America 250: Explore, Learn, and Celebrate 250 Years of the United States

Introduction

America is turning 250 this year, marking the anniversary of the American Revolution and the signing of the Declaration of Independence. This nationwide celebration—often called America 250—is a unique opportunity for families to explore history through local events, interactive learning, and meaningful conversations.

This Learning Grove experience invites your child to:

• Discover events and places in Idaho, Indiana, Oklahoma, North Dakota, and Wyoming

• Explore engaging, free educational resources

• Play interactive history-based games

• Create projects that connect past and present

This is designed as a flexible, single-day experience with optional ways to extend learning.

Educational Videos

1. America 250 Overview (PBS Learning Media) https://www.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/americas-250th-anniversary/overview/ A short, student-friendly introduction to what America 250 is and why it matters.

2. History of the Declaration of Independence (National Archives) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ETroXvRFoKY Explains how and why the Declaration was written.

3. Road to the American Revolution (Khan Academy) https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/us-history/road-to-revolution A series of short videos explaining events leading up to independence.

4. The Story of America (Hillsdale College) https://storyofamerica.hillsdale.edu/#watch_series A full video series covering the development of the United States from early history through founding principles. Episodes are longer and work well for deeper exploration with older learners.

5. The Road to Liberty Series (White House – America 250 / Founders Museum) https://www.whitehouse.gov/freedom250/founders-museum/major-events/the-road-to-liberty/A curated series highlighting key events that led to American independence and connects major milestones in the journey toward liberty.

K–2

• Watch short clips together and pause often.

• Preview longer videos and select small segments.

• Focus on big ideas like freedom, rules, and fairness.

3rd–5th Grade

• List 3–5 important facts from each video.

• Discuss why the colonies wanted independence.

• Summarize key ideas from longer video segments.

6th–8th Grade

• Take notes on causes of the American Revolution.

• Compare how different sources present history.

• Watch extended or full episodes for deeper understanding.

• 
  

Interactive Resources & Local Exploration

America 250 Official Site https://america250.org/ Nationwide events, virtual exhibits, and educational materials.

National Archives – DocsTeach Activities https://www.docsteach.org/ Interactive primary source activities using real historical documents.

Library of Congress – America 250 Resources https://www.loc.gov/collections/america-250/ Primary sources, photos, and historical collections.

Google Arts & Culture – Route 66 Interactive Experience https://blog.google/company-news/outreach-and-initiatives/arts-culture/route-66/ An immersive digital journey along historic Route 66 with maps, images, and cultural stories across America.

Find Events Near You

Encourage families to search:

• “America 250 events near me”

• Local museums, parks, and libraries

Starting points in your states:

• Idaho: Idaho State Historical Society – exhibits and programs

• Indiana: Indiana Historical Society – family events and resources

• Oklahoma: Oklahoma Historical Society – museums and archives

• North Dakota: State Historical Society of North Dakota – historic sites

• Wyoming: Wyoming State Museum – exhibits and programs

K–2

• Explore Route 66 images and talk about travel.

• Visit a local site and describe what you see.

3rd–5th Grade

• Trace Route 66 on a map.

• Create a field journal with drawings and notes.

6th–8th Grade

• Explore how travel and migration shaped the country.

• Research local history and connect it to national events.

Interactive Games & Play-Based Learning

Civics for All of US (National Archives) https://civics.archives.gov/ Interactive games and decision-making activities focused on citizenship and government.

Mission US https://www.mission-us.org/ Story-based role-playing games set during key moments in American history, including the American Revolution.

iCivics Games https://www.icivics.org/games A wide range of civics games exploring how government works.

Smithsonian History Explorer https://historyexplorer.si.edu/Interactive investigations and activity-based learning using real artifacts.

PBS Kids – Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum https://pbskids.org/xavier/ A playful history adventure game introducing important figures.

K–2

• Play PBS Kids history games.

• Explore simple civics activities with help.

3rd–5th Grade

• Try Mission US with guidance.

• Play beginner iCivics games.

6th–8th Grade

• Complete full Mission US scenarios.

• Use iCivics for deeper strategy and decision-making.

Hands-On Projects & Creative Activities

Project 1: My America Poster

Create a visual showing what America means to you.

K–2

• Draw and label pictures.

3rd–5th Grade

• Add written explanations.

6th–8th Grade

• Include historical references and reflections.

Project 2: Then vs. Now Timeline

Compare life in 1776 and today.

K–2

• Use pictures.

3rd–5th Grade

• Add captions.

6th–8th Grade

• Analyze changes and include key events.

  
  

Project 3: Design Your Own History Game (Optional Extension)

K–2

• Draw a simple board game about freedom.

3rd–5th Grade

• Create a card or dice game based on events.

6th–8th Grade

• Build a choose-your-path story or scenario game.

Project 4: America 250 Community Challenge (Optional Extension)

• Enter local contests (art, essay, history fairs)

• Write a speech about freedom

• Create a short documentary

• Design a commemorative coin or stamp

Worksheets & Printables

National Archives – Distance Learning Resources https://www.archives.gov/education/distance-learning Virtual lessons and primary source-based activities for flexible learning.

National Archives – Civics for All of US https://civics.archives.gov/Interactive civics-based learning tools and games.

Education.com – American Revolution Worksheets (Free section) https://www.education.com/resources/american-revolution/Printable worksheets (filter for free options).

Smithsonian Learning Lab https://learninglab.si.edu/Interactive collections and activities.

K–2

• Use simple interactive games and visuals.

3rd–5th Grade

• Complete guided activities and worksheets.

6th–8th Grade

• Analyze documents and complete structured activities.

Why This Lesson Matters

America 250 provides a powerful opportunity for students to:

• Understand how the United States was formed

• Connect national history to their local communities

• Practice critical thinking through real historical sources

• Develop a sense of civic awareness and responsibility

This kind of learning helps children see themselves as active participants in an ongoing national story.

Wrap-Up

End your learning time with a family discussion:

• What did you learn about America’s beginnings?

• What does freedom mean today?

• How can you contribute to your community?

Encourage your child to continue exploring—visit a site, try a new activity, or create something meaningful.

The 250th anniversary of the United States is a once-in-a-generation moment. With curiosity, creativity, and exploration, your family can make it both memorable and meaningful.