| Maritime Nation 1800-1850 |
| Section of the online exhibit On the Water: Stories from Maritime America focused on the maritime history of the United States during the first half of the nineteenth century. Learn how shipbuilders, mariners, and maritime merchants helped the new nation defend itself and grow. Topics covered are the roles that privateers played during the American Revolution and the War of 1812, immigration, early steam travel and coastal shipping in the Atlantic Ocean, the California Gold Rush, and the life-saving technology that was used to rescue the victims of shipwrecks. |
| Provider: National Museum of American History |
| Grade(s): 4–8, 9–12 |
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| New York – The Connected City |
| Online exhibit exploring how early America’s dependence on maritime shipping made New York City and its harbor America’s connecting point to the world. This is the sixth section of the online exhibit entitled America on the Move. |
| Provider: National Museum of American History |
| Grade(s): 9–12 |
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| People on the Move |
| Online exhibit exploring how American history was shaped by those immigrating to the U.S., migrating within its borders, or even returning to their native lands. This is the fifth section of the online exhibition America on the Move. |
| Provider: National Museum of American History |
| Grade(s): 9–12 |
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| Art to Zoo: Small Worlds: Stamps as Storytellers (1980) |
| Lesson plan demonstrating how stamps can illustrate events and ideas within a single small picture—in this case, ideas and events related to westward expansion. A mini-article and pullout page about a postal mascot, Owney the Dog, is also included in English and Spanish. |
| Provider: Smithsonian Center for Learning and Digital Access |
| State Standards: View state standards for this resource |
| Grade(s): PreK–3, 4–8 |
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| Corridos for Social Justice |
| Lesson plan has students examine the relationship between corridos lyrics and other primary sources. In the process, they will expand their historical thinking by interpreting “texts” developed from the perspective of those who have struggled for social justice. Examines questions on immigration, human and civil rights, and social justice. Bilingual English/Spanish. |
| Provider: Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service |
| State Standards: View state standards for this resource |
| Grade(s): 4–8, 9–12 |
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| Art to Zoo: Life in the “Promised Land”: African-American Migrants in Northern Cities, 1916-1940 (1990) |
| Lesson plan introducing students to the experience of African Americans who migrated from the rural South to the urban North between the world wars. Students write an article or essay based on an interview with a friend or family member with a migration experience. |
| Provider: Smithsonian Center for Learning and Digital Access |
| State Standards: View state standards for this resource |
| Grade(s): 4–8 |
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| ¡Azúcar! The Life and Music of Celia Cruz Homepage |
| Online exhibit exploring the life of Celia Cruz, an influential and legendary musical figure both in her native country of Cuba and in the United States. Visitors can connect her story to a variety of subjects including immigration, history, geography, music theory, music history, and art. Available in English and Spanish. |
| Provider: National Museum of American History |
| Grade(s): 4–8, 9–12 |
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| America on the Move - Creating Stories Activity Kit |
| Activity kit has students use primary and secondary sources and conduct oral history interviews to construct a family immigration or migration story. The kit contains step-by-step instructions, sample interview questions, and research guidance. Can be used with the “Transportation in US history: Creating Stories – America on the Move Electronic Field Trip Part 2” included in the America on the Move online exhibit. |
| Provider: National Museum of American History |
| State Standards: View state standards for this resource |
| Grade(s): 4–8, 9–12 |
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| Bittersweet Harvest: The Bracero Program 1942-1964 |
| Online exhibit telling the little-known chapter of American history in which labor shortages caused by World War II, led to an estimated two million Mexican men being recruited on short-term labor contracts to work on U.S. farms and railroads. This agreement became known as the bracero program. Presented in English and Spanish, the experiences of these men are brought to life through photographs and quotes from oral history interviews. |
| Provider: National Museum of American History |
| State Standards: View state standards for this resource |
| Grade(s): 4–8, 9–12 |
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| Building a Sod House |
| Online activity asking players to attempt to build a sod house by making choices regarding the construction of their house. Too many wrong answers and the house will collapse! This activity will help players understand the challenges settlers faced while trying to survive on the open prairie. |
| Provider: National Museum of American History |
| Grade(s): All grades |
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