With the support of the Educating for American Democracy (EAD) participants and in collaboration with Los Angeles Unified School District, the Digital Inquiry Group has developed 10 new Reading Like a Historian lessons for K-5 classrooms aligned to the themes and design principles of the EAD Roadmap.
Reading Like a Historian Curriculum
The Reading Like a Historian curriculum engages students in historical inquiry. Each lesson revolves around a central historical question and features a set of primary documents designed for groups of students with a range of reading skills.
Political Posters
In this activity, students learn the basics of political campaigns and design their own political poster.
A Symbol of Welcome
The Statue of Liberty has stood as a symbol of welcome since 1886. Known as “Lady Liberty,” she was designed to honor the end of slavery in the United States. Today, she welcomes all people as new neighbors and friends.
In the Senate Chamber: Candy Desk
Learn about the Candy Desk inside of the Senate Chamber. Then, use the worksheet for a math and research activity to stock the candy desk with your favorite candy.
Senator in Training: Compromise
Learn about the importance of compromise in the Senate. Complete the worksheet to make a compromise for a contemporary Senate issue and then work on creating one for something in your life.
Traditions of the Senate: Dress the Part
For more than 200 years, the United States Senate has held certain traditions and customs that senators follow in order to work together in Congress. Learn about some of the Senate’s clothing traditions and try out your own dress-up ideas at home.
Traditions of the Senate: Bean Soup
The Senate has a tradition, or a practice, of having Bean Soup on the menu every day! Learn more about the Senate’s Bean Soup and make your own senatorial soup at home.
Green Design Challenge: Eco-Friendly Decorations
You might not think colorful party balloons are deadly, but each year thousands of marine and land animals are maimed or killed by balloon waste. Read about the dangers of balloons. Then, use the worksheet to design new decorations that won’t harm animals or the environment.
Green Design Challenge: Earth Friendly Packaging
Almost everything we buy comes in a package. Whether the packaging is made of cardboard, glass, plastic, or something else, the waste often crowds landfills, causing pollution. Some waste is burned, which pollutes the air. Read about some different kinds of packaging and use the worksheet to design earth-friendly packaging.