Middle School

Grade Levels Grades 8-12

A Historical Investigation of the French and Indian War

Lesson Abstract

The French and Indian War, unlike the other wars, began on North American soil and then spread to Europe, where Britain and French continued fighting. Britain officially declared war on France in 1756. Native Americans fought for both sides but primarily alongside the French, who were interested in expelling the English from the continent and regaining their ancestral lands. Your students will be able to participate in unveiling the hidden mysteries of this war.

Middle School and High School

Barter to Market or What's in Your Household?

Lesson Abstract

For the most part, in the 17th and 18th century agrarian societies, there was little or no money. Exchange of goods was completed through the barter or trade system. This gradually began to move to a market system. By examining trade records from the Fort Pitt Day Book (1765) and early inventories of households, we can discover what was being traded and what people relied upon in their homes.

Middle School

Misconceptions about Easter Woodland Indians

Lesson Abstract

In these series of classroom activities, you will find 21 of the most ingrained misconceptions about Eastern Woodland Indians that we have encountered in schools throughout Western Pennsylvania, along with specific strategies on how to break down these misconceptions in the classroom. After each misconception is discussed, teachers are provided with critical thinking activities to engage students in understanding these misconceptions through an examination of images, documents and material culture objects.

Middle School and High School

Native American History Database

This database is designed to provide primary sources for the purpose of facilitating teacher planning and student research on Native American History. The sources are arranged chronologically from "Prior to 1725" to "1795-1838," with special sections for images, maps, search engines and research sites.

Grades 5 - 8

Picture Analysis: Conflict & Cooperation in the French & Indian War

Lesson Abstract

Are you a constructivist teacher? Do you prefer direct instruction? Both approaches are described in this lesson plan about conflict and cooperation among Europeans and Native Americans in Western Pennsylvania at the time leading up to the French and Indian War.

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