History Labs

Investigative learning experiences for social studies and history classrooms, all free of charge and TEKS aligned.

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Step by step instructions

We give you everything you'll need to start and finish your history lab.

High Quality Primary Sources

We've included a complete catalog of high quality curated primary sources so you'll explore real voices, real people, and real sources.

Activity Sheets

Use our included activity sheets to get your students started on their History Lab journey.

Our History Labs

Auxiliary Personnel of the First World War

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This History Lab is most relevant for High School World History. Associated TEKS include: WH(10) History, WH(28) Science, Technology, and Society, WH(29) Social Studies Skills

History labs are a great way to make Social Studies content come to life. Investigative learning experiences in history labs help students learn historical content while developing critical reading and analytical skills - just like historians!

In Auxiliary Personnel of the First World War, students learn about the conditions of fighting during the First World War by examining the contributions made by auxiliary personnel, including:

  • Stretcher bearers.
  • Ambulance drivers.
  • Chaplains.
  • Nurses.
  • Doctors.

In studying these hidden figures of the war, students work to characterize war-time contributions. The final product? Creating a dedication for hypothetical use at the National World War I Museum.

U.S. - Mexican War

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This history lab is most relevant for Grade 7 Texas History and/or Grade 8 US History. Associated TEKS include: 7(4) History, 7(20) Social Studies Skills, 7(22) Social Studies Skills, 8(6) History, 8(29) Social Studies Skills, 8(30) Social Studies Skills.

History labs are a great way to make Social Studies content come to life. Investigative learning experiences in history labs help students learn historical content while developing critical reading and analytical skills - just like historians!

In the US-Mexican War History Lab, students examine the various reasons why the United States declared war on Mexico in 1846. Students work in groups to analyze eight sources and prepare to defend their responses to the focus question:

What was the primary motivation for the United States going to war with Mexico in 1846?

  • To expand slavery.
  • To fulfill Manifest Destiny.
  • To gain more land and wealth
  • To defend against a dangerous enemy.

The lab culminates in students individually producing a "This Day in History, May 13, 1846" entry for the History Channel website.

What's next in history

Immigration Policy

Coming March 12th

Explore how the United States Immigration policy has shifted and changed throughout history.

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Andrew Carnegie

Coming March 26th

Look into American Icon, Andrew Carnegie to analyze whether he's best described as a philanthropist or robber baron.

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Immigration Policy

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Help History Come Alive

Do you have an idea for a moment in history to explore in an upcoming History Lab? Maybe it's exploring Louis and Clarks westward expansion, the signing of the Treaty of Paris, or the cultural revolution of the Harlem Renaissance. Drop your idea to our specialists and we'll work on creating high quality research labs that fit. 

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