From Supreme Court cases to ancient civilizations, these social studies activities for middle school students will help your 6th, 7th, and 8th graders have fun while exploring the past. With these world history and American history resources, you will be able to develop comprehensive, fun history lessons on topics ranging from the Reformation to the Navajo Code Talkers of World War II.
American History Activities for Middle School
Nine 9/11 Activities & Lesson Plans for the Classroom
Looking for ways to help your students understand the September 11 terror attacks and their impact? Use these 9/11 activities and lesson plans designed for middle and high school classrooms.
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August 10, 2021
12 Summer and Winter Games Activities for Elementary and Middle School Students
These 12 Olympics activities for elementary and middle school students will let them sharpen their math, social studies, and writing skills.
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January 7, 2022
Juneteenth Activities for the Classroom
In 1863, the Emancipation Proclamation had declared all enslaved people in the rebelling states free. The Proclamation had no practical effect in Texas until Union General Gordon Granger landed at Galveston on June 19, 1865, and read the order. In Texas, June 19 came to be known as Juneteenth, on which day African Americans celebrated their freedom.
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May 12, 2021
9 Fun Black History Month Activities for Elementary and Middle School Students
Use these Black History Month classroom activities to celebrate with your students and teach them about significant figures in African American history.
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January 27, 2021
5 Presidential Inauguration Activities for Students
Inauguration Day is January 20. These activities will introduce students to the ceremonies and traditions involved in the transfer of power.
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January 11, 2021
8 Black History Month Writing Prompts
Introduce students to Black innovators with these Black History Month writing prompts and guide them into a particular type of text, such as personal narrative, informative, or persuasive.
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December 22, 2020
We the People: 6 Constitution Day Activities for Students
Here are Constitution Day activities to engage your students in learning about the historic document that defines how our government works.
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September 4, 2020
Forgotten Stories of the Oregon Trail: Writing History
Students will learn from reading diary entries written on the Oregon Trail how such writings preserve history and bring the past to life.
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June 4, 2020
Forgotten Stories of the Oregon Trail: Lesson Plans and Activities
Students will read stories about people's experiences on the Oregon Trail and work on related activities that will help them build their skills in math, science, ELA, and other subject areas.
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May 28, 2020
Teaching Supreme Court Cases: Prayer in Schools and the First Amendment
Have your students debate and discuss prayer in schools and the First Amendment with this free lesson plan for Grades 6-12.
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May 28, 2020
Teaching Supreme Court Cases: Miller v. Alabama Lesson Plan
Start a discussion with your students about the Eighth Amendment with this Miller v. Alabama lesson plan.
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April 30, 2020
Television and the 1960 Election Lesson Plan: When Media and Politics Collide
Download this lesson plan to teach your students about the first-ever televised presidential debates in 1960 and their long-term impact.
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August 24, 2020
Navajo Code Talkers Lesson Plan for Students
Teach students about the Navajo Code Talkers and explore how we can take action to preserve Native American languages today.
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April 7, 2020
Presidents' Day Lesson Plans and Classroom Activities
Use these Presidents' Day activities and lesson plans to teach students about the institution of the presidency and those who have held the position.
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February 3, 2020
Teaching Supreme Court Cases: Affirmative Action in Higher Education
Affirmative action in higher education gained national attention during the 1978 Supreme Court case University of California Regents v. Bakke.
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January 24, 2020
Teaching Supreme Court Cases: You Have the Right to Remain Silent
The Miranda v. Arizona ruling stated that a detained criminal suspect has the right to an attorney and against self-incrimination.
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August 15, 2019
Crimes and Punishments: Teach the Fourth, Fifth, and Eighth Amendments
Supreme Court cases pertaining to issues raised in these amendments hold relevance for students.
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November 16, 2018
Teaching the Fourteenth Amendment: The Power of Citizenship
Several U.S. Supreme Court cases you can cover in class relate directly to schools and children. Here are eight examples.
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October 15, 2018
World History Activities for Middle School
Pearl Harbor Activities for Elementary and Middle School Students
Give a lesson on the significance of National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day with these Pearl Harbor activities for elementary and middle school students.
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November 10, 2021
Teaching World History: Cold War Lesson Plan and Activities
Teach students about the decades-long period of geopolitical tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union with these free downloadable resources for Grades 6-12.
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June 30, 2020
Teaching World History: World War II Lesson Plan and Activities
Use these downloadable activities and lesson plans to teach students about the bloodiest conflict—as well as the largest war—in history.
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May 28, 2020
Teaching World History: World War I Lesson Plan and Activities
Teach students about the legacy of World War I and its impact at home and overseas with these downloadable activities.
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April 28, 2020
Teaching World History: Absolute Monarchy Lesson Plan and Resources
Download these absolute monarchy classroom activities to teach your students about rulers including Frederick the Great and Louis XIV.
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January 31, 2020
Teaching World History: A Protestant Reformation Lesson Plan
Teach your students about the Protestant Reformation that started in the 16th century, when Catholic Europe experienced a religious, political, and cultural revolution of sorts.
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December 17, 2019
Teaching the Renaissance: World History Lesson Plan and Activities
Use this lesson plan and activities for middle and high school students to teach your students about this era of cultural "rebirth" during the 14th to 17th centuries.
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November 27, 2019
Teaching World History: Ancient Greece—Worksheets and Activities
Known for its architecture, democratic system of government, and impact on science and the arts, ancient Greece is an important topic often covered in middle and high school social studies.
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August 30, 2019
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View more social studies activities for middle schoolers. Or, check out our full list of free learning activities for all grades and all subjects.
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