This is a series of five primary source readings plus unit vocabulary/practice test worksheet on the conflict between Native American Tribes and the United States government from 1828-1903. The primary source readings have 7-12 questions each, which are a combination of reading comprehension and DBQs. Each of these print-ready primary source readings can be used as homework assignments, sub plans, or for in-class work and discussion. Primary source readings (most readings are excerpts for purposes of brevity, not full transcripts) included are the following: Cherokee Nation v. Georgia and the Trail of Tears -- Andrew Jackson's 1829 State of the Union Address, John Marshall's Opinion of the Court in Cherokee Nation v. Georgia, Judge Smith Thompson's Dissent, Congressman Edward Everett (Whig-Mass.) speech against Indian Removal Act, John G. Burnett's Eyewitness Account of Trail of Tears. Dakota War of 1862 -- Treaty of Traverse des Sioux (1851), Dakota Chief Big Eagle's Explanation of How the War Began, Trial Transcripts of Chaska Weshankwashtodopee and Chaska-Don. Standing Bear v. Crook: Is an Indian a “Person”? -- Decision of the Court by District Judge Elmer Scipio Dundy. The Massacre at Wounded Knee (1890) -- Sioux Reservation Conditions: General Miles telegram, Official Report by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Native American Survivor Accounts by Turning Hawk and Dewey Beard. Lone Wolf v. Hitchcock (1903) -- Opinion of the Court by Supreme Court Associate Justice Edward Douglass White. Note: These readings along with more than 80 others will be included in the second edition of my book “Primary Source American History,” along with two mock trials, a mock congress and several dozen projects and review worksheets. If you like this (or the free readings on my store), consider getting the complete set.

This selection of primary source readings covers the lead-up to the American revolution, colonial complaints against Britain, and wartime letters. * "Second Treatise on Government" (selection) by John Locke * Mayflower Compact * "The Wealth of Nations" (selection) by Adam Smith * Stamp Act Congress' Declaration of Rights and Grievances * Samuel Adams reading on the Boston Massacre Trial * Samuel Adams Committee of Correspondence reading * "Common Sense" by Thomas Paine (edited down to 2 pages) * Declaration of Independence Worksheet * Abigail Adams wartime letters to John Adams Also contains:  * Study Guide with Vocabulary list and Practice Test worksheet * Colonial Era Research Project with Instructions/Rubric * Worksheet questions for "April Morning" (novel/movie) Note: These readings along with more than 80 others are included in my book “Primary Source American History,” along with three mock trials, two mock congresses and several dozen projects review worksheets. If you like this (or the free readings on my store), consider getting the complete set.

Concise writing is a key skill that cuts across nearly all disciplines. And that's not just the former newspaper editor in me, or the journalism club moderator speaking. It's the mindset of a U.S. and world history teacher who constantly sees writing issues with research papers. The attached seven worksheets are great tools to teach writing and critical thinking about writing which I use in journalism classes and journalism clubs. But I also use a couple of them in some of my history classes before I assign a major research paper, if I expect there will be a particular writing issue requiring attention. They're great for any English or Journalism class focusing upon writing skills, and they can be used as sub-plans. Most of the worksheets have an answer sheet included. 1. Omitting Needless Words/Concision Worksheet (with answer sheet): Wordy sentences must be re-written with half as many words but include all the same information (my Journalism class students love this challenge). 2. Lead-Writing Exercise: Poorly written leads for news stories must be re-written into inverted pyramid form. 3. Editing … A worksheet: Students must diagnose problems with five lead paragraphs in news stories. 4. Active Voice Worksheet (with answer sheet): Sentences written with passive voice verbs must be re-written to include active verbs. 5. A Tale of Two Cities Journalistic Rewrite: This is a difficult exercise that involves some Internet research on the history of London and Paris to conform the opening paragraphs of Dickens' "A Tale of Two Cities" to a journalistic-style story. “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times..." 6. Copy Editing Exercise (with answer sheet): A poorly-written news story must be fixed 7. Review Exercise on Active Voice and Concision (with answer sheet)

Students take staff roles in the White House to consider two pieces of legislation sent up from Congress (repeal of Obamacare and recognition of a Kurdish government) when they hear news that the North Koreans have crossed the 38th parallel in a military incursion. How will the President react? How does the Constitution limit his reaction? What do the South Koreans want? The idea of this role play simulation is to give students an idea of how the executive branch of the federal government operates in crisis, and it’s a great follow-up to a lesson on establishment of the National Security Council in 1947. It’s set in the current day federal government, where Republicans control the legislative and executive branches of government. And it’s designed to show the importance of staff (because, everyone will want to be the president) in forming executive policy. It’s designed for a class of 10-23 students (optional roles are listed in the instructions). This simulation contains: Detailed teacher instructions 23 profile sheets for students 9 “news” updates to give to selected students during the simulation 2 rubrics for grading writing and participation If you’re lucky, your students won’t start world war three (my kids don’t). But expect at least one of the military officials to propose something like my Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff did recently, calling his proposal the “Walmart Parking Lot Act.” This simulation is designed for students who are relatively mature and have a general idea of the situation on the Korean peninsula, so I only do it with 11th grade and higher. But if you have advanced honors-level sophomores, it might work for them as well. The simulation takes about two class hours. 79 pages total.

Teach civics and the separation of powers by role-playing! This packet includes a criminal mock trial, civil mock trial, mock congress and an Oval Office simulation – simulations on all three branches of government! Contains: Mock Congress: Cell Phone Surveillance Reform Time required: 4 class hours Grade level: 10 and up Class size: 18 or more Pages: 51 Contains: 18 individualized profile sheets, Background information on NSA surveillance, Graphic organizer for assigned roles, Graphic organizer with word-for-word format on how to run committee meetings and floor debate, Sample rubrics for 3-minute speeches and participation, Socratic seminar questions for students observing speeches/committee hearings, Maps to various educational standards, Sample follow-up quiz on the legislative process, Teacher instructions and preparation period suggestions. Mock Trial Criminal: The Tornado (A trial based upon Reuben “The Hurricane” Carter) Time required: 4 class hours Grade level: 10 and up Class size: 9-31 Pages: 43 Contains:12 Witness profile sheets and instructions, Attorney packets, Judge profile sheet, Common courtroom objections reference sheet, Jury worksheet, Rubrics, Map to Mass. State Social Studies Standards and Common Core Standards Mock Trial: The Case of the After-Prom Party Time required: 4 class hours Grade level: 10 and up Class size: 15-40 Pages: 33 Contains:13 Witness/attorney profile sheets and instructions, Common Courtroom Objections reference sheet, Jury worksheet, Rubrics, Map to Mass. State Social Studies Standards and Common Core Standards Oval Office Simulation: North Koreans Cross the DMZ Time required: 2 class hours Grade level: 11 and up Class size: 10-23 Pages: 79 Contains:Detailed teacher instructions, 23 profile sheets for students, 9 “news” updates to give to selected students during the simulation, 2 rubrics for grading writing and participation Zip file with four DOC files. 206 pages total.