Middle schoolers apply concept of ratio and proportion to determine length of Statue of Liberty's torch-bearing arm. They view video of Statue of Liberty, determine how long statue's arm would be if its nose measures four feet six...

Students research Lady Liberty and her history. Students research why this female symbol is so important to our country. Students tie in Lady Liberty to their own freedoms that many of them take for granted. Students discuss how they...

Students examine the Sons of Liberty. In this lesson on British rule, students analyze terrorism vs. patriotism through a variety of different perspectives. This lesson includes instruction, assessment, Internet resources, and activities.

Students examine some of the symbols, songs, and pledges that represent our country as well as the liberties they enjoy today due to those who served. They discuss the rules for displaying the United States Flag, practice folding the...

Students investigate equality by reading a historical fiction book in class.  In this civil rights instructional activity, students read the story Roll of Thunder, Hear my Cry with their classmates and define the Jim Crow Laws that...

How do governments differ in how they protect human rights? While the United States prides itself on its Bill of Rights, other countries have their own ways of protecting citizens' liberties. An interactive website, paired with...

Take to the stage! Integrate both drama and civic skills by asking pupils to create and perform skills that demonstrate the importance of the amendments in the Bill of Rights. After reviewing the Preamble to the Constitution, learners...

Students view a film about the fall of Peru's president. They develop possible solutions for governments to follow when dealing with terrorism. They work together to research civil liberty limitations put in place during war. They...

Learners work in small, cooperative learning groups to complete an online scavenger hunt for information about the events leading to the American Revolution. The lesson includes directions for students, possible lesson extensions, and a...

Students describe the need of plants to have water, soil and sunlight to grow. They use the scientific method when completing experiments. They identify the core democratic values that are needed for a democracy to grow and compare them...

Students examine the people and events associated with the United States Constitution. Using the Articles of Confederation, they discuss its shortcomings and the significance of the Bill of Rights. They listen and sing songs that...

A well-designed instructional activity teaches about the history of Harriet Tubman, the Underground Railroad, and the issues of civil liberties. Young historians watch a video, access Internet resources, and engage in cooperative...

Pupils complete readings, a group activity using cards, and a writing activity to better understand people's lives during the American Revolution. The resource emphasizes people such as the militiamen, women, officers, and children,...

Even lawyers can find the US Constitution to be very wordy! Help learners create a foundation for understanding the Constitution with several analysis essays. Multiple activities complement the reading and allow for active and meaningful...

James Madison, under the pen name “Publius,” justifies the need for an American Republic in Federalist Paper 10, which is perhaps one of the most influential contributions to the Federalist Papers. Readers examine his perspective with...

Help youngsters get to know their states and capitals, explore their own country, and study American symbolism. They take a "trip" across America collecting symbols, images, and information about each state as they go (through text and...

Invite your learners to discover the efforts of Night author Elie Wiesel to promote awareness of genocide in the world. After watching and reading an interview of Elie Wiesel, high schoolers work to create a living Holocaust...

Young readers describe objects by using describing words. After reviewing the five senses, they use their senses to gain information about an object. Then as homework, they write three descriptive words about a mystery object and place...

Students explore U.S. history by participating in a government activity. In this Constitution lesson, students identify the role government plays in our society and the differences the British colonies had in the early 18th century....

Students consider Lincoln's perspective. In this presidential perspectives lesson, students explore the political thoughts of Lincoln through a series of lessons that make use of primary source analysis. They hypothesize and take a...

Young scholars discuss President Bush's goals for his second term in office. After reading an article, they identify the major themes of his second inaugural address. In groups, they brainstorm ideas and create murals to illustrate them...

Students explore air pollution. In this ecology and air pollution lesson, students perform an experiment in which a Vaseline coated lid is placed inside and outside the classroom. Students make predictions and then record what they see...

Students investigate countries by identifying their national landmarks.  In this World Geography lesson, students utilize the Internet to research a historic landmark in a foreign country and complete a landmark survey worksheet....

Students view the treatment of people of Japanese and German descent during World War II. They explore the problems in assigning blame to populations during times of war. They identify modern examples of discrimination and stereotyping.