The Cherokee Nation virtual field trip affords an in-depth look at the lives of the Cherokee Indians, from their first encounters with Europeans to events, such as the Gold Rush and the signing of the Indian Removal Act by Andrew Jackson, that led to their forced relocation to Indian Territory in 1838.

Students will be able to analyze various primary sources, identify key elements of those sources, and make a reasonable claim based on their analysis of the sources. Students will be able to create an evidence-based argument, based on primary sources that interpret George Washington’s views of Native American tribes and the land they occupied.

This lesson is one that is used as part of the "Three Worlds Meet" Unit for 8th grade U.S. History.  Other parts of this unit include reasons for European Exploration and Consequences of European Exploration.The lesson plan includes lecture notes on the Columbian Exchange.  There are links to the guided notes and Google Slides Presentation.  For a more in depth lesson, the teacher can also use some video clips that have been linked here. The assessment of this lesson is an activity where students will analyze a favorite recipe based on their knowledge of the Columbian Exchange. ImageColumbian Exchange Lesson © 2024 by Cindy Whitaker is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 

This lesson dives into the life of Pocahontas and John Smith through the reading of primary sources. Class discussions take place to evaluate what students know and understand. Students utilize Ipad technology to create a pamphlet that focuses on the importance of primary sources. 

This lesson dives into the life of Pocahontas and John Smith through the reading of primary sources. Class discussions take place to evaluate what students know and understand. Students utilize Ipad technology to create a pamphlet that focuses on the importance of primary sources. 

This inquiry kit features Library of Congress sources about the power of religion for people in the New World.

Structured as game questions, this activity challenges students to identify cities, states and geographical features whose names tell the story of the Indigenous, Spanish and Mexican settlement that predated the U.S. The investigative questions can be used alone as a geography trivia game, as a matching activity, or in conjunction with analysis of historical maps.