CURRICULAR RESOURCES
Innovative lesson plans, activities, resources, and online exhibits feature archival materials to fit your classroom needs.
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Students learn about ancient symbols and ornamental and architectural elements to identify some symbols of American democracy in the White House as an introduction to the origins of common symbolic representations of the United States and its values.
Lesson Plans & Activities
Subject: English Language Arts, US History, World History
Grade: 5, 6, 7, 8
Time: 0-1 hour, 1-2 hours
The free JFK Challenge! app for iPad brings American history to life for kids by turning them into astronauts and Peace Corps volunteers. Students may fly to the Moon or help people around the world through these unique and engaging activities from the JFK Library.
Online Exhibits and Digital Interactives
Subject: Civics and US Government, US History
Grade: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
This section of the website contains topic guides on the significant events that occurred during President Kennedy's years in office. These essays are intended to give an overview of challenges and issues that defined Kennedy's administration, and include relevant primary source material.
Resource Guides / Packets
Subject: The Arts, Civics and US Government, Economics, Science, US History, World History
Grade: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Explore photographs and documents related to JFK wearing hats in a variety of personal moments and presidential duties.
Media Galleries
Subject: Civics and US Government, US History
Grade: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Explore photographs related to JFK's youth.
Media Galleries
Subject: US History
Grade: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
This exhibition celebrates the 100th anniversary of John F. Kennedy’s birth with a presentation of items drawn mostly from the collections of the Kennedy Library.
Online Exhibits and Digital Interactives
Subject: Civics and US Government, US History
Grade: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Explore photographs of John F. Kennedy in all 50 States.
Media Galleries
Subject: Civics and US Government, US History
Grade: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Adapted from the longer lesson plan, "What if Laws are Unjust?", this activity asks students to consider young people’s rationales for participating in civil rights demonstrations in Birmingham, and the risks and rewards of their inclusion.
Lesson Plans & Activities
Subject: Civics and US Government, English Language Arts, US History
Grade: 7, 8, 9, 10
Time: 1-2 hours
These letters and telegrams from key figures help tell the story of the civil rights movement during the Kennedy years. Documents include communications from James Farmer, Martin Luther King Jr., John Lewis, A. Philip Randolph, Bayard Rustin, Roy Wilkins, and Whitney Young.
Resource Guides / Packets
Subject: Civics and US Government, US History
Grade: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
In this docent-led program designed for groups who are often visiting the Library for the first time, students explore the challenges John F. Kennedy faced as the nation’s leader and learn about the big ideas he put into action. A souvenir booklet of open-ended questions gives students historical context and encourages them to evaluate John F. Kennedy’s decisions and actions as president. The program includes an introductory group discussion about John F. Kennedy’s leadership qualities, the…
Guided Programs
Subject: Civics and US Government, English Language Arts, US History
Grade: 6, 7, 8, 9
Time: 2-3 hours
What makes a president an effective leader? This interactive program invites students to explore the challenges John F. Kennedy faced as the nation's leader during a tumultuous time in United States history. Through an analysis of objects, photographs, and documents from the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, students will consider how the thirty-fifth president tackled complex issues such as civil rights, space exploration, and Cold War tensions.
Guided Programs
Subject: Civics and US Government, English Language Arts, US History
Grade: 6, 7, 8
Time: 1-2 hours
Students investigate historical letters to public officials, including several to President Kennedy, and then write their own letters of concern.
Lesson Plans & Activities
Subject: Civics and US Government, English Language Arts, US History
Grade: 3, 4, 5, 6
Time: 2-3 hours
Students use materials related to the 1960 presidential election to explore the elements of a successful political campaign.
Lesson Plans & Activities
Subject: Civics and US Government, US History
Grade: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Time: 1-2 hours
Martin Luther King Jr. - Resources from the Kennedy Library Website for Elementary and Middle Grades
Geared to elementary and middle school school grades, this PDF provides links to photographs, letters, telegrams, and lesson plans relating to Martin Luther King Jr. on the Library's website.
Resource Guides / Packets
Subject: Civics and US Government, US History
Grade: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Adapted from the longer lesson plan "What if Laws are Unjust?", this activity asks students to analyze Dr. King’s discussion of when laws are unjust from his “Letter from Birmingham Jail.”
Lesson Plans & Activities
Subject: Civics and US Government, US History
Grade: 7, 8
Time: 0-1 hour
Students can learn about the suffrage movement and its symbolism in MA, and then color a bluebird sign.
Hands-On History Activities
Subject: Civics and US Government, US History
Grade: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Time: 0-1 hour
On May 5, 1961, Astronaut Alan B. Shepard Jr. became the first American in Space when he completed a 15-minute sub-orbital flight aboard the "Freedom 7" spacecraft. Students can explore this historic moment by making their own mini Mercury spacecraft complete with a parachute.
Hands-On History Activities
Subject: US History
Grade: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Time: 0-1 hour
Explore photographs, videos, and documents related to the National Park Service.
Media Galleries
Subject: Civics and US Government, US History
Grade: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12