Resources for Middle School Students
9 items
American Portraits
Curriculum - 139 Lessons
Curriculum
139 Lessons
America’s past has been colored by characters of all types. The Bill of Rights Institute’s American Portraits Series takes a look at these characters and asks questions that are central to understanding their lives and actions. Each narrative is connected to a virtue, prompting students to explore the character of the primary actors of the stories.
Heroes and Villains
Curriculum - 26 Lessons
Curriculum
26 Lessons
Heroes and Villains uses narratives to discuss the concepts of civic virtue in all classrooms. Each virtue narrative includes corresponding discussion guides, journal templates, a toolbox with additional activities, and suggestions for further reading on each topic or virtue.
Being an American
Curriculum - 11 Lessons
Curriculum
11 Lessons
Through primary source analysis, writing assignments, discussion prompts, and other activities, students will "connect the dots" by focusing on the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, civic values, American heroes, and exploring the meaning of citizenship to them.
The Torch Has Passed to a New Generation: John F. Kennedy’s Inaugural Address and Responsibility
Lesson - 1 Activities
Lesson
1 Activities
45 Min
In this lesson, students will analyze John F. Kennedy’s call in his Inaugural Address for responsible actions by the American citizenry.
45 Min
Jane Addams, Hull House, and Responsibility
Lesson - 1 Activities
Lesson
1 Activities
45 Min
In this lesson, students will learn about Jane Addams’ role in running a settlement house and fighting against war. Students will consider how they can be responsible like Addams.
45 Min
Taking Responsibility: Ida B. Wells and the Anti-Lynching Campaign
Lesson - 1 Activities
Lesson
1 Activities
45 Min
In this lesson, students will learn about the Ida B. Wells’ anti-lynching campaign and how she took her responsibility of teaching others about lynching seriously. They will also determine ways they can be responsible.
45 Min
Varian Fry’s Grave Responsibility
Lesson - 1 Activities
Lesson
1 Activities
45 Min
In this lesson, students will learn about Varian Fry and his role in helping refugees escape the dangers posed by Nazi Germany. Through his example, they will learn how they can be more responsible in their own lives.
45 Min
BRIght & Early Series Video Playlist
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Each 20-minute episode is designed to provide historical context, anchors, primary source discussions, and activities for students to do from home. The wide-ranging conversations can be continued or stand alone as resources.
BRIdge from the Past: Art Across U.S. History Video Playlist
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BRIdge from the Past: Art Across U.S. History is a new YouTube series for students that explores an important historic image every episode to gain insights into the culture, politics, and society of a particular time in U.S. history. Host Mary Patterson will explain how each primary source is its own “window to the past,” revealing new areas for contemplation and discussion.