CURRICULAR RESOURCES
Innovative lesson plans, activities, resources, and online exhibits feature archival materials to fit your classroom needs.
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On May 5, 1961, Astronaut Alan B. Shepard Jr. became the first American in Space when he completed a 15-minute sub-orbital flight aboard the "Freedom 7" spacecraft. Students can explore this historic moment by making their own mini Mercury spacecraft complete with a parachute.
Hands-On History Activities
Subject: US History
Grade: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Time: 0-1 hour
Students analyze a letter to President Kennedy from a woman who had just lost her brother in South Vietnam and consider Kennedy’s reply which explains his rationale for sending US military to that country.
Lesson Plans & Activities
Subject: US History, World History
Grade: 9, 10, 11, 12
Time: 1-2 hours
Explore photographs, videos, and documents related to the National Park Service.
Media Galleries
Subject: Civics and US Government, US History
Grade: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Invite students to explore President Kennedy's passion for the sea and create their own initials in nautical code.
Hands-On History Activities
Subject: US History
Grade: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Time: 0-1 hour
Students can make their own Origami LEM (Lunar Excursion Module) as they explore the historic Moon-landing on July 20, 1969 and learn more about the technology of spaceflight.
Hands-On History Activities
Subject: US History
Grade: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Time: 0-1 hour
Students can explore President Kennedy's passion for the sea by making their own origami sailboat and naming it.
Hands-On History Activities
Subject: US History
Grade: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Time: 0-1 hour
In 1961, President Kennedy signed Executive Order 10924 establishing the Peace Corps. Teachers who are working on civic engagement projects with students may be particularly interested in primary and secondary sources related to the formation and first years of the Peace Corps including audio, video and textual materials.
Resource Guides / Packets
Subject: Civics and US Government, US History
Grade: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Students examine the persuasive techniques in President Kennedy's "June 11, 1963 Radio and Television Report to the American People on Civil Rights" and evaluate the effectiveness of the speech.
Lesson Plans & Activities
Subject: English Language Arts, US History
Grade: 9, 10, 11, 12
Time: 1-2 hours
Lesson Plans & Activities
Subject: Civics and US Government, English Language Arts, US History
Grade: 4, 5, 6
Time: 1-2 hours
Explore photographs of pets and animals related to the Kennedy family and Administration.
Media Galleries
Subject: Civics and US Government, US History
Grade: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Simplified text, large images with captions and questions, a glossary, and activities make these booklets accessible to elementary readers.
Lesson Plans & Activities
Subject: English Language Arts, US History
Grade: 3, 4, 5
Time: 1-2 hours, 2-3 hours
Students examine a photograph from JFK's high school years and write a caption that reflects their knowledge gained through observation, research, and interpretation.
Lesson Plans & Activities
Subject: US History
Grade: 3, 4, 5, 6
Time: 0-1 hour, 1-2 hours
Using primary source materials, students investigate the use of metaphor in presidential oratory and apply it to a piece of persuasive writing on a current national or global issue.
Lesson Plans & Activities
Subject: Civics and US Government, English Language Arts
Grade: 7, 8
Time: 1-2 hours
Students analyze excerpts from the first Kennedy-Nixon debate (September 26, 1960) and a memo assessing the debate from one of Kennedy's advisers. They then use the memo as a model as they watch a current political debate to consider the strengths and weaknesses of the candidate they support.
Lesson Plans & Activities
Subject: Civics and US Government, US History
Grade: 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Time: 1-2 hours
Encourage students to make their own American flag with popsicle sticks and learn more about its history and the meaning behind its colors.
Hands-On History Activities
Subject: Civics and US Government, US History
Grade: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Time: 0-1 hour
President Kennedy signed a bill authorizing the establishment of the Cape Cod National Seashore in 1961. By learning about the creation of the Seashore, students reflect on the importance of land conservation and the role of the federal government in preserving natural and historical resources.
Lesson Plans & Activities
Subject: Civics and US Government, English Language Arts, Geography, Science, US History
Grade: 3, 4, 5, 6
Time: 1-2 hours
Explore photographs of President Kennedy engaged in a variety of presidential duties.
Media Galleries
Subject: Civics and US Government, US History
Grade: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Using the 1960 election as a case study, students learn the steps to becoming President of the United States. Students explore objects, photographs, and documents in the museum to discover important information about the 1960 election. The last part of the visit includes an interactive game based on the steps to the presidency. A final discussion draws on students' hopes and ideas to guide the next President of the United States.
Guided Programs
Subject: Civics and US Government, English Language Arts, US History
Grade: 4, 5
Time: 2-3 hours