Famous Americans and Their Contributions
Session 2: Contributions of Abraham Lincoln

Materials

• Book about/pictures of Abraham Lincoln
• Paper and art supplies
• Pennies

Instructional Activities

1. Show students pictures of Abraham Lincoln. Ask students what they know about him. Write their responses on a KWL chart about Abraham Lincoln under “What We Know.” The following graphic organizer Web sites may be helpful:
   •     <http://www.eduplace.com/graphicorganizer/>
   •    <http://www.sdcoe.k12.ca.us/score/actbank/torganiz.htm>
   
   
2. Ask students what they would like to learn about Abraham Lincoln, and write their responses under the “What We Want to Know” section of the KWL chart.
   
   
3. Read a book to students about Abraham Lincoln, and follow with a discussion. Have students use a variety of graphic organizers to arrange information from the book. Follow with another class discussion about Abraham Lincoln. The following Web sites may be helpful:
   •     <http://www.EnchantedLearning.com/history/us/pres/lincoln/index.shtml>  
   •    <http://www.educationalsynthesis.org/famamer/ALincoln.html>
   •    <http://www.siec.k12.in.us/~west/proj/lincoln/>
   
   
4. Complete the KWL chart with students on “What We Learned.” Be sure to include the following:
   •     Abraham Lincoln was born in a log cabin.
   •     Abraham Lincoln taught himself how to read.
   •     Abraham Lincoln became a United States President.
   •     Abraham Lincoln was known as “Honest Abe.”
   
   
5. Help students create a timeline of Abraham Lincoln’s life. Guide students in using a variety of resources to research and chronologically list the major events in Lincoln’s life. Have students work in pairs and draw pictures of the major events they listed. Ask students to write a descriptive caption under each picture. Post the completed pictures in chronological order to create the timeline.
   
   
6. Divide students into small groups to inspect pennies. Have students do rubbings of Abraham Lincoln’s picture on the front of the penny and the Lincoln Memorial on the back of the penny.
   
   
7. Help students make a class chart that compares Abraham Lincoln and George Washington. Include places they lived, their education, jobs, family, problems our country faced during their era, and ways we honor the two presidents.
   
   
8.  Use resource materials/Web sites/videos to share additional information about Abraham Lincoln with students.
   
   
9. Complete the “What We Learned” section of the KWL chart with students.