Who Are Our Greatest Presidents?
A lesson that encourages students to actively develop their own conclusions, rather than passively absorbing ideas generated by the media or other outside influences. Students use systematic analytical methods to compare past presidents to current or future presidents and to create their own research-based ranking system to compare presidents.
Hands-On History- Washington Spymaster Activities
Did you know there were spies in the Revolutionary War? Download these activities to become one of Washington's agents, decoding and sending messages. Make the messages extra secretive by writing them with invisible ink.
Hands-On History- Create-Your-Own Crafts
Artists painted George Washington’s portrait many times during his lifetime and after. Some portraits show scenes from Washington’s life. Explore your creativity by downloading these templates to create your own portrait, along with your own dollar bill, Mount Vernon postcard, horse puppet, quilt block, and fan.
Oral History and the Boston Tea Party
We learn about history from a lot of different sources. These can include written documents and artifacts. However, we also understand history from oral histories, which is the passing down of history through verbal accounts.
The Founding of the U.S. Government Infographic
This infographic covers the basics of the formation of the U.S. Government through visuals, graphics, and primary sources. It reads at an upper-elementary level, perfect for struggling readers, emerging English speakers, visual learners, or the average student.
Created by 2024 LifeGuard Teacher Fellows Emily Finch and Tamera Johnson.
Make a Sundial
George Washington ran Mount Vernon in the same manner he managed the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War: through careful time management, a close attention to detail, and a taskmaster 's sense of duty. Thus it is no little surprise that Washington set his sundial at the heart of his plantation. Sundials were the most accurate tool in eighteenth century America for telling time. In this activity, you can make your own!
First Continental Congress Matching
After the Boston Tea Party occurred in December of 1773, Parliament retaliated with the Coercive Acts, punishing not only Massachusetts but all of the Thirteen Colonies. To address this with a united front, the First Continental Congress met in Philadelphia in September and October of 1775. This activity explores notable delegates to Congress and other primary sources.
The Founding of the U.S. Government Suggested Activity Sheets
These activity sheets provide grab-and-go activity ideas about the foundation of the U.S. Constitution, government, and presidency. With different options for Elementary, Middle, and High School students, these activity suggestion sheets have something for every grade level. These sheets were created by 2024 LifeGuard Teacher Fellows Emily Finch and Tamera Johnson.
Where is Washington?
George Washington's name and face is all around us. Using this scavenger hunt, you'll be able to find him not just about Mount Vernon, but all over your neighborhood!