1st Day of School Activity US History Class Introduction Activity Back to School

Are you a US History teacher looking for a 1st day or week of school activity that gives students an introduction to US History for high school? This back to school hands-on activity was "born" from the frustration of all things "chaos" the 1st week of school.

From schedule changes, to assemblies - that 1st week is nuts. I wanted an activity that would get students excited about US History beyond the normal "get to know you" activities that happen that 1st week.

It's time for students to Guess the Decade!

How does it work?

You print the images and dates, mix them up and place them in baggies. I suggest 3-4 student per group.

Students will take out the dates first and put them in order. They will work with their group to discuss each image and try to guess what decade in which it belongs. There are 4 images per decade.

When everyone is finished sorting, you can go over the answers with the included key. I always lead a discussion for each decade asking things like:

• How many of these images were you familiar with? and
• How did you guess that that image belongs in the 1920s? Etc.

As an added bonus, your students are discussing, collaborating and "talking history" the 1st week of school. Win, Win!

It's a great filler activity for that first week when things are nuts!

It covers topics from the 1900 to the 2019 and is completely editable.

What's included?

• Dates and images from 1900 - 2019.
• Answer key
• This is completely editable in PowerPoint - so change any image you wish!