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 6th - 12th Grade

DETROIT DURING WWII: PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SOURCES

Students in sixth through twefth grades will research and identify artifacts as primary or secondary sources – validating facts supporting the “Arsenal of Democracy” of WWII. Detroit and its suburban areas played an important part in the development manufacturing that supported the troops of WWII and the eventual victory of the Allies.
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History 9th - 12th Grade

DETROIT DURING WWII: WAR PRODUCTION AND RACIAL TENSION

Wartime production of WWII within Detroit and its suburban areas played an important part to support the troops and the eventual victory, but at what cost? It is the role of this lesson to allow high school students to research and share their findings with one another in an effort to understand the actions that led to Detroit being labeled the “union city,” forever changing the infrastructure of Detroit.
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History 9th - 12th Grade

DETROIT DURING WWII: WHEN TOYS WENT TO WAR

This lesson will enable high school students to explore the rise of Wyandotte toys into one of the most successful toy companies in the world, its role in WWII, and the adjustments the company had to make after the war was over.
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Civics 4th - 5th Grade

Detroit Flag and Seal

This lesson helps fourth grade students answer the question, "What symbols represent Detroit, and why are they important?" through reading and primary source analysis.
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History 6th - 8th Grade

Detroit Under Three Flags: 1701-1796

Students in grades six through eight will gain a preliminary history of early Detroit and the three main countries that ruled the city. Students will participate in class discussion and mapping activities that will lead to a better understanding of some of the Core Democratic Values.
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History 9th - 12th Grade

Documenting Detroit

This lesson introduces middle and high school students to primary source analysis. Students review photographs about Detroit's urban farming project during the Great Depression.
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History 4th - 5th Grade

Exploring Anishinabeg Culture

This lesson helps third grade students answer the question, "What are key cultural traits of the Native Americans who lived in Michigan before the arrival of Europeans?" through primary source analysis and discussion.
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History 4th - 5th Grade

Exploring Ethnic Detroit

This lesson helps fourth grade students answer the question, "Who were the different ethnic groups that came to Detroit in the 19th century, when did they arrive and where did they live?" through primary source analysis and discussion.
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