Activities & Lesson Plans

100 Years of Women’s Suffrage

Learn more about the centennial of Women’s Suffrage and the role Ohio women played in securing women’s voting rights. Understand how women’s activism continues today.

A Bird’s Eye View of the Hopewell

This lesson plan was written by Charlotte Stiverson, author of the book A Bird’s Eye View of the Hopewell. It will complement the reading of the book. Ms. Stiverson through 4th grade for 30 years, including Ohio history.

Travel with Owl and her friends as she uses her knowledge and observations to offer insights into how early Ohioans, known in today’s world as the Hopewell Culture, may have lived.

A Graphic History

Ohioan Jesse Owens astounded the world when he won four gold medals at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. Read The Jesse Owens Story, a short graphic biography that appeared in Echoes Magazine, our publication for members. Learn how to create your own graphic novel and tell the stories that inspires you!

A Patchwork History

This hands-on activity has something for everyone! Using beautiful images from the quilts in our collections, we will work on fine motor skills, creativity and historical thinking skills.

African American Soldiers Labor for Victory

With a collection of images and documents, find out the roles and contributions of African American World War I soldiers!

This lesson plan was written by Paul LaRue. A retired thirty-year high school social studies teacher, Paul has received numerous state and national teaching awards. He serves as a member of the Ohio World War I Centennial Committee.

American Indian Research Guidelines

Native peoples have made their homes in the land we now call Ohio for over 15,000 years. Ohio History Day and the Ohio History Connection are committed to sharing the colorful histories, viewpoints, and stories of American Indian people connected to this land. Check out our guide!

And Now, the News! Activity

Newspapers are often a key part of historical research. With newspaper clippings from the Dayton Forum, you will learn how to use these primary sources to understand the 1850’s World’s Fair and what the first African American exhibit in U.S. can tell us about American race relations.

Ask the Archaeologist

Join Curator of Archaeology, Linda, to learn about what an archaeologist does, the coolest things she’s ever found, and why Ohio doesn’t have dinosaur bones!

Blast Off!

Learn about Ohio’s astronauts, space exploration and the Engineering Design Process. Build an Alka-Seltzer rocket and blast it at a target!

Camp Sherman and the Mound City Earthworks

Learn about the complicated history of Camp Sherman and the challenges of preservation faced by the Mound City Earthworks.

This lesson plan was written by Paul LaRue. A retired thirty-year high school social studies teacher, Paul has received numerous state and national teaching awards. He serves as a member of the Ohio World War I Centennial Committee.