Curated OER
Making the Branches of Government Relevant
A discussion of the three branches of government can be a fascinating experience.
Street Law
The Challenge of Selecting an Ideal Supreme Court Nominee
Nearly every president has had the opportunity to name a nominee to the United States Supreme Court. But what makes someone an ideal candidate to become a Supreme Court justice? High schoolers test their prior knowledge about the Supreme...
Curated OER
American Government
Challenge your students with this activity on American government! Learners discuss the three branches of government and its responsilbities, and then go on to more complex critical-thinking activities. Students interview members of the...
Curated OER
The Preamble to the Constitution: How Do You Make a More Perfect Union?
Students analyze the Preamble of the Constitution and identify the historical context that led to its wording. They, in groups, interpret phrases from the Preamble, examine relevant court cases and create illustrations for their portion...
Curated OER
Mock Congress
Students simulate the legislative process of law-making by assuming different roles. They investigate the process by writing a bill on any subject of his/her own choice
Curated OER
Reconstruction (1865-1876)
Easily broken into pieces for several class sessions, this presentation is a great way to transition your class out of a Civil War unit and closer to the 20th century. Engaging photographs, including relevant maps and humorous political...
Judicial Learning Center
How to Create a Law
Laws affect everything from a scholar's favorite public park to rules in the classroom. Express the importance of lawmaking and teach how they relate to every facet of life with a resource on how a bill becomes a law.
iCivics
Mini-Lesson: Midterm Elections
Find out the differences between presidential and midterm elections with an informative resource. Pupils discuss the importance of midterms to the presidency and how midterms affect the balance of government branches. They also fill out...
Curated OER
The Federal Legislative Process
Pupils investigate the concept of the Federal Legislative Process. This is done through the use of research on approved class websites. The lesson gives the option of developing other resources for students to use for the teacher to make...
Curated OER
Making History Relevant
Learners maintain a weekly news journal in which they summarize current news articles and then relate them to topics previously studied in history class.
Curated OER
POWERS OF THE PRESIDENT: THE CASE OF LATVIA
Students compare the powers of a U.S. president to those of leaders of other countries. They pretend they are presidential advisors and make decisions as a group as to what the president has the right do in different situations.
Curated OER
Progressive Movement
Sixth graders define what progressivism is and find events of the Progressive Movement. In this Progressive Movement lesson plan, 6th graders create their choice of a poster, flyer or brochure to invite others into the progressive...
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Ohio Statehouse History
Fourth graders examine the history of the Ohio Statehouse and order the major historical events in its development. The lesson traces the development from the time of Ohio's vast wilderness to the house's completion in 1861.
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The Formation and Function of the Supreme Court
Students analyze the role of the U.S. Supreme Court. They read a handout and Article III, section 1 of the Constitution, analyze and rate by relevance noteworthy Supreme Court cases, and write how they decided each rating.
Curated OER
Who Gets the Job?
Students explore the process for presedential Cabinet appointments. They determine common characteristics found in members of the Cabinet.
Curated OER
Ohio's U.S. Presidents
Fourth graders investigate the state of Ohio's claim to be the "Mother of Presidents." Nine U.S. presidents were from the state and their contributions and terms of office are examined in this lesson.
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Wisconsin History and Information
Fourth graders complete a multi-faceted project about the people, places, and government of Wisconsin. Working with traditional and technological resources, they research various topics related to the history of Wisconsin and create a...
Curated OER
Legislative Debate: The Importance and Role of Debate within the Legislative Process
Learners learn the legislative process as they debate real-life issues that affect students within their age group. To prepare for the debate, learners consult newspapers, selected articles, case studies, and other media resources....
Curated OER
Statehouse Time Capsule
Fourth graders create a time capsule that is representative of their community. They explain why the chosen objects are representative of themselves or their community.
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Capitals of Ohio
Fourth graders construct timelines of historic Ohio events and explain how it progressed from territory to state. They locate points of interest on a state map.
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The Constitution
A study of the Constitution can lead students into an exploration of civil rights, laws, and history.
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Personal History
Fourth graders gain an appreciation of knowledge about recent history by interviewing senior citizens. They summarize their interviews and organize them into a written presentation.
Curated OER
Write a Constitution
Fourth graders examine the United states Constitution and discuss the difficulties the framers faced in writing it. They explore ideas about the division of power, rights, and other topics contained in it.