Lesson Plans
As a Champion of Educating for American Democracy (EAD), we stand in agreement that K–12 education plays a pivotal role in ensuring the next generation is prepared to strengthen and sustain our constitutional democracy. The Lincoln Presidential Foundation supports the EAD approach and the collective, cross-ideological expertise that has informed the resources put forth towards achieving this goal.
Warning Signs Lesson Plans
High School Lesson Plans
"Lincoln's Response to Rising Threats to Freedom, Justice, and Democracy" as evidenced through Lincoln's Cooper Union Address
View Lesson Plans PDF
Middle School Lesson Plans
"Lincoln's Response to Rising Threats to Freedom, Justice, and Democracy" Unit Plan
View Lesson Plans PDF
Fortifying Our Democracy Lesson Plans
Lincoln's Springfield Exhibit Lesson Plans & Activities
Middle School Lesson Plans & Activities
This lesson plan/activity book was inspired by the award-winning exhibit titled “Lincoln’s Springfield” that is located at Lincoln Home National Historic Site in Springfield, Illinois. The exhibit, which has received both the NAI award and the Gold MUSE award, highlights the stories of six of Lincoln’s contemporaries who came from a variety of backgrounds and faced various kinds of challenges.
View Lesson Plans & Activities PDF
Thanksgiving Lesson Plans
Presidents’ Day Lesson Plan
Grades 4-8 History/Civic Lesson Plan
“Presidents’ Day or Washington’s Birthday?” is a 45-minute, grades 4-8 lesson that covers a brief history of Presidents’ Day, Washington’s Birthday, and the Uniform Holiday Monday Act. It explores why America celebrates different holidays and how a holiday becomes a federal holiday.
View Lesson Plans PDF
View the Uniform Holiday Monday Act
Latest Generation Film Contest Lesson Plans
Story Development
These plans help teachers guide students in developing strong storytelling skills through film. Packed with practical tools and strategies, these resources make it easy to bring documentary filmmaking into the classroom, from concept to creation.
View Lesson Plans PDF
Producing the Short
Designed to empower teachers with the tools to bring filmmaking into the classroom. Explore mobile-friendly production, camera, lighting, and sound, plus post-production tips—all focused on making historical documentary storytelling fun, accessible, and classroom-ready.
View Lesson Plans PDF