The Detroit Historical Society Lesson Plans are educational resources developed by members of the Detroit Historical Society's educational team. Each lesson is carefully tailored to specific grade ranges, ensuring age-appropriate content and engagement. Many lesson plans align with learning objectives as defined by the State of Michigan, making them a valuable tool for educators seeking curriculum-aligned materials. Additionally, they include supplementary resources and references to enhance learning and provide deeper historical context.
History
9th - Higher Ed
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MICHIGAN HISTORY PRESENTATION: 1929-1945
Developed by Oakland Community College instructor Jeff Lambrecht, this presentation is one in a series that shares Michigan history, with a focus on Detroit and Southeastern Michigan. These slides have been designed to give a detailed presentation about particular eras. Lambrecht encourages teachers off all grade levels to download and customize the presentations for classroom use.
History
9th - Higher Ed
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MICHIGAN HISTORY PRESENTATION: 1945-1974
Developed by Oakland Community College instructor Jeff Lambrecht, this presentation is one in a series that shares Michigan history, with a focus on Detroit and Southeastern Michigan. These slides have been designed to give a detailed presentation about particular eras. Lambrecht encourages teachers off all grade levels to download and customize the presentations for classroom use.
History
9th - 12th Grade
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Migration to Southeast Michigan
Through looking at and studying primary and secondary sources, students in ninth through twelfth grades will gain a deeper understanding of the role immigration has played in Detroit’s history and the diversity in Southeastern Michigan.
History
4th - 5th Grade
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Multiple Perspectives: French and Indian War
This lesson helps third grade students answer the question, "What impact did the French and Indian War have on the French, British, and Native Americans in Detroit and Michigan?" through reading, discussion and the consideration of multiple perspectives.
History
1st - 2nd Grade
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On the Assembly Line
Newly Updated!
Through these activities and information found in this lesson, first and second grade students will develop a base understanding of economic production and labor. By having students actually participate in a working assembly line, they will apply what they learned through the reading and make connections to real-life activity.
History
4th - 5th Grade
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Pontiac’s Rebellion
This lesson helps third grade students answer the question, "Who was Chief Pontiac, and how did his rebellion show a change in the relationship between Europeans and Native Americans? through reading and discussion activities, as well as considering multiple perspectives.
History
4th - 5th Grade
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Profiles of Influential Detroiters
This lesson helps third grade students answer the question, "Who were the key early Detroiters, and how did their actions help the city of Detroit grow and develop?" through primary source analysis and discussion.
History
6th - 8th Grade
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Selected Mayors of Detroit
Students in grades six through eight will develop a good background of Detroit’s political history as well as develop an understanding of different leadership models.
History
4th - 5th Grade
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Taking It to the Streets
This lesson helps fourth grade students answer the question, "What can we learn about Detroit and the history of its people by looking at maps and street names?" Students read, discuss and present information.
History
3rd - 5th Grade
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The Automobile and Its Impact
Students in grades three through five will be introduced to Detroit’s early automotive leaders through a brief dramatic reading, a secondary source. Then, using primary sources articles from newspapers and photographs, students will look at Detroit as the birthplace of the automotive age.
History
4th - 5th Grade
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The French Fur Trade
This lesson helps third grade students answer the question, "How did the fur trade work, and why was it important to the economy in Detroit and the region?" through reading, role-play and discussion.
History
4th - 5th Grade
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The Great Fire of 1805
This lesson helps third grade students answer the question, "What can we learn about the Great Fire of 1805 through a structured study of primary sources?"