I love teaching about the Columbian Exchange. Students are fascinated about how different foods, animals and diseases developed differently in the "Old" and "New World." In this lesson student examine the IMPACT of the Columbian Exchange on the "New" and "Old World" by examining secondary sources. Students will then practice searching for credible sources online that would explain the IMPACT of exchanging animals, diseases, plants and technology. My favorite part is when students find a recipe (I challenge them to ask a Grandparent or relative for a family recipe- I have kids calling their abuelitas in Mexico who they haven't talked to in ages!) and then they create a "Cooking Show" or "Cookbook" that shows other students how to make the recipe with historical details about that particular food time (Example: The potato comes from the "New World" and there are thousands of varieties of potatoes). Sometimes students will even bring a sample for other students to try (I got the Principal permission first!).

Click the image below for the lesson plan and students activities. 

The study of history is really an investigation into the past. For this activity students investigate why the senators of Rome murdered Julius Caesar by examining primary sources. Students examine five primary sources and try to determine the Senator' motives. Students will answer some comprehension questions and formulate a thesis and write a historical essay. Click the Image below to download this free resource.

No prep, No hassle. Students will critically analyze the past with this engaging DBQ. 

​This would be great for 7th Grade Medieval World History when you examine South East Asia and the Middle East. 

When I start the unit on Islamic Civilizations I always try to deconstruct student's misconceptions and stereotypes about Islam. I have students fill out an anticipation guide (see below) and then give them placards that will inform of truth. This activity also teaches them how to cite information and evidence and write accurate claims. Use the free resources below to help your students gain a truthful and accurate insight about Islam.

Click Below for three free resources. 

(Above: Just an image with essential questions) Below are the resources 

(Above: Click Image for Anticipatory Guide) 

(Above: Click the image above for Evidence Placards) 

(Above: Worksheet for students to use with placards) 

​Hold a "Mock" Election at your school using google forms. My 8th Graders will be conducting research on some California Propositions, filling out a worksheet, and as a school "Voting" on a google form. After everyone has voted, we will tabulate the responses and let the school know what their overall decision was. Click below on the pictures to take you to editable versions of the assignments and form, feel free to modify to suit your classroom needs. 
*I could not include the Google Form (because it doesn't let you made an editable copy)

Note: I used Ballotpedia.com for all of the information. 
Extension: Have students find "Commercials" and have students compare claims the advertisements made and discuss the accuracy of said claims.

(Above: Google Slide Presentation for Students) 

(Above: Worksheet for Students)

(Above: I Made a simple google form and will send out to students. There is no link for this picture).

Instead of using a "physical notebook" opt for a digital notebook. If you teach 7th Grade history, feel free to use this Digital Portfolio and modify for your class. I usually do one activity per day an an anticipatory set before I dive deeply into the topic. Click the images below for the free resources. 

After my students investigate a Historical Question and annotate and analyze primary and secondary sources, I love to hold a Socratic Seminar (before they write an expository paragraph or essay). After we analyzed SHEG's Pocahontas Lesson Primary and Secondary Sources, I had students pick which role they wanted to be, gave them some time to examine the questions and take notes and then put them in a "fish bowl arena" (see images below) and let them start talking/ listening. Use the Presentation below (Click image for a copy of the presentation: The questions are specifically for the Pocahontas SHEG, but you can modify it to suit your class needs). 

How I organized the desks...you can just do a circle of chairs. Just make sure there is an inner circle and outer circle. This was done with 40 students in a tiny classroom...so anything is possible!