Purpose: To demonstrate the impact of inflation on prices, and Gresham's law. Length: 30-40 minutes (or longer, if vigorous conversation) Materials needed: 2-5 lb. Bag of M&M candies (or Skittles, etc.) Box of small ziplock baggies, putting five M&Ms in each bag, with five baggies for each student Printouts of “M&M Bucks,” five coupons for each student (attached below is a sheet with 6 on each page) plus the same number (as the whole class) more for “government.” 3 pages total.

Purpose: To demonstrate the impact of inflation on prices, and Gresham's law. Length: 30-40 minutes (or longer, if vigorous conversation) Materials needed: 2-5 lb. Bag of M&M candies (or Skittles, etc.) Box of small ziplock baggies, putting five M&Ms in each bag, with five baggies for each student Printouts of “M&M Bucks,” five coupons for each student (attached below is a sheet with 6 on each page) plus the same number (as the whole class) more for “government.”

This packet includes the following primary source readings on the following topics: 1. Intelligence and Privacy After 9/11: Pres. Obama, Rep. Justin Amash (R-Mich.), Rep. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Cal.) 2. The Affordable Care Act (Obamacare): Pres. Obama, Rep. Dan Burton (R-Ind.), Rep. Ron Paul (R-Tex.), Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Supreme Court majority, concurrence and dissent in NFIB v. Sebelius. 3. Excerpts from 9/11 Commission Report, including sections of the 28 pages declassified in 2016 4. Vocabulary list and Practice Test worksheet All primary source readings have 10-12 questions on the document, and can be used as homework, sub-plans or (next day) for classroom discussion.

Joyeux Noel is one of the greatest movies ever made, and I like to show it just before introducing a U.S. History segment on World War One. My wife, a French teacher, also shows it in her French classes. This worksheet has a variety of content-based questions requiring 1-3 sentence answers, along with a few that require outside research on the topics of international law and other issues. The questions are designed for a U.S. history class, but can be adapted for the cultural aspects of a French or German language class. Questions preceded with a “►” can be used as DBQs for longer 5x5 essays. – Thomas R. Eddlem

This is a series of primary source readings on imperialism for a World History course at the high school or university survey course level. The four primary source readings include 7-15 questions at the end of each reading that combine reading comprehension, links to current government issues and Document-Based-Questions (marked with a "►"). Contents include: 1. The Indian Thuggee Cult in British India and Efforts to Exterminate It: WIlliam Henry Sleeman 2. The Opium Wars of China: Lin Zexu, Treaty of Nanjing 3. The Casement Report on the Belgian Congo: Roger Casement 4. The Philippine Insurrection and Empire: Rudyard Kipling's "The White Man's Burden," American Anti-Imperialist League, Mark Twain, Houston Post 5. Unit vocabulary and concept list with a practice test worksheet The readings can be used for in-class lessons, sub-plans or homework assignments. They're ideal for a World History AP course, though I use them for my standard-level students as well.

Following are primary source readings on economics issues, with relevant questions at the end of the readings. These excerpts from classic texts are designed to be understandable to high school students, and make handy homework assignments or substitute plans in an economics or history class. 1. Adam Smith on the Industrial Revolution and the division of labor (1 1/2 pages) from "The Wealth of Nations." -- 4 questions 2. Economics of the Great Depression (7 pages) John Maynard Keynes' story of burying jars full of cash from "The General Theory" and Frederick Bastiat's broken window story from "That Which Is Seen and That Which Is Unseen." -- 16 questions 3. David Ricardo and the Theory of Comparative Advantage from "On the Principles of Political Economy and Taxation" (3 1/2 pages) -- 10 questions 4. Child Labor in Britain: Sadler Commission Report (4 pages) -- 6 questions 5. Child Labor in Britain: Parliament debate on the Sadler bill (4 pages) -- 9 questions 6. Reaganomics: Economic Success or Failure? (7 pages) Excerpts from the Reagan Library, speech of Senator Joe Biden and column by economist Murray Rothbard. -- 8 questions

This is a series of primary source readings on the Manifest Destiny era of U.S. History (1836-55). Each reading is contains 6-18 questions that are a combination of reading comprehension, DBQs and links to current events (whenever possible). The readings include: Cherokees and the Trail of Tears: Andrew Jackson's Inaugural Address 1829, Rep. Edward Everett against the Indian Removal Act, Supreme Court decision and dissent on Cherokee Nation v. Georgia, John G. Burnett eyewitness to Trail of Tears Lincoln, the Mexican-American War and the Constitution: Rep. Abraham Lincoln letter to William Herndon, James Madison's notes on the Constitutional Convention, John Yoo on war powers. Civil Disobedience (excerpts) by Henry David Thoreau Know Nothingism and Anti-Immigrant Bias: Samuel F.B. Morse, Rep. John Smith Chipman Also contains: Transcendentalist research paper project (with rubric) Unit vocabulary list and practice test worksheet 37 pages total. 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 and review worksheets. If you like this (or the free readings on my store), consider getting the complete set.

This is a series of primary source readings on the industrial revolution for a World History course at the high school or university survey course level. The four primary source readings include 4-15 questions at the end of each reading that combine reading comprehension, links to current government issues and Document-Based-Questions (marked with a "►"). Contents include: 1. Adam Smith from The Wealth of Nations on the division of labor (1776) 2. Sadler Report on Child Labor excerpts (1832) 3. Parliamentary debate on the Sadler bill (1832) 4. David Ricardo on the Theory of Competitive Advantage (1817) 5. Short project/paper on source documentation 6. Unit vocabulary and concept list with a practice test worksheet The readings can be used for in-class lessons, sub-plans or homework assignments. They're ideal for a World History AP course, though I use them for my standard-level students as well.

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)

This is a compilation of key primary source readings for understanding the Great Depression of the 1930s and the New Deal in a U.S. History class. The packet includes the following primary source readings: 1. David Ricardo and the Theory of Competitive Advantage: From On the Principles of Political Economy and Taxation (1817) 2. The Smoot-Hawley Tariff: Sen. Reed Smoot, Sen. John William "Elmer" Thomas 3. Economics of the Great Depression: John Maynard Keynes, Frederic Bastiat 4. A Study in Fascism: John T. Flynn's As We Go Marching (1944) 5. The Evolution of the Supreme Court During the New Deal: Schechter v. US (1935), Wickard v. Filburn (1942) 6. Roosevelt's Fireside Chat on the Economy (1938) Also contains: Research paper on the Great Depression with instructions, links and rubric Unit vocabulary list and two practice worksheets Note: These readings along with more than 90 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.

This is a series of primary source readings on decolonization and the Cold War period (1945-65) for a World History course at the high school or university survey course level. The five primary source readings include 6-15 questions at the end of each reading that combine reading comprehension, links to current government issues and Document-Based-Questions (marked with a "►"). Contents include: 1. "The Sinews of Peace" Iron Curtain speech - Winston Churchill (1946) 2. "Quit India" speech - Mahatma Gandhi (1942) 3. Banana Republics and the Guatamalan Coup of 1954 - Gen. Smedley Butler's "I Was a Racketeer" speech (1936), declassified CIA memorandum (1997) 4. Congo's Struggle for Independence (1960-63) -- King Baudouin I, Patrice Lumumba, 46 Angry Men, UN Security Council, Belgian Commission on the Assassination of Patrice Lumumba 5. Nelson Mandela's speech at Rivonia (1964) 6. Review questions for Movie "China Cry" 7. Unit vocabulary and concept list with a practice test worksheet The readings can be used for in-class lessons, sub-plans or homework assignments. They're ideal for a World History AP course, though I use them for my standard-level students as well.

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 is a series of primary source readings on nationalism for a World History course at the high school or university survey course level. The three primary source readings include 7-13 questions at the end of each reading that combine reading comprehension, links to current government issues and Document-Based-Questions (marked with a "►"). Contents include: 1. Italy's Risorgimento: Guiseppi Girabaldi and Pope Pius IX 2. German Unification: Otto von Bismark's "Thoughts and Reminiscences" 3. The Russo-Japanese War: Japanese declaration of war, Russian response 4. Unit vocabulary and concept list with a practice test worksheet The readings can be used for in-class lessons, sub-plans or homework assignments. They're ideal for a World History AP course, though I use them for my standard-level students as well. 18 pages total.

This is a unit of primary source readings for world history students at the high school or university level and other content for the Age of Revolution (1776-1848). The five primary source readings include 6-12 questions at the end of each reading that combine reading comprehension, links to current government issues and Document-Based-Questions (marked with a "►"). Contents include: 1. The Order of Illuminati: John Robison's "Proofs of a Conspiracy" (excerpts) 2. English Views of the French Revolution: MP Edmund Burke, Rev. David Price (both excerpts) 3. Worksheet on Comparison/Contrast of French with American revolution 4. Haitian Revolution: Toussaint's letter to the French Directory (excerpts) 5. Venezuelan Revolution: Simon Bolivar's "Cartegena Manifesto" 6. The Communist Manifesto (excerpts): Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels 7. Age of Revolution Historical Impact Presentation (Google Slides project) 8. Unit study guide with key concepts, vocabulary list and practice test The readings can be used for in-class lessons, sub-plans or homework assignments. They're ideal for a World History AP course, though I use them for my standard-level students as well. (The Communist Manifesto reading is too advanced for standard level high school students as a homework assignment, so I do it in class.)

This is a series of primary source readings for students taking a U.S. history course to learn about U.S. involvement in the First World War, and the rejection of the Versailles Treaty and League of Nations by the United States. The packet includes the following primary source readings: 1. The Zimmermann Telegram and President Woodrow Wilson's address to Congress asking for a declaration of war against Germany 2. "The State" by Randolph Bourne 3. Woodrow Wilson's "14 Points" speech 4. Irreconcilables and the League of Nations Treaty: League of Nations charter, speech by Senator William Borah Also contains: Unit vocabulary list and review worksheet, worksheet for movie Joyeux Noel 33 pages total Note: These readings along with more than 90 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.

Teaching students to evaluate the reliability and bias of information sources is one of the most important skills a Social Studies or English teacher can impart upon a student. The ability to assess the reliability of sources on the fly has become an increasingly vital skill in the age of the Internet, with the multiplication of sources available and the creation of click-bait “fake news” sources that deliberately package falsehoods as “news.” This packet contains the following: * A source evaluation Google Form (with answer sheet) for students to evaluate seven different news stories of varied quality. (takes ~45 min.) * A source evaluation paper (including a rubric) that uses peer review to have students analyze sources used in a prior class project: 1. Whether their classmates used a primary or secondary source, 2. Who the author is 3. Who the publisher is 4. Assess sources of bias, and 5. Assess special credentials such as education or experience * A primary source reading/webquest on the U.S. Supreme Court's "Citizens United" decision in 2010, followed by 18 questions that link the decision to source reliability, current events and media bias. (Takes about 2-3 hours, can be a sub-plan or homework assignment.) * Eight hyperlinks to graphics that I print and put up in my classroom, and a video I like to use.

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.

This is a series of primary source readings on imperialism for a World History course at the high school or university survey course level. The three primary source readings include 7-13 questions at the end of each reading that combine reading comprehension, links to current government issues and Document-Based-Questions (marked with a "►"). Contents include: 1. The Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact and the beginning of World War Two: Joachim von Ribbentrop, Adolf Hitler (1939) 2. Battle of Britain: "The Few" speech by Winston Churchill (1940) 3. Korematsu v. U.S. and civil liberties in wartime (1942) 4. Atomic bomb research presentation and persuasive essay project 5. Unit vocabulary and concept list with a practice test worksheet The readings can be used for in-class lessons, sub-plans or homework assignments. They're ideal for a World History AP course, though I use them for my standard-level students as well. 33 pages total.

This packet includes three groupings of primary source readings during the Carter and Reagan presidencies, a chapter vocabulary list (which corresponds with the Pearson Education's U.S. History books, with some supplemental terms), and a chapter review worksheet based on the vocabulary list. The primary source readings are on: The Iran Hostage Crisis: Declassified CIA memo on the 1953 Mossadegh coup (excerpts), Robert C. Ode's diary as a hostage (excerpts), Ayatollah Khomeini's rationale for keeping U.S. hostages (excerpts), President Carter's address to the nation on the crisis. Iran-Contra Affiar: Text of Boland Amendment, Robert Gates' 1984 Memo on Nicaragua, Reagan address to the nation on Nicaraguan Contra aid, Congressman Michael Barnes speech against Contra aid. Reaganomics: Reagan Library claims, Sen. Joseph Biden 1987 speech against Reaganomics, Murray Rothbard critique of Reaganomics. Each reading contains 8-11 document-based questions that could be used as an essay assignment or as separate questions requiring single paragraph responses. Each of these readings could be a solid homework assignment, sub plan, or class discussion (after students have read the documents). 29 pages total. Note: These readings along with more than 90 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.

This is a series of primary source readings, projects and worksheets on the U.S. Constitution and Federalist era. The Primary Source Readings have 6-18 questions which are a combination of reading comprehension and DBQs. Each of the worksheets and primary source readings can be used as homework assignments, sub plans, or for in-class work and discussion. Primary source readings: Federalist #10: Democracy and Faction Federalist #69: War Powers and the Presidency (includes graphic organizer) Anti-Federalist #69: Dangers of the Presidency Federalist #74: Military and Pardon Powers in the Presidency Federalist #84: Enumerated powers and a Bill of Rights Neutrality Proclamation: Hamilton and Madison argue anonymously about war powers in Pacificus/Helvidius papers Washington's Farewell Address Sedition Act and Nullification: Text of Sedition Act and Kentucky Resolutions, Rep. John Allen and Rep. Albert Gallatin Alien Acts of 1798: Impact Upon Immigration and Sanctuary Cities Today: Speeches of Rep. Samuel Sewell, Rep, Albert Gallatin, James Madison, Gov. John Baldacci (2004) James Callender's Sedition Trial: Issues for Today: James Madison, John Randolph, Judge William G. Young in Luisi v. US (2008) Project: Bill of Rights Video Project instructions (including rubrics) Worksheets: Origin of the Constitution: U.S. Constitution/Bill of Rights provisions compared with complaints against the British and the Articles of Confederation. Parts of the Constitution: Practice on provisions of the Constitution Federalist Era Presidents: Washington and Adams administrations 78 pages total 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 and review worksheets. If you like this (or the free readings on my store), consider getting the complete set.