Teach It!

Providing free education tools and materials for teachers, interpreters, students, and lifelong learners inside and outside the National Park Service is one important way we support the agency's mission. The value of America's cultures and diverse heritages may be lost if it's not passed on to the next generation or experienced by the present one.

The National Park Service offers tools such as the Teaching with Historic Places program and the Teacher's Portal. The Teaching with Historic Places Program offers free, online lesson plans featuring the places where American women made history as pioneers, activists, entrepreneurs, humanitarians, and more. Find lesson plans about historic places in National Parks and in the National Park Service's National Register of Historic Places to enliven history, social studies, geography, civics, and other subjects.

Educators and parents can also find resources for all grade levels in the Teacher’s Portal. Search for lesson plans, traveling trunks, materials for loan, and more.

The National Park Service also offers other resources, including theme studies and Junior Ranger books. Check out the “Did You Know?” section to discover the little-known stories of American women.

Park ranger talking with group outside Mary McLeod Bethune House in DC.
Teaching with Historic Places

These lesson plans use historic places in National Parks and in the National Register of Historic Places to enliven history and civics.

Cap and cloak in front of a wall with word cloud.
Teaching Justice

A series of learning activities from Belmont-Paul Women's Equality National Monument teaching identity, diversity, justice, and action.

Madam CJ Walker and friends in a car.
Women's History to Teach Year 'Round

Each has primary or secondary source reading, photographs, and activities. These short lessons are designed to fit into an hour or less.

Lesson Plans

  • Contemporary photo of Roosevelt's cottage at Val Kill, NPS photo.
    Eleanor Roosevelt at Val-Kill

    This lesson plan explores Val-Kill, Eleanor's personal home later in life. This sites commemorates her life and achievements.

  • Exterior photo of brick row house, Council House. NPS photo.
    Mary McLeod Bethune Council House

    Mary McLeod Bethune, founder of the National Council of Negro Women, helped give a voice to African Americans. Learn more about her story.

  • 'Iolani Palace, in the capitol of Honolulu, Hawaii, Carol Highsmith Collection, Library of Congress.
    'Iolani Palace

    This lesson plan explores the history of the Hawaiian Royal Family, including the last monarch, Queen Liliʻuokalani.

  • Photo of the Madame CJ Walker Building in Indianapolis.
    Entrepreneurs: Madam C.J. Walker

    Discover the journey of Madame C.J. Walker and J.C. Penny in establishing and growing their businesses.

  • Photo of Stonewall Inn covered in rainbow pride flags. Johannes Jordan, Wikimedia Commons
    Stonewall Storytime

    Explore topics of gender and sexuality and facilitate a conversation about universal themes & values.

  • Four women in pilots' attire walk toward the camera with airplane in the background
    Women in World War II Lessons

    Here you’ll find place-based educational resources relating to women's history during World War II.

Other Resources

More Lesson Plans

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    Last updated: February 20, 2024

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