A drawing activity that asks students to choose a scenario of courage from the stories of Jamestown, Plymouth, or Native tribes.

A discovery activity of visual primary sources.

A labeling activity that encourages students to explore artwork from the time period to gain understanding.

Based on the game Timeline by Frédéric Henry, this game contains cards that focus on key dates in American history between 1020 and 2008. About the Game: Game can be played with 2 or more players. Gameplay takes 10-20 minutes per round. Available in a print-and-play version via the Download button or for purchase through the BRI Store.

A visual representation of the documents main ideas.

An activity to showcase the differences of opinion present at the first Continental Congress.

A student handout with pictures to guide students in understanding each amendment in the Bill of Rights.

A card game to give students an understanding of major events during the 1800s that relate to industrialization and immigration.

A map of the main countries whose people emigrated to the United States between 1820-1877.

Excerpts from 1860's newspapers that compare and contrast the election coverage in Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Indiana.

An activity to help students share what they have learned in the lesson to help craft a creative and informative newspaper.

Sources to help students understand the election of 1860 and comprehension questions.

A robust timeline chronically the dozens of event in the life of the 16th president Abraham Lincoln.

Two images and accompanying analysis questions that help students understand the work of the Freedman's Bureau.

A detailed art piece from the Reconstruction era to help students understand more about what the Amendments meant for formerly enslaved people.

Maps of the electoral college votes counts from 1796, 1860, 1960, and 2012 and accompanying questions.

In this elementary history lesson, explore the courageous journey of Native Americans and European settlers during the colonial era. Discover how John Smith and other settlers established Jamestown, and how the Pilgrims formed bonds with the Wampanoag tribe, leading to the first Thanksgiving. Learn about the challenges they faced, from disease to food shortages, and how they persevered to build the foundations of America. From the Mayflower Compact to the struggles with the Powhatan Confederacy, this action-packed story shows how courage and resilience shaped the early American colonies into what we know today.

Get ready to travel back in time to the early days of America and discover the thrilling events that led to the American Revolution! In this elementary lesson, we explore the key moments that paved the road to independence—from the end of the French and Indian War to the fiery debates over "taxation without representation." Our elementary lessons are primary source-based that focus on content-area literacy instruction and performance-based assessments. Designed for grades 3-5, these lessons use a modular approach for all learners and are ideal for helping elementary students explore American history and citizenship.

In this elementary history lesson, take a journey through one of the most pivotal events in American history—the Civil War. From 1861 to 1865, the nation was torn in two as the North and South battled over issues like slavery, state sovereignty, and unity. Learn how the first shots at Fort Sumter marked the beginning of a long and painful conflict, and how early battles like Bull Run and Antietam shaped the course of the war. Discover the importance of the Emancipation Proclamation and the role African American soldiers played in fighting for freedom. Explore the turning point at Gettysburg and the final surrender at Appomattox Courthouse.

Explore the pivotal aftermath of the American Revolution in this elementary lesson. Learn how the 13 states transitioned from British rule to independence, creating the Articles of Confederation and facing challenges like Shays' Rebellion. Discover how these issues led to the 1787 Constitutional Convention and the drafting of the U.S. Constitution, forming a stronger national government. See how these early choices laid the foundation for American self-governance and how principles like responsibility and consent of the governed continue to shape the nation.

Join us on an exciting journey as we uncover the secrets of the US Constitution! In this elementary history lesson, we explore how the founding fathers, like James Madison, Benjamin Franklin, and George Washington, came together to solve the "puzzle" of creating a government for the new United States. From the challenges of the Articles of Confederation to the famous Great Compromise, discover how these brilliant minds crafted the framework that shaped the nation we know today. Learn about the Constitution’s three branches of government, the system of checks and balances, and how these pieces fit together to ensure a government by the people. Our elementary lessons are primary source-based that focus on content-area literacy instruction and performance-based assessments. Designed for grades 3-5, these lessons use a modular approach for all learners and are ideal for helping elementary students explore American history and citizenship.

Follow Andrew Carnegie’s journey from immigrant to industrial titan, powered by innovation like the steam engine and telegraph. Learn how immigrants shaped American culture, built communities, and overcame challenges, fueling progress and opportunity. Perfect for young historians exploring the roots of modern America! Elementary lessons from the Bill of Rights Institute are primary source-based that focus on content-area literacy instruction and performance-based assessments. Designed for grades 3-5, these lessons use a modular approach for all learners and are ideal for helping elementary students explore American history and citizenship.

Follow America’s westward expansion in the 1800s — from the Louisiana Purchase to the Trail of Tears. Discover how pioneers, explorers like Lewis and Clark, and the idea of Manifest Destiny shaped the nation’s growth and identity. Learn about the conflicts, challenges, and triumphs that defined this era, including the spread of slavery, the Missouri Compromise, and the impact on Native American communities. Elementary lessons from the Bill of Rights Institute are primary source-based, focusing on content-area literacy and performance-based assessments. Designed for grades 3-5, these lessons use a modular approach to help young learners explore American history and citizenship in an engaging, age-appropriate way. Perfect for budding historians curious about how the United States became what it is today!

In this elementary history lesson, explore how growing disagreements between the North and South led to one of the most important events in American history—the Civil War. Discover how differences in farming, slavery, and beliefs about states' rights caused rising tension across the country. Learn about key moments like the Compromise of 1850, the Kansas-Nebraska Act, and the Dred Scott decision, and how they deepened divisions. Meet important figures like Abraham Lincoln and John Brown, and see how the election of 1860 pushed the nation to the breaking point. From sectionalism to secession, this powerful story shows how conflict and courage helped shape the United States we know today.

In this elementary history lesson, explore the courageous actions of Paul Revere and the incredible resolve of the colonists in the battles of the American Revolution. Discover how Thomas Jefferson and other Founding Fathers drafted the Declaration of Independence, and learn about the brave women Mercy Otis Warren and Phillis Wheatley who played vital roles in the fight for liberty. From the freezing hardships of Valley Forge to the triumphant victory at Yorktown, this action-packed story shows how the colonists' perseverance shaped the nation we know today.

In this elementary history lesson, explore the Reconstruction Era, a crucial period of rebuilding and redefining America after the Civil War. From 1865 to 1877, the nation struggled to heal deep divisions, address the injustices of slavery, and extend civil rights to formerly enslaved people. Learn about the passage of the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments, changes to the Constitution that abolished slavery, established equal protection under the law, and secured voting rights for Black men. Discover how newly freed African Americans used their rights to shape government at every level, even as they faced violent opposition, unfair laws, and segregation.

Coloring Page. Creativity, Vocabulary, Visual Reinforcement. A joyful coloring sheet featuring Armstrong and space-themed imagery.

Game. Matching, Vocabulary, Concept Review. A card-matching game that reviews Franklin's virtues, vocabulary, and simple scenarios. Great for stations, early finishers, or small-group review.

Coloring Page. Creativity, Vocabulary, Visual Reinforcement. A calming coloring sheet featuring Eckford and courage vocabulary.

Craft and Reflection. Empathy, Perspective-Taking, Courage. Students design "courage shoes" to imagine what it felt like to walk in Eckford's footsteps and reflect on courage in their own lives.

Coloring Page. Creativity, Vocabulary, Visual Reinforcement. A simple coloring sheet featuring Franklin and civic virtue imagery. Supports vocabulary and calm, focused work time.