American HerStory

Lesson Plans

Grades9, 10, 11, 12, APHistory, English Language Arts

Scientist Reviewed

Provided by Population Education

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What it is

This lesson investigates the stereotypes about women through a student-perspective activity and looks at how gender roles have changed since 1900 through a group research project.

Teaching tips

Positives

This lesson is thought-provoking, engaging, and will facilitate deep student conversation.
The resources provided are varied and can be differentiated.

Additional Prerequisites

Students should have some background knowledge on gender roles and stereotypes, American history, and feminism.
Teachers will need to input their email address and name in order to download the lesson plans.

Differentiation

Cross-curricular connections can be made in science classes when discussing how empowering women can positively impact climate change.
The presentation portion of the second lesson could be extended into more formal presentations or speeches in order to extend the unit.
Have students journal about their learning and experiences after the first lesson, as the lesson is very personal and it should help students empathize with others.
Consider adding additional roles to the list of occupations such as solar installer, lawyer, judge, member of congress, scientist, researcher, president, bar tender, flight attendant, or bus driver.

From the scientist review

Students can analyze these simple instances and learn more about how gender roles are changing in the U.S. by using this resource, which also addresses gender stereotypes. The SDG of "leaving no one behind" by 2030 must be achieved and addressing gender disparities internationally is essential. This teaching resource is suggested.

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At a glance

Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12, AP
Subjects: History, English Language Arts
Other types: Activity - Classroom, Worksheets
Format: PDF
Language: English
Location: North America, North America > United States
Provider: Population Education
Authors: Population Education
Published: August 22, 2022
Last updated: July 16, 2026
: Reviewed by our climate scientists How we review

Standards alignment · D2.His.1.9-12 + 7 more

Core

College, Career, and Civic Life (C3) Standards

D2.His.1.9-12Evaluate how historical events and developments were shaped by unique circumstances of time and place as well as broader historical contexts.
D2.His.12.9-12Use questions generated about multiple historical sources to pursue further inquiry and investigate additional sources.

Common Core English Language Arts Standards (CCSS.ELA)

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.11-12.7Integrate and evaluate multiple sources of information presented in diverse formats and media (e.g., visually, quantitatively, as well as in words) in order to address a question or solve a problem.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.11-12.10By the end of grade 12, read and comprehend history/social studies texts in the grades 11-CCR text complexity band independently and proficiently.

Wisconsin Climate Education Hub

English Language Arts

R.11-12.6Analyze how authors employ point of view, perspective, and purpose to shape explicit and implicit messages (e.g., persuasiveness, aesthetic quality, satire, sarcasm, irony, or understatement). Explain how an author’s geographic location, identity, and culture affect perspective. (RI&RL)
SL.11-12.1Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on topics, texts, and issues, listening actively, and building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly.
SL.11-12.4Present information, findings, and supporting evidence, conveying perspective, such that listeners can follow the reasoning, alternative or opposing perspectives addressed, and the organization. Intentionally utilize development, substance, and style appropriate to purpose, audience, and situation.

Social Studies

SS.Hist2.c.hEvaluate how the historical context influenced the process or nature of the continuity or change that took place.

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What it is

Teaching tips

From the scientist review

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