I’m putting together a fresh set of national-history topics for a middle-school curriculum and need help shaping them into engaging, age-appropriate modules. The goal is to walk away with a concise collection of theme ideas, each paired with a short overview and a few activity or discussion starters that make the past feel relevant to 11- to 14-year-olds. Here’s what I’m after: • 10–15 distinct national-history topics that align with typical middle-school standards • A brief (150-200 word) synopsis for each topic explaining key events, figures, and why the theme matters today • At least two creative classroom hooks per topic—think role-play prompts, primary-source analysis, or quick group projects teachers can adapt I’m not looking for fully fleshed lesson plans right now—just well-researched, classroom-ready ideas that spark curiosity and make planning easier for teachers. Citations aren’t mandatory, but if you draw on specific sources, note them in-text so I can verify accuracy. If this sounds straightforward, let me know your timeframe and any clarifying questions, and I’ll get you started right away.