Overview
At Anti-textbook.org, we have curated the best active learning lesson plans for American History Teachers. For over a year, we’ve been sifting through the resources on amazing free sites like Stanford History Education Group (S.H.E.G.), Gilder Lehrman, and Facing History and Ourselves. We’ve picked the best activities and given you a brief description. You could skim through these sites yourself and read each of the 15-page activity descriptions. Or you can let us do the work of searching and synthesizing so that you can get some sleep.
Because your teaching might be remote or in-person or both, we’ve added a description of the remote readiness of each lesson. In many lessons, compelling primary sources from multiple perspectives have been edited for length and combined with an activity, often times a group activity. For remote students, teachers can easily post or email a link to the primary sources and/or the full activity. Students can work together via phone or video conferencing to complete the assignment or do it themselves. When they’re done, they can post the completed assignment to your LMS or email it to you. And in many cases, the very same lesson can be printed and completed in class.
Each box below contains a lesson. The icons at the top of each box tell you if the lesson contains primary sources, secondary sources, research, group work, a writing assignment, maps, videos, or games. The description tells you which free site the lesson comes from, what grade levels it is intended for, how much class time it will take, and how much reading is required. Click the blue button at the bottom of each box for more information and the ability to bookmark the lesson to your profile.
Lessons on this page are about the Articles, Constitution, and Washington. We have divided the into 5 categories, and there’s a heading at the end of every page for OER Textbooks and Primary Source centers:
Articles of Confederation
Constitutional Creation
From: National Archives
Grade Level: (HS), (College)
Remote Ready: Yes!
Time: 1 Class Period or Less
Length of Reading: Chapter
Constitution of the United States--A History
How about assigning this article to give your students a little background on the making of the Constitution before tackling any of these assignments.
More Info, Reviews, Bookmark it to Your ProfileLesson Identifier: 6A
The Constitutional Convention of 1787,
Lesson 1
From: EDSITEment!
Grade Level: HS, (College)
Remote Ready: With Modifications
Time: Depends on which activity you choose
Length of Reading: Pages
Lesson 1:
The Road to the Constitutional Convention
Click on "Lesson Activities"
This lesson focuses on the Articles of Confederation and its problems.
All 3 activities within this lesson use primary sources. The second activity involves a short role-playing activity. And the third involves creating a timeline.
For a longer explanation of each activity in this lesson, click on the button below. Lesson 2 in the same series is under the "Constitution" heading.
Lesson Identifier: 6B
Articles of Confederation
From: Gilder Lehrman
Grade Level: MS, HS, College
Remote Ready: With Modifications
Time: 1 Class Period
Length of Reading: Page
Articles of Confederation
Seven student groups are each assigned a different section of the Articles of Confederation (see link for Articles and section recommendations). Each group summarizes their sections on large sheets of paper. These sheets are then hung around the room. Students do a gallery walk while filling-out a T-chart with the pros and cons of the Articles. The class then discusses what they found.
You'll need to log-on in Gilder Lehrman. Accounts are free for K-12 educators and cost $25/yr for everyone else.
Lesson Identifier: 6C
Constitution
Constitutional Compromise
From: Gilder-Lehrman
Grade Level: MS, HS, College
Remote Ready: With Modifications
Time: 1 Class Period or Less
Length of Reading: Pages
Analyzing the Great Compromise, 1787
Excerpts from the Virginia Plan, New Jersey Plan, and Articles of Confederation are presented (2-5 pages each, 11 total). Students answer the questions provided and fill out a graphic organizer. Students then design a compromise of their own, an advertisement, or a political cartoon.
More Info, Reviews, Bookmark it to Your ProfileLesson Identifier: 6D
Constitution Scavenger Hunt
From: Teaching American History
Grade Level: MS, HS, (College)
Remote Ready: With Modifications
Time: 1-2 Class Periods
Length of Reading: Pages
A Walking Tour of the Constitution
Day 1: In groups, students create an outline of the Constitution. Here's an example from Teaching American History: "I. Article I: Everything about Congress."
Day 2 (or as homework): Students complete a Constitution Scavenger hunt, using their outlines as a road map.
Lesson Identifier: 6E
The Constitutional Convention of 1787,
Lesson 2
From: EDSITEment!
Grade Level: HS, (College)
Remote Ready: With Modifications
Time: Depends on which activity you choose, up to 5 short class periods
Length of Reading: Pages
Lesson 2:
The Question of Representation at the 1787 Convention
Click on "Lesson Activities"
The Constitutional Convention is the focus of this lesson. All 3 activities within this lesson use primary sources. The second activity involves a short role-playing activity. And the third involves creating a timeline.
Click the button below for more information. If you're looking for lesson 1 in the series (this is lesson 2), it's up under the Articles of Confederation heading; lesson 3 follows.
Lesson Identifier: 6G
School House Rock!
From: School House Rock
Grade Level: (MS), (HS), (College)
Remote Ready: Yes!
Time: 3 min
Length of Reading: None
The Preamble to the Constitution
It's a classic! Get your kids rocking out to start your class.
Lesson Identifier: 6F
The Constitutional Convention of 1787,
Lesson 3
From: EDSITEment!
Grade Level: HS, (College)
Remote Ready: With Modifications
Time: Depends on which activity you choose, up to 5 short class periods
Length of Reading: Pages
Lesson 3:
Creating the Office of the Presidency
Click on "Lesson Activities"
This lesson is all about the power of the president or presidents (that's right! Some founders argued for multiple presidents).
All 3 activities within this lesson use primary sources. The first activity focuses on the number of presidents there should be. The second addresses how the president will be elected.
The third looks at the length of the term of the president. And the fourth examines presidential powers.
Click the button below for more information. If you're looking for lesson 1 in the series (this is lesson 2), it's up under the Articles of Confederation heading; lesson 2 precedes this one.
Lesson Identifier: 6H
Slavery and the Constitution
Slavery in the Constitutional Structure
From: Gilder-Lehrman
Grade Level: MS, HS, College
Remote Ready: With Modifications
Time: 1-2 Class Periods
Length of Reading: Paragraphs
Making a Covenant with Death: Slavery in the Constitutional Structure
Each group reads an assigned portion of the Constitution that deals with slavery. Students write the main ideas on a large sheet of paper. Hang these sheets of paper on the walls and have each group present on their overviews. Then debate, as the founders, which aforementioned portions to keep in or leave out of the Constitution. Finally Students create a written dialogue between a founder and a slave.
More Info, Reviews, Bookmark it to Your ProfileLesson Identifier: 6I
Slavery in the Declaration and Constitutional Convention
From: Stanford History Education Group (S.H.E.G)
Grade Level: (MS), (HS), (College)
Remote Ready: With Modifications
Time: Less than 1 Class Period
Length of Reading: Paragraphs
Slavery in the Constitution
The list of grievances from the Declaration of Independence blames the King of Great Britain for slavery. Students read this primary source in groups and then answer questions about it. Students then read part of the debate from the Constitutional Convention as well as 3 historians interpretations of it (short). And they fill out a graphic organizer.
More Info, Reviews, Bookmark it to Your ProfileLesson Identifier: 6J
Slavery:
American Revolution and Constitution
From: Teaching Tolerance, Teaching Hard History
Grade Level: MS, HS, (College)
Remote Ready: With Modifications
Time: Depends Upon Lesson
Length of Reading: Pages
Our Summary of
Teaching Hard History Framework
After clicking on the link above, scroll to the "We the People" artwork and the "The American Revolution and the Constitution (1763-1787)" Heading. And then choose the Summary Objective that most interest you. Also see "Summary Objective 7" below the "Slavery in the Early Republic (1787-1808)" heading and brick flag artwork. You will be linked to a short list of wonderful online resources and their descriptions. We do NOT recommend clicking on the red "DOWNLOAD THE 6-12 FRAMEWORK" icon; while the same resources are showcased, the links are broken.
More Info, Reviews, Bookmark it to Your ProfileLesson Identifier: 5X
Bill of Rights, Federalists, & Anti-Federalists
Bill of Rights
From: Parlay Universe and Bill of Rights Institute
Grade Level: MS, HS, College
Remote Ready: With Modifications
Time: 1 class period
Length of Reading: Paragraphs
The Bill of Rights
Students watch a 4 min animated video on why the founders made the Bill of Rights. Students then read each amendment and amendment history from the Bill of Rights institute (BRI). Students answer questions then comment on the answers of 2 of their classmates. BRI also offers links to news articles on each amendment and links to in depth lessons on each amendment.
More Info, Reviews, Bookmark it to Your ProfileLesson Identifier: 6L
Interactive Constitution Game
From: iCivics and National Endowment for the Humanities
Grade Level: MS, HS, College
Remote Ready: With Modifications
Time: 1 class period or Less
Length of Reading: Paragraphs
Race to Ratify
Select which fictional person to interview and the line of questioning. Then read the answers regarding the ratification of the Constitution. Get idea tokens from interviewees and drag them to the Federalist or Anti-Federalist side of your tray. Apply those tokens to make arguments in pamphlets.
You might have students create a written T-graph documenting the Federalist and Anti-Federalist arguments as they go; this way students will better remember what they've learned and will avoid clicking through the game without learning anything. The interviews get a bit tedious after several rounds of them. There are 2 playing modes, historical (which mirrors the actual ratification process) and free play.
Check out the The Extension Pack for lecture slides and background materials.
Lesson Identifier: 6M
Constitutional Considerations
From: HSI: Historical Scene Investigation
Grade Level: HS, (College)
Remote Ready: With Modifications
Time: 2 class periods
Length of Reading: Pages
"I Smelt a Rat" Constitution Controversy
Patrick Henry (of "Give me liberty or give me death" fame) did not attend the Constitutional Convention because he said, "I Smelt a rat." Figure out what he meant. Read 7 documents and answer questions. Many questions ask about objections to the Constitution, namely the lack of a Bill of Rights.
Finally students write a paragraph or 2 answering the overarching question.
To give your students a little background on the making of the Constitution before tackling this assignment (perhaps as homework), check out this article from the National Archives: Constitution of the United States--A History
Lesson Identifier: 6N
Federalists & Anti-Federalists
Federalists &
Anti-Federalists
(Easy)
From: Stanford History Educational Group (S.H.E.G)
Grade Level: (MS), (HS)
Remote Ready: With Modifications
Time: Less than 1 class period
Length of Reading: Paragraphs
Federalists & Anti-Federalists
2 very short primary sources. Alexander Hamilton argues for the Federalist position. Melancton argues the Anti-Federalist position. Both docs combined fill barely a page. Students fill out a graphic organizer.
More Info, Reviews, Bookmark it to Your ProfileLesson Identifier: 6O
Federalists & Anti-Federalists
(medium difficulty)
From: Gilder-Lehrman
Grade Level: MS, HS, College
Remote Ready: With Modifications
Time: 2-3 class periods
Length of Reading: Pages
The United States Constitution: Federalists v. Anti-Federalists
Common Core aligned. This lesson offers 4 lessons. First, students read primary sources with Federalist arguments. Secondly, they read Anti-Federalist primary sources. They then write a mock debate between the two. And finally, they present. Students should have background knowledge on the Constitution before beginning. You could lecture and/or assign this article from the National Archives: Constitution of the United States--A History
.
Click the button below for a break down of each lesson.
Lesson Identifier: 6P
Federalists & Anti-Federalists
(difficult)
From: EDSITEment!
Grade Level: HS, (College)
Remote Ready: With Modifications
Time: 1-2 class periods for each activity (x2 activities)
Length of Reading: Pages
Lesson 1:
Anti-Federalist Arguments Against "A Complete Consolidation"
and
Lesson 2:
The Federalist Defense of Diversity and "Extending the Sphere"
Click on "Lesson Activities"
In lesson 1, Students view a 4 min video on Alexander Hamilton. Then they read primary source snippets from Anti-Federalist documents, fill in a work sheet and discuss.
The first part of lesson 2 jigsaws excerpts from the Federalist Papers. The second part is an optional role-playing game involving voting on bills in Congress.
For more details on both lessons and all activities, click the button below.
Lesson Identifier: 6Q
Washington Administration
Be Washington:
It's Your Turn to Lead
Interactive Game
From: George Washington's
Mount Vernon
Grade Level: MS, HS, (College)
Remote Ready: Yes!
Time: 3 scenarios, each takes about 20 min
Length of Reading: None
Our Summary of
Be Washington
Choose to be George Washington in 1 of 4 interactive scenarios:
The Battle of Second Trenton
The Newburgh Conspiracy
The Genet Affair
The Whiskey Rebellion
In each scenario, players assess the situation, listen to advice, and make decisions. Each scenario takes about 20 minutes. You can elect to play "Host" style where the teacher controls the game and students vote on which decisions to make. Or you can let students play individually in single player mode. Because the game does not give much background, teachers should consider the supplentary materials. Click on the question mark at the beginning to find teacher materials, background info, primary sources, and lesson plans for each scenario. It's narrated by Christopher Jackson, Hamilton's George Washington. Closed captions.
More Info, Reviews, Bookmark it to Your ProfileLesson Identifier: 5A
National Bank
From: Gilder Lehrman
Grade Level: HS, College
Remote Ready: With Modifications!
Time: 1 Class Period
Length of Reading: Pages
National Bank Debate
Common Core aligned. Students read primary sources from Jefferson and Hamilton (4 pages total) concerning the creation of the National Bank. They fill in graphic-organizers in partners. Then the class discusses answers and additional questions.
More Info, Reviews, Bookmark it to Your ProfileLesson Identifier: 6S
Heading into the
Quasi-War
From: EDSITEment!
Grade Level: HS, (College)
Remote Ready: Yes!
Time: 2-3 class periods for all 3 activities
Length of Reading: Pages
The United States Confronts Great Britain, 1793-1796: Lesson 1
Click on "Lesson Activities"
Activity 1 is a board game that you can print; it involves shipping during the Quasi-War. Activities 2 and 3 have students read primary sources on the opinions regarding the Quasi-War and Jay's Treaty, answer questions, and discuss.
Click the button for more info.
More Info, Reviews, Bookmark it to Your ProfileLesson Identifier: 6T
Hamilton v. Jefferson
From: Stanford History Education Group (S.H.E.G)
Grade Level: HS, College
Remote Ready: With Modifications!
Time: Less than 1 class period
Length of Reading: Pages
Hamilton v. Jefferson
Students read 2 paragraphs about the Hamilton-Jefferson disagreement. Then they read a letter each man wrote to GW (1 page each, 2 pages total) about their conflict and answer questions in pairs.
More Info, Reviews, Bookmark it to Your ProfileLesson Identifier: 6U
Tour Monticello!
From: Everyday Americans, Exceptional Americans
Grade Level: (MS), (HS), (College)
Remote Ready: Yes!
Time: 1 Class Period or Less
Length of Reading: None
Our Summary of
Monticello Tour
Follow a tour guide through Thomas Jefferson's house, Monticello. The four parts total about 28 minutes in length.
An important question for students to ponder while they watch is: Who are TJ's big 3? Do a little research on these 3 Enlightenment thinkers whose portraits hang at Monticello. What do you think TJ learned from them, based on what TJ wrote in the Declaration of Independence?
Lesson Identifier: 5F
General
(OER Textbooks and Individual Primary Sources)
OER Textbooks
American Yawp
U.S. History Textbook
From:
American Yawp:
This excellent textbook, which was written and edited by history professors and published by the Stanford University Press, is available online for FREE. It includes a FREE primary source reader, beautiful images, and footnotes (which are always good as an example to show students how to cite their own research). The only issue is that the website is not secure. You do not, however, input any personal information, not even a log on.
A Massively Collaborative Open
U.S. History Textbook
Grade Level: HS, College
Remote Ready: Yes!
Time: Quite a bit!
Length of Reading: Chapters
Lesson Identifier: 4AA
MI Open Book Project
United States History Textbook
Revolution Through Reconstruction
From: Michigan Open Book Project
This book was created by the Michigan Open Book Project. In Michigan, the entirety of US History is divided across several grades. And there's a different book for each section of the course, intended for a different age group.
The 5th grade edition, United States History:
Beginnings Through Revolution, starts with early American History and goes through the American Revolution.
The 8th grade edition, Revolution Through Reconstruction, Starts with the American Revolution and, obviously, ends with Reconstruction.
The High School edition, Reconstruction to Today ends the trilogy.
Because these books are written by the teachers of the grades they are intended for, the language they use and subjects they broach are age appropriate and concise. The chapters are inquiry based; they start with questions. And there are links to video explanations and subjects of interest within the text. Depending on the apps particular to your device, students may even be able to highlight and take notes on their online or PDF textbook.
Grade Level: MS, HS
Remote Ready: Yes!
Time: Quite a bit!
Length of Reading: Chapters
Lesson Identifier: 4AD
Openstax
U.S. History Textbook
From: Openstax
The good people at Rice University, with several charitable organizations, have made this American History Textbook, written by legit history professors, available online for FREE.
Check out the "Instructor Resources" tab. You can access slides, test questions, and even plug the book into your Canvas or Blackboard LMS.
Grade Level: HS, College
Remote Ready: Yes!
Time: Quite a bit!
Length of Reading: Chapters
Chapter 7: Creating Republican Governments, 1776-1790
AND
Chapter 8: Growing Pains: The New Republic, 1790-1820
Lesson Identifier: 4AB
Openstax
Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness
U.S. History Textbook
From: Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness and the Bill of Rights Institute
Grade Level: Designed for A.P. US History
Remote Ready: Yes!
Time: Quite a bit!
Length of Reading: Chapters
Check out Openstax latest endeavor, in partnership with the Bill of Rights Institute. This book is intended for Advanced Placement (A.P.) U.S. History courses. You can elect to incorporate online courseware with the book for an additional per student fee.
More Info, Reviews, Bookmark it to Your ProfileLesson Identifier: 4AC
Individual Primary Source Resources
Primary Sources at Teaching American History
We would recommend the above mentioned primary source sets from Stanford History Education Group and Gilder Lehrman. They're pre-edited for length, paired with other relevant primary sources, and many already have activities or questions for students to answer.
But if you need primary sources for another purpose, check out
primary sources from the Teaching American History site. They are sorted first by era and then by category. Plus, each one has an introductory description AND study questions at the end! If you sign up for a free account, you can put documents together to create your own collections.
Lesson Identifier: 4AF
Primary Sources at American History from Revolution to Reconstruction and Beyond
We would recommend the above mentioned primary source sets from Stanford History Education Group and Gilder Lehrman. They're pre-edited for length, paired with other relevant primary sources, and many already have activities or questions for students to answer.
But if you need primary sources for another purpose, check out
primary sources at American History from Revolution to Reconstruction and Beyond provided by the University of Groningen in the Netherlands. Choose the appropriate time frame on the left side of the screen. Primary sources are both relevant and bite-sized.
Lesson Identifier: 4AG
Primary Sources From Digital History
We would recommend the above mentioned primary source sets from Stanford History Education Group and Gilder Lehrman. They're pre-edited for length, paired with other relevant primary sources, and many already have activities or questions for students to answer.
But if you need primary sources for another purpose, check out
the
the Digital History
site from the University of Houston, which includes primary sources (click on "Documents" across the top and the appropriate time period on the left) as well as a textbook, quizzes, music, and a variety of other valuable resources, sorted by era.
Lesson Identifier: 4AH