US Map Quiz

This contemporary map set includes a blank outline, numbered quiz, completed, and answer key.

We have a series of census maps that follow the inclusion of new states, and this one is from 1960. Since the boundaries have not changed, it is still accurate.

Always good to have on hand in any social studies class, as a beginning of the year activity, substitute emergency lesson plan, and as part of the final exam. I attach a copy to every exam throughout the school year and when I’m feeling generous, offer extra credit for every correctly labeled state.

Enjoy!

Nutrition during WWII

This film highlights the efforts in Britain to ration and save food to educate Americans during WWII.

Interestingly, healthy eating habits and proper diet are the focus of this film (rather than rationing).

The national nutrition program was created during WWII to encourage Americans to eat healthfully, including parsnips, turnips and squash.

This film argues that a better diet will lead to more productive workers and soldiers.

An apropos film given the rise in obesity in the United States.

Attack on Pearl Harbor

These two films show footage from the attack to convince viewers to support the war effort.

Note: the term “Jap” is used throughout.

Chinese Exclusion Act, 1882

The only law in U.S. history that singled out a particular ethnic group, this act restricted any Chinese immigrant who was skilled or unskilled in the business of mining, effectively excluding all hopeful entrants from China.

The justification given was that it helped to maintain law and order.

The act was extended ten years later as the Geary Act and remained in place for decades afterward.

It wasn’t until the mid-20th century that large-scale immigration reform altered the number of allowable international immigrants.

We have included a copy of the law as well as questions and answers for students.

For more information on this era, please check out our Rise of Industrial America and Response to Industrialism PowerPoints.

 

Happy Thanksgiving

The 1950s contains a wealth of resources for molding and shaping our youth into positive, productive citizens.

Here is a gem of a video instructing students how to behave at the Thanksgiving dinner table.

The narrator pauses to allow students time to answer etiquette questions.

Enjoy!

The Powers of Congress, 1947

This Cold War era Coronet film shows what would happen if the Congress were to be dissolved.

We have included a copy of an Article I scavenger hunt on the powers of Congress to be given prior to viewing the clip or as a follow up afterwards.

For more information on Congress check out our PowerPoint.

GI Bill of Rights

In honor of the amazing sacrifices that war veterans have made we would like to present this film from the Army Information Branch that explains the history of the GI Bill.

Emergency Evacuation Planning, 1951

This Cold War Civil Defense film tells Americans to stay put in the event of an attack. Great European WWII footage!

There are many opportunities for discussion in any social studies class.

Carnegie and The Gospel of Wealth

Andrew Carnegie epitomizes the “rags to riches” American dream.

Although he was a captain of industry during the infamous robber baron years, he believed it was important for the wealthy to leave a legacy and better the world.

His Gospel of Wealth essay written in 1889 outlined his philanthropic ideals.

We have included a copy of the essay as well as questions and answers for students.

For more on this era check out our U.S. History PowerPoints: Rise of Industrial America: 1865-1900 and Response to Industrialism, and World History Industrial Revolution. We also have a really fun simulation game called Steel Empire.

Munich Pact, 1938

The conference in September of 1938 resulted in the Munich Agreement signed by France, Britain, Italy, and Germany.

A classic case of appeasement, it did prevent war.

We have included a transcript as well as questions and answers.

Check out our PowerPoints on WWII: Europe Between the Wars, Causes of WWII, WWII (US History), WWII (World History).