This document, part of the lesson plan series, "Teaching with Historic Places," examines the role of rice farming in U.S. history. The lesson, which focuses upon the era of the Southern plantations, includes sections setting out student objectives and teaching activities, as well as notes on visiting the sites. There are subsections of the teaching activities portion entitled "Setting the Stage"; "Locating the Site"; "Determining the Facts"; and "Putting It All Together." The document includes two map exhibits, four photographs, and a diagram of a plantation. (SG)