Lesson Plans

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 - 12th Grade

The Musical Legacy of Detroit

Using historical research in primary and secondary sources, this lesson helps high school United States history students explore the music and historical undercurrents that accompany the rich musical legacy of Detroit.
Download Lesson Plan
Economics Kindergarten - 2nd Grade

The Port of Detroit

This lesson helps kindergarten through second grade students understand the importance of the Port of Detroit. Students will have the opportunity to examine a list of products imported through the Port of Detroit and determine their source. This will establish our link to the rest of the world and help us to realize how invaluable the Port of Detroit is to all of us in Southeastern Michigan.
Download Lesson Plan
History 6th - 8th Grade

The Thornton Blackburn Affair

Students in grades six through eight will gain an understanding of the Fugitive Slave Laws and the resulting “Black Codes” in Michigan Territory prior to the Civil War. They will explore the Thornton Blackburn Affair and the issues of civil rights.
Download Lesson Plan
History 9th - 12th Grade

The Trial of Ossian Sweet

Through this lesson and activity, students in grades nine through twelve will begin to have an understanding and knowledge of Detroit’s important and relevant civil rights history. Students will role-play and take a stand on certain issues. As part of taking a side, they will also have to provide reasons for their decision. In doing so, students will take part in an active learning experience and Core Democratic Values.
Download Lesson Plan
History 9th - 12th Grade

Using Inquiry to Learn about July 1967

In this lesson, high school students will gain a basic understanding of the causes, events, and impacts of the 1967 unrest. However, instead of simply reading a text for comprehension, they will approach the material through the process of historical inquiry.
Download Lesson Plan
History 6th - 8th Grade

Women's Suffrage

NEW! Through research and analysis, students will explore the Women's Suffrage Movement both locally and nationally, learning about suffragettes from the state of Michigan.
Download Lesson Plan
History 9th - 12th Grade

WORLD WAR II POSTERS, 1940-1945

This lesson uses posters and prints archived in the Detroit Historical Museum’s digital collection to show high school students the importance that printed materials played in the total war effort and the significance of using primary sources in the classroom. The educator will use LOC analysis sheets, reasons for using primary sources, and the “gallery walk” teaching strategy.
Download Lesson Plan
History 9th - 12th Grade

WWII: WOMEN IN THE WORKPLACE

NEW CURRICULUM! Bring your 9th - 12th grade students to the movie screen to judge for themselves if the United States government was looking out for the best interest of women or was guilty of perpetuating the second class status of females.
Download Lesson Plan
History 4th - 5th Grade

You Be the Judge: the Surrender of Detroit

This lesson helps third grade students answer the question, "Was American General William Hull, who surrendered Detroit to the British during the War of 1812, guilty or innocent of treason and cowardice?" Students analyze primary sources and consider multiple perspectives in history.
Download Lesson Plan