Featured Lesson Plans

Political Cartoons: Finding Point of View

Analyzing political cartoons can provide a glimpse into key moments of U.S. political history. In this activity, students closely examine political cartoons about the Stamp Act and explore the point of view of their creators.

Grade Level: 9-12

Explore Political Cartoons: Finding Point of View >>

Waldseemüller’s Map: World 1507

The 1507 World Map by Martin Waldseemüller is one of the world’s most important maps. Students investigate this map by looking closely at the details of each section of the map and then draw conclusions on the revelation of this new and unusual world to the people of 1507.

Grade Level: 6-8

Explore Waldseemüller’s Map: World 1507 >>

Thomas Jefferson’s Library: Making the Case for a National Library

Students examine a letter written by Thomas Jefferson and identify techniques he used to persuade Congress to purchase his personal library in 1815. Students consider a selection of those books and write their own persuasive letters urging the books’ purchase.

Grade Level: 8-12

Explore Thomas Jefferson’s Library: Making the Case for a National Library >>

See More Lesson Plans »

Other Educational Resources

For all Library of Congress teacher resources, visit the Library's Teachers page. Primary source sets, lesson plans, and online activities help teachers bring primary sources to life in their classrooms.

Schedule a Group Tour

Groups of 12 to 60 participants from organizations and schools (fifth-grade level and above) may make reservations for a guided tour by contacting grouptours@loc.gov or (202) 707-0919.

Start Planning »

Play Knowledge Quest

Go on a quest to discover the hidden meanings of rare treasures from the Library of Congress. Examine historic objects, conquer every challenge, and claim a special reward. View Quest(s) »

Already started on site? Continue your onsite experience online, register your passport barcode.

Featured Online Activity

Maps and Mapmakers: Seeing What's on the Map

Students examine Martin Waldseemüller's 1507 map of the world to discover a new way of thinking about what was important to the mapmaker.

Grade Level: 4-8

Explore Maps and Mapmakers: Seeing What's on the Map >>

Try More myLOC Activities »

Books for Young Readers

Learn more about the objects and exhibitions on myLOC.gov with these great books.

Secrets of Ancient Cultures: The Maya by Arlette N. Braman

Benjamin Franklin: A Life Well Lived by Leni Donlan

Thomas Jefferson: Father of Liberty by Jerri Ferris

Complete List of Books for Young Readers »