Lesson Plan
Curated OER

A Nation's Voice

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students research the Constitution and the War Powers Act in order to determine what the powers of the government are in times of conflict. They answer a series of questions then write a legal brief either supporting or condemning the...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Mosaic America: Patterns of Racism

For Teachers 7th
Seventh graders use print and electronic resources to gather and analyze information on the political system in the United States. Using the Constitution, they identify and discuss instances of racism included in amendments and laws. ...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

George Washington: First in War, First in Peace, and First in the Hearts of His Countrymen

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students interpret historical evidence presented in primary and secondary resources. In this George Washington lesson, students research the details of Washington's military successes, his role at the Constitutional Convention, and his...
Lesson Plan
iCivics

A Trip Around the World

For Teachers 6th - 12th Standards
How do the rights of citizens in other countries, such as India, Germany, Brazil, and Iran, compare to those of Americans? Take a closer look at the provisions of various foreign constitutions, and compare and contrast the protections...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Blasphemy! Salman Rushdie and Freedom of Expression

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students explore the concepts of blasphemy, censorship and freedom of expression through the lens of Salman Rushdie. They also consider how these issues have been reflected in US history.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Patriotic Symbols of the United States

For Teachers 2nd - 4th
Young historians take a close look at the most famous patriotic symbols of the United States and determine what they actually stand for. Symbols such as Uncle Sam, The Statue of Liberty, The Bald Eagle, and The Liberty Bell are studied....
Worksheet
Curated OER

The Virginia Plan and the New Jersey Plan: Student Worksheet

For Students 10th - 12th
These guided reading questions accompany several websites on the development of the US Constitution. While some of the links have changed, they are still accessible. History or government classes benefit from reading primary source...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Government: Balance of Power

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders conduct Internet research about the governmental balance of power. They create Kidspiration projects demonstrating the workings of the three branches of government. They compare U.S. democracy with other forms of government.
Worksheet
Curated OER

Find the Main Idea

For Students 7th - 9th
Can your class find the main idea for the short passages provided here? Not only do they identify the main idea out of four selections, but they must also write a supporting idea for their choice. The answer sheet provides example...
PPT
Curated OER

Defined: The Different Types of Government

For Teachers 5th - 8th
The world is a big place, so it only stands to reason that different forms of government exist. Democracy, autocracy, oligarch, monarch, and dictatorship are all defined. An extensive explanation of US government system is also included....
Lesson Plan
Carolina K-12

Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission & the First Amendment

For Teachers 10th - 11th Standards
Should Congress limit how much a corporation spends to support a political candidate? Here is a fantastic lesson plan and activities to help young citizens approach this question.
PPT
Curated OER

Chalkboard Challenge: Social Studies Online

For Teachers 5th
If used as an independent review, this presentation could be a quick way for students to study U.S. History facts. Since it only presents a few simple facts, it would not be adequate for a comprehensive review, but a teacher could...
Worksheet
Curated OER

Cartoons for the Classroom: Fair Elections?

For Students 9th - 12th
Rigged elections make for both intriguing current events and hilarious political cartoons. In this analysis learning exercise, pupils read background information to help them grasp a cartoon about rigged presidential elections in 2007 by...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Abraham Lincoln, the 1860 Election, and the Future of the American Union and Slavery

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students examine the political alternatives regarding the spread of slavery and the preservation of the American union facing the American people in the decade leading up to the 1860 presidential election.
Lesson Plan
PBS

Lessons in Leadership, Roosevelt Style

For Teachers 7th - 12th Standards
It's easy to criticize those in power until you're sitting at their desk, faced with the same decisions. A history lesson prompts secondary learners to research the Roosevelt presidencies through the lens of leadership and...
Lesson Plan
Center for History Education

Nineteenth Century Reform Movements: Women's Rights

For Teachers 6th - 12th Standards
It's hard to imagine a world where women were marginalized from the seats of power. Yet, there are women today who remember what it was like to not be allowed to vote. Using a DBQ of images and other primary sources, such as political...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Structured Academic Controversy (SAC) in the History Classroom

For Teachers 8th - 12th
SAC is a specific approach to discussing history and controversial issues. Rather than adhering to an either/or debate-style paradigm, it fosters speaking and constructivist listening to enable learners to build consensus through...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Mystery of History-Original Sources

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students research the events surrounding the Alamo in 1863, and explore the differences between primary and secondary sources of information. They brainstorm lists of items used to research a subject and categorize them as primary or...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Courts in the Classroom: Ritter v Stanton

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Young scholars read the case briefs of Ritter v Stanton. They simulate the trial with classmates taking various parts such as appellant, appellee, bailiff, and justices. After conducting a mock argument, they write their own opinion for...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Private Property Vs. the Public Good: the Problem of Eminent Domain

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students view video The Electric Valley, discuss film clips and review news articles and other documents pertaining to eminent domain, prepare declarative statement on issue that has pro or con side, and present case to opposing side in...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Perfect President

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Students advertise for the perfect president. In this presidential duties lesson, students determine the attributes that the ideal president should have and then write job descriptions for the role.
Handout
ProCon

Gun Control

For Students 9th - 12th Standards
According to some estimates, there are more guns than people in the United States. Learners decide if America should enact more gun control laws. They analyze information about gun deaths in the United States by year, read about the...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Arguments Against Ratifying the Constitution

For Teachers 7th - 8th
Young scholars define federalism, Federalist, and Anti-Federalist, debate issue of ratification in classroom convention, and take vote on whether to add bill of rights. Three lessons on one page.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Teaching about the First Amendment

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Students defend the Constitution against a group of Senators who decide that all media must be approved by the government, all Americans must take a loyalty oath, join an official U.S. religion and subscribe to approved clubs.

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