green star next to my store logo and click it to become a follower. Voila! You will now receive email updates about this store.

I value your feedback greatly as it helps me determine which products are most valuable for your classroom so I can create more for you. If you have any concerns or any of my resources are not what you expected, please contact me first before leaving feedback so I can have a chance to fix it for you! You can DM or follow me at Follow me on Instagram: @HistoryGuruTeachShare

How to get TeachShare credit to use on future purchases:

• Please go to your My Purchases page (you may need to login). Beside each purchase you'll see a Provide Feedback button. Simply click it and you will be taken to a page where you can give a quick rating and leave a short comment for the product. Each time you give feedback, TeachShare gives you feedback credits that you use to lower the cost of your future purchases.

Like this product?

• Click on the Pin it button and pin it to one of your boards!

Follow me on Instagram: @HistoryGuruTeachShare

Let’s face it, close reading isn’t often a skill that comes naturally. When our students get a new reading assignment, their first instinct is often to race to the finish line rather than engage deeply with a text.

Getting students to slow down, engage with the text in different ways, and reflect as they read are challenges for every teacher, and are the goals of close reading. They’re also at the heart of the Common Core English Language Arts standards. There’s no magic way to turn your class into top-notch readers overnight, but there are specific close reading skills you can teach that will help your students now and down the line.

This Close Reading includes a Primary Resource of the Emancipation Proclamation speech from President Abraham Lincoln. It breaks down the vocab used and gives teacher lead questions, student creation of questions, as well as a summary.

DIRECTIONS: AN OBITUARY IS A NOTICE OF DEATH, USUALLY IS A NEWSPAPER, WHICH TYPICALLY HAS A BRIEF BIOGRAPHY OF THE DECEASED PERSON. COMPLETE THE INFORMATION BELOW TO CREATE AN OBITUARY FOR THE ARTICLES OF CONFEDERATION. *ACCOMPLISHMENTS SECTION SHOULD HAVE AT LEAST 3 SENTENCES EXPLAINING WHAT THE “ARTICLES OF CONFEDERATION” WAS, AND WHAT IT CONTRIBUTED TO AMERICA (GOOD OR BAD).

Unleash the mysteries of early human life with our comprehensive Reading Comprehension Package on Early Humans, Archaeology, and Cave Paintings! Designed to spark curiosity and excitement in the classroom, this meticulously crafted resource provides an engaging journey through the ancient past, perfect for invigorating your history lessons.
The package includes an insightful reading passage that delves into the lives of early humans, the fascinating field of archaeology, and the captivating world of cave paintings. The reading material is thoughtfully designed to be accessible yet informative, ensuring it caters to a range of student abilities. Accompanying the reading are a series of thought-provoking questions that challenge students to think critically and reflect deeply, enhancing their comprehension and analytical skills.
To further enrich the learning experience, we've included a hands-on cave painting project. This activity allows students to step into the shoes of early artists, using simple materials to create their own cave paintings. It's an excellent opportunity to blend creativity with historical understanding, making the past come alive in a tangible and memorable way.
This resource is not just a tool for learning; it’s a gateway to discovering the joy of history. By combining reading, critical thinking, and creative expression, we aim to inspire both teachers and students to reach their highest potential. Let HistoryGuru help you transform your classroom into a dynamic space where history is not just learned but experienced.

I have broken down each and every unit and given you multiple styles for each unit. Please re-download to get the full package. I am also doing the same for my Civics and my World History items. I hope that this helps you better track student progress. :D

Student and Teacher 8th Grade United States History Learning Goal Data Tracker

Administrators always say to put the tracking in the students hands, make sure you are keeping data, and never offer ways to help you do these! Well, that's where I come in! I sat down with the test specs, essential standards, and standard break down sheet to create this awesome excel sheet that you could easily print, distribute, or put in a google sheet that your students can track THEMSELVES! Plus this is also a great tracker for PLC's to ensure all students are learning the content & you are on the same page. this has made our team meetings go SO much soother! This is my favorite tool in my classroom.

Students will track themselves unit by unit & standard by standard with the use of "I can" statements.

Instructions: Step By Step

1. Find the unit we are in right now.

2. Based on the work we have done thus far, please put an x in the box that best describes your knowledge of the "I can" statement.

3. Be sure to revisit this before your test to ensure that You've Got This Down! This is what the US History team is creating your test off of. If you can move yourself to the final column of "Yes, I can." Then you should score 80% or higher on the test. I will be checking on these :)

4. If you get assigned to an intervention. You will need to edit this on the last day of that cycle

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Check out samples on my Instagram: @HistoryGuruTeachShare

Customer Tips:

Be the first to know about my new discounts, freebies and product launches:

• Look for the green star next to my store logo and click it to become a follower. Voila! You will now receive email updates about this store.

I value your feedback greatly as it helps me determine which products are most valuable for your classroom so I can create more for you. If you have any concerns or any of my resources are not what you expected, please contact me first before leaving feedback so I can have a chance to fix it for you! You can DM or follow me at Follow me on Instagram: @HistoryGuruTeachShare

How to get TeachShare credit to use on future purchases:

• Please go to your My Purchases page (you may need to login). Beside each purchase you'll see a Provide Feedback button. Simply click it and you will be taken to a page where you can give a quick rating and leave a short comment for the product. Each time you give feedback, TeachShare gives you feedback credits that you use to lower the cost of your future purchases.

Like this product?

• Click on the Pin it button and pin it to one of your boards!

Follow me on Instagram: @HistoryGuruTeachShare

North v. South Balance Sheet The US History Edition: Civil War Worksheets Examine key advantages and disadvantages that each side had in both their economy and military. Part I – Examine the websites below, and under the appropriate category determine which side (North or South) had the advantage and then explain why you believe so. Economy Complete the chart below by using the following websites: • Interactive Map of American on the Eve of the Civil War - http://www.teachingamericanhistory.org/neh/interactives/civilwar/lesson1/ • North-South Comparison Chart - http://www.gilderlehrman.org/teachers/module10/mod\_tools.html Military Meet the Army Commanders! - http://www.teachingamericanhistory.org/neh/interactives/cmdrs/

Presidential Report Card Directions: After reviewing the Presidents we have learned about in class, it is now time to assess their Presidential terms. Use the following as a guideline: 1. Grades: Include percentage and letter grade based upon their actions as President. 2. Comments: Must have at least two comments. This is your time to justify your reasoning for the grade using information from their presidencies. 3. Conduct: Assign the former President either a S-satisfactory, NI-needs improvement, or an U-unsatisfactory depending upon their behavior during their Presidential terms.

Alternative Learning Unit: You will be researching the Kivalina Village in Alaska, research how it has changed over the past 100 years, and what people are doing today that could hurt it. Then, you’ll create a Public Service Announcement to tell your family and friends how they can help to protect the Kivalina Village in Alaska. Includes standard based rubric

9/11 Writing Prompt The US History Edition: Writing Worksheets Students will analyze a video and take notes. Followed by creating an essay about 9/11.

Need standard based content on your walls, or even a bulletin board? PSH, who has got time to reinvent the wheel like that?! I do. I have been creating a series of standard based lessons and decorations. The one you are looking at now is the Citizenship one. It is aimed toward 7th GadeCivics, but can be applied elsewhere. This includes: vocab, "I can" statements, Duties, Responsibilities, Naturalization, 14th Amendment, etc. Check them out, then follow my page for more standard based items. Citizenship Pennants: Standards, I Can, Key Vocab, and Processes. Standards: REPORTING CATEGORY 2: ROLES, RIGHTS, AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF CITIZENS SS.7.C.2.1: Define the term “citizen,” and identify legal means of becoming a U.S. citizen. SS.7.C.2.2: Evaluate the obligations citizens have to obey laws, pay taxes, defend the nation, and serve on juries.

How Could a Beaver Start a War?

Robert Millward

Questions, Reading, and Answers

Questions for “How Could a Beaver Start a War?” by Robert Millward

Directions: Respond in full and complete sentences to the questions below based upon your understanding of the article.

If the Civil War ended slavery 150 years ago, why are there still racial problems today? This mini ALU will get students really thinking about how history repeats itself through applying their knowledge from the Reconstruction Era to today. The students will research the Reconstruction Plans, and southern reaction to Reconstruction and the effect on race relations; taking into consideration current events such and Ferguson, MO, The Baltimore Riots and The Charleston Shooting and flag debate, develop a plan that would achieve Lincoln’s goal of healing the nation and prevent modern racial issues?

Looking for an easy way to incorporate Language Arts & Propaganda into your Civics course? The NAVA Strategy is a GREAT way to put the ELA standards to work in your Social Studies course. NAVA stands for Noun, Adjective, Verb, and Adverb. This walks the students through a step by step document analysis or DBQ. Quick, Simple, & Easy! This NAVA strategy incorporates Gummie Bears and Forms & Types of Government.

STudents watch MLK's famous speech of "I have a dream." This gets paired with their dreams. Each student gets two hearts and follows along in an amazing activity

Cute kawaii style illustrations of different occupations to help learn about community helpers, careers/jobs, social studies activity coloring pages, or could be used as posters.

Files include 1 PDF with 12 pages US-letter size

The careers included are dentist, construction worker, doctor, farmer, firefighter, lifeguard, grocery store worker, mail carrier, nurse, police officer, teacher, and veterinarian.

SIMILAR COLORING ITEMS YOU MIGHT LIKE

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For personal use only by one teacher only, please do not share or sell this file.

This Chinese New Year (also known as the Lunar New Year) activity teaches students about the animals in the Chinese zodiac and the years for each one. It's great for young elementary students to see the cycle of the zodiac and also great for young learners to practice their fine motor skills.

✨Take a peek at the preview to get a closer look.

WHAT IS INCLUDED?

• PDF file
• Zodiac wheel template (it's already started for you with the year of the dragon!)
• Cut & paste zodiac animals with their name and year.

HOW IT WORKS

1. Easily print the resource from your computer.

2. Have the students color each zodiac animal.

3. Students can cut out each triangle.

3. Students glue each zodiac animal in order going backwards after the year of the dragon (2024, 2023, 2022, etc.)

4. Students share their wheel and talk about which zodiac animal they are

WHO IS IT FOR?

• Elementary School Teachers: You'll love this as a resource for your students to practice their fine motor skills while having fun!
• Homeschooling Parents: No need to do worksheet after worksheet. Use this resource to help your child strengthen their fine motor skills.

FEATURES

• Each page is 8.5" x 11", but you can adjust this in your printer settings.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED

In addition to printing out this resource, you'll need scissors, crayons, and glue.

This passage and assortment of activities are an engaging and accessible way for your students to strengthen their knowledge of the history of Australia!

THIS PRODUCT INCLUDES:

• The History of Australia Passage (3 pages)
• 15 Multiple Choice Questions
• 5 Short Answer Questions
• 9 Choice Board Extension Activities
• Answer Keys
• Link to Digital Version

I do my best to make sure every product is free of typos or mistakes, but please feel free to message me with any corrections or concerns.

This passage and assortment of activities are an engaging and accessible way for your students to strengthen their knowledge of the cuisine of Southeast Asia, including countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines.

THIS PRODUCT INCLUDES:

• The Cuisine of Southeast Asia Passage (4 pages)
• 15 Multiple Choice Questions
• 10 Short Answer Questions
• 9 Choice Board Extension Activities
• Answer Keys
• Link to Digital Version

I do my best to make sure every product is free of typos or mistakes, but please feel free to message me with any corrections or concerns.

This product introduces naval warfare during the Civil War to students. The passage specifically discusses the importance of blockades, the introduction of ironclad ships, the Battle of Hampton Roads, the fight for control of waterways during the war, and more.

THIS PRODUCT INCLUDES:

★ 3 page passage

★ 15 multiple choice comprehension questions

★ 5 short answer comprehension questions

★ Primary source analysis of official military reports after the Battle of Hampton Roads

★ Choice board with diverse activities to extend learning

★ Answer keys

★ Link to Google Slides version

This product is a part of my Civil War series (products will be linked as they are published) ⤵⤵⤵

Pre-War: 1830s-1860

• The Abolitionist Movement
• Compromises (The Missouri Compromise, The Compromise of 1850, and the Kansas-Nebraska Act)
• Dred Scott Decision
• John Brown’s Raid

Secession and Formation of the Confederacy (1860-1861)

• Election of 1860
• Formation of the Confederacy
• Confederate Leadership

Opening Conflict (1861)

• Union Leadership
• Battle of Fort Sumter
• First Battle of Bull Run

Early War (1862)

• Naval Warfare

Eastern Theater

• Peninsula Campaign
• Second Battle of Bull Run
• Battle of Antietam

Western Theater

• Battles of Shiloh and Fort Donelson

Turning Points (1863)

• Emancipation Proclamation
• Battle of Gettysburg
• Siege of Vicksburg

Total War and Union Advancements (1864)

• Sherman’s March to the Sea
• Grant’s Overland Campaign

End of the War (1865)

• Fall of Richmond
• Appomattox Court House
• Assassination of Abraham Lincoln

Reconstruction (1865-1877)

• Reintegration of Southern States
• Freedmen’s Bureau
• Amendments

I do my best to make sure every product is free of typos or mistakes, but please feel free to message me with any corrections or concerns.

This passage and assortment of activities are an engaging and accessible way for your students to strengthen their knowledge of the physical geography of Southeast Asia, including countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines.

THIS PRODUCT INCLUDES:

• The Physical Geography of Southeast Asia Passage (4 pages)
• 15 Multiple Choice Questions
• 10 Short Answer Questions
• 9 Choice Board Extension Activities
• Answer Keys
• Link to Digital Version

I do my best to make sure every product is free of typos or mistakes, but please feel free to message me with any corrections or concerns.