Title: The Assassination of Abraham Lincoln

Grade Level: 8th Grade

Subject: U.S. History

Duration: 2 class periods (90 minutes each)

Objectives: 1. Students will understand the events leading up to the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. 2. Students will analyze the impact of Lincoln’s assassination on the nation. 3. Students will evaluate the significance of Lincoln’s assassination in shaping American history.

Materials: - Textbooks or online resources on the assassination of Abraham Lincoln - Primary sources related to the assassination (e.g., newspaper articles, eyewitness accounts, photographs) - Chart paper and markers - Computers or tablets with internet access - Handouts with discussion questions

Procedure:

Day 1:

Introduction (10 minutes): 1. Begin the lesson by asking students what they know about Abraham Lincoln and his presidency. 2. Write their responses on the chart paper and discuss briefly.

Background (20 minutes): 1. Provide a brief overview of Abraham Lincoln’s presidency, focusing on his role during the Civil War and his efforts to reunite the nation. 2. Explain the significance of the Emancipation Proclamation and the impact it had on the country. 3. Discuss the events leading up to Lincoln’s assassination, including the end of the Civil War and the surrender of General Robert E. Lee.

Primary Source Analysis (30 minutes): 1. Divide the class into small groups and distribute primary sources related to Lincoln’s assassination. 2. Instruct students to analyze the sources and answer questions about the events surrounding the assassination. 3. Afterward, have each group share their findings with the class.

Discussion (20 minutes): 1. Lead a class discussion on the impact of Lincoln’s assassination on the nation. 2. Encourage students to consider the political, social, and emotional consequences of his death. 3. Use guiding questions such as: - How did Lincoln’s assassination affect the process of Reconstruction? - How did the nation mourn Lincoln’s death? - What were the immediate and long-term consequences of his assassination?

Day 2:

Review (10 minutes): 1. Begin the second day by reviewing the key points discussed in the previous class. 2. Ask students to recall the significance of Lincoln’s presidency and the events leading up to his assassination.

Research Activity (40 minutes): 1. Instruct students to conduct independent research on the impact of Lincoln’s assassination. 2. Provide a list of suggested topics, such as the trial and execution of the conspirators, the impact on the presidency of Andrew Johnson, or the legacy of Lincoln’s assassination. 3. Students can use textbooks, online resources, or primary sources to gather information. 4. Encourage students to take notes and cite their sources.

Group Presentations (30 minutes): 1. Divide the class into small groups and assign each group a specific topic related to Lincoln’s assassination. 2. Instruct students to prepare a short presentation summarizing their findings. 3. Each group should include key facts, analysis, and visual aids if possible. 4. Allow time for questions and discussion after each presentation.

Conclusion (10 minutes): 1. Wrap up the lesson by asking students to reflect on the significance of Lincoln’s assassination in shaping American history. 2. Discuss how the nation’s response to his death influenced the course of Reconstruction and the fight for civil rights. 3. Encourage students to consider the lasting impact of Lincoln’s presidency and assassination on the United States.

Assessment: - Participation in class discussions and group activities - Analysis of primary sources - Research activity and group presentations - Reflection on the significance of Lincoln’s assassination in shaping American history