Be Washington From: George Washington's Mount Vernon Grade Level: MS, HS, (College) Remote Ready: Yes! Time: 1 Class Period Length of Reading: None Link: Be Washington Choose to be George Washington in 1 of 4 interactive scenarios: The Battle of Second Trenton, The Newburgh Conspiracy, The Genet Affair, or 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. The game has beautiful graphics, though the acting leaves something to be desired. < Back Next > More Information: Grade Level: MS, HS, (College): This lesson is meant for middle school and high school students; however, we think it would be well suited for college too This Activity Involves: Game: When this icon is present, students play a game (video, board, puzzle, strategy, etc). Leutze, Emanuel. Washington Crossing the Delaware . Wikimedia Commons, 19 August 2025, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Washington_Crossing_the_Delaware_by_Emanuel_Leutze,_MMA-NYC,_1851.jpg .

What Did Lincoln Think About Slavery From: Zinn Education Project Grade Level: HS, (College) Remote Ready: With Modifications Time: 1 Class Period Length of Reading: Pages Link: A War to Free the Slaves? Students read excerpts from Lincoln's first inaugural address, the original proposed 13th Amendment (which preserved slavery), and the Emancipation Proclamation. Students answer written and discussion questions to address how Lincoln's intention to keep or do away with slavery changed. < Back Next > More Information: Grade Level: HS, (College): This lesson is meant for high school students; however we think it would be well suited for college students too This Activity Involves: Primary Source: This activity utilizes primary sources. Group Work: This activity calls for working in pairs or groups or having a group discussion. Image: Magee, J. L.. “Emancipation. And by virtue of the power and for the purpose aforesaid, I do order and declare that all persons held as slaves, within designated states and parts of States are, and henceforeward [sic] shall be free!” Library of Congress. https://www.loc.gov/item/scsm000450/. Accessed 6.10.2010.

Articles of Confederation From: Gilder Lehrman Grade Level: MS, HS, College Remote Ready: With Modifications Time: 1 Class Period Length of Reading: Page Link: 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. Gilder Lehrman resources are free but you must log in. < Back Next > More Information: Grade Level: MS, HS, College: This lesson is meant for middle school, high school, and college students This Activity Involves: Primary Source: This activity utilizes primary sources. Group Work: This activity calls for working in pairs or groups or having a group discussion. Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union between the states of New Hampshire . [Williamsburg: Printed by J. Dixon & W. Hunter] Photograph. Retrieved from the Library of Congress, .

Reconstruction Meet and Greet From: Zinn Education Project Grade Level: (MS), HS Remote Ready: With Modifications Time: 1 Class Period or Less Length of Reading: Paragraphs Link: When the Impossible Suddenly Became Possible: A Reconstruction Mixer Role play. Each student gets a half-page description of one of 21 people who fought for African American or women's rights after the Civil War (examples include Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Frederick Douglass, African American politicians, etc). Students meet and greet each other in character, asking one of 8 provided questions. Added bonus: students practice social skills. Finally the class discusses using provided questions. Click "Download to Read in Full" to get to the PDF instructions (you actually have to do this twice). < Back Next > More Information: Grade Level: (MS), HS: This lesson is meant for middle school students; however, we thing it would be well suited for high school students too This Activity Involves: Group Work: This activity calls for working in pairs or groups or having a group discussion. Frances Ellen Watkins Harper, -1911 . Photograph. Retrieved from the Library of Congress, .