Teaching with Historic Places offers classroom-ready lesson plans that together range across American history. These longer, classic lessons take several hours. You can view the entire collection according to location, theme, and time period.
Lightning Lessons were launched as part of the National Park Service's 2016 Centennial celebration as part of its commitment to serving the public in our "second century."
All of the Lightning lessons are based on a "places as primary sources" philosophy, but Lightning Lessons are different from the first series launched by Teaching with Historic Places in the 1990s in three major ways. Compared with the first 160 or so lessons published between 1994 and 2015, these lessons are shorter and focused on 21st century relevance:
1. Lightning lessons are designed for a 60-minute or more block of time or to be take-home work.
2. Lightning lessons all include an essential or compelling question.
3. Lightning lessons all emphasize content standards and they all connect with Common Core standards.
Below you’ll find guidance for using the classic lesson format as well as the Lightning Lesson model.
How to Use Classic Lessons
This guide walks educators through the process of using the longer, classic lessons.
How to Use Lightning Lessons
For help using the shorter lesson plan model, explore some helpful tips and directions.
Last updated: July 7, 2021