This engaging U.S. History lesson introduces students to the presidency and assassination of John F. Kennedy, and challenges them to evaluate evidence surrounding several JFK conspiracy theories.

Students will review key moments from JFK’s time in office- Camelot, the Bay of Pigs, Cuban Missile Crisis, Space Race, and civil rights reforms—before examining the events of November 22 in Dallas, Texas.

The presentation outlines four major conspiracy theories that question the Warren Commission’s conclusion, then prompts students to conduct their own research and determine if the theories hold up based on historical evidence.

What’s in this resource:

• A short, informative presentation (.pptx and .pdf formats) covering JFK’s presidency and assassination

• A slide explaining four major JFK conspiracy theories

• A research prompt encouraging evidence-based analysis and critical thinking

• A bonus slide highlighting eerie similarities between the Lincoln and Kennedy assassinations

Why you’ll love this resource:

• Promotes critical thinking, historical inquiry, and student-led investigation

• Easy to use—great for a 1-2 day lesson in U.S. History or Government

• Editable, printable, and ready to go

• High student engagement thanks to the mystery and intrigue of JFK’s legacy

Key Topics:

John F. Kennedy, JFK assassination, JFK conspiracy theories, Warren Commission, U.S. Presidents, critical thinking in history, Bay of Pigs, Cuban Missile Crisis, civil rights movement, space race, historical inquiry, Kennedy and Lincoln coincidences, high school U.S. history lesson