CURRICULAR RESOURCES
Innovative lesson plans, activities, resources, and online exhibits feature archival materials to fit your classroom needs.
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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
From launching a campaign to taking the oath of office, students learn about the process of running for the office of presidency of the United States. They use visual information including current photographs and archival film footage to examine the electoral process and discuss what voters need to consider when selecting a candidate.
Guided Programs
Subject: Civics and US Government, English Language Arts, US History
Grade: 4, 5
Time: 1-2 hours
Students can design, make, and decorate a poster to support their chosen cause.
Hands-On History Activities
Subject: Civics and US Government, US History
Grade: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Time: 0-1 hour
Students consider what "ingredients" might go into the speech that will launch a President's term in office as they examine some of the most memorable inaugural addresses of the past.
Lesson Plans & Activities
Subject: Civics and US Government, English Language Arts, US History, World History
Grade: 6, 7, 8
Time: 1-2 hours
Students analyze the results of the 1960 election, collect data for a recent presidential election, and identify changes in voting patterns.
Lesson Plans & Activities
Subject: Civics and US Government, US History
Grade: 3, 4, 5, 6
Time: 1-2 hours
Explore photographs, documents, and other primary sources that focus on religious matters related to Kennedy's 1960 campaign and his presidency.
Media Galleries
Subject: Civics and US Government, US History
Grade: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Students make the "trip" with JFK from the Democratic National Convention to the November 8, 1960 election, answering questions with information gleaned from the primary sources located in the Campaign Office in "The President’s Desk".
Lesson Plans & Activities
Subject: Civics and US Government, English Language Arts, US History
Grade: 4, 5, 6
Time: 1-2 hours
Explore photographs that focus on signing ceremonies at the White House.
Media Galleries
Subject: Civics and US Government, US History, World History
Grade: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Students investigate archival film footage, audio recordings and song lyrics to discover the essential role music played in the civil rights movement. They practice several freedom songs and hear first-hand accounts of how singing helped motivate and sustain activists who were fighting for racial equality. While in the exhibit galleries, students sing freedom songs and learn about President Kennedy’s key actions and decisions related to the civil rights struggle.
Guided Programs
Subject: The Arts, Civics and US Government, English Language Arts, US History
Grade: 3, 4, 5
Time: 2-3 hours
Students consider how a president can generate support for one of his legislative initiatives and help a bill become a law by investigating the steps President Kennedy took in attempting to turn his June 1963 civil rights proposal into meaningful legislation.
Lesson Plans & Activities
Subject: Civics and US Government, US History
Grade: 9, 10, 11, 12
Time: 1-2 hours
Students can make their own suffrage sash inspired by those worn by suffragists in the 20th century.
Hands-On History Activities
Subject: Civics and US Government, US History
Grade: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Time: 0-1 hour
Students can make their own suffrage sunflower and discover more about the popular symbols and colors used by suffragists in the campaign to secure the right to vote for women.
Hands-On History Activities
Subject: Civics and US Government, US History
Grade: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Time: 0-1 hour
Students can learn more about how suffragists represented themselves by creating a change-making suffragist zine, a self-published booklet.
Hands-On History Activities
Subject: Civics and US Government, US History
Grade: 6, 7, 8
Time: 0-1 hour
View a selection of books on a variety of topics related to John F. Kennedy and his administration, publications featured in Kennedy Library Forums, and online resources from the Kennedy Library website.
Resource Guides / Packets
Subject: Civics and US Government, US History
Grade: 9, 10, 11, 12