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Preserving Democracy

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students read excerpts of the Declaration of Independence and United States Constitution. Using the documents, they identify the ideas of how the government should be run. In groups, they develop a skit that encourages people to be...
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Anticipatory Set for Japanese Internment

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students simulate Japanese relocation to internment camps after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. They select items to pack that are personally, sentimentally, and financially important to them. They create a Venn diagram comparing and...
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Democracy…Not Yet!

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Students analyze the concept of democracy. In this democratic values lesson, students analyze the lyrics of selected popular music that address issues that challenge the role of United States as a world leader. Students create exhibits...
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VA Statute for Religious Freedom, III

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students analyze the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedoms and consider its implications. For this governing principles lesson, students explore primary and secondary sources regarding the document penned by Thomas Jefferson.
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Teaching With Documents Lesson Plan:Launching the New U.S. Navy

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Learners demonstrate understanding of the issues related to the creation and ratification of the United States Constitution and the new Government it established.
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Sow the Seeds of Victory!

For Teachers 11th - 12th
Students use the National Archives and Records Administration's records to research the history of the U.S. Food Administation.
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Writing Exercises: Science and Technology II

For Teachers 10th - 11th
All revolutions in science and technology have both pros and cons. Kids examine the advent of the green revolution, nuclear growth, use, and the countries that are considered nuclear powers. They'll construct three responses to each of...
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Should the U.S. Say Sorry?

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders research "reparations," by examineing the institution of slavery, racial and economic discrimination against African-Americans, and the impact of these forces on living African-Americans, to make recommendations to the...
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From The Great War To The Great Depression

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Discover details about 1920's America. In this American history lesson, middle schoolers read From the Great War to the Great Depression. Students then research famous Americans from the time period and present their findings to their...
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This Great Enterprise”: Theodore Roosevelt and the Panama Canal

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Young scholars explore the implications of the "Great Enterprise." In this Panama Canal lesson, students listen to their instructor present a lecture regarding President Teddy Roosevelt and Panama Canal. Young scholars respond...
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It Bears Repeating!!!

For Teachers K - 5th
Students research bears and their characteristics with a specific study on North American bears and polar bears. In this bear study lesson, students read books about polar bears and wild bears. Students complete activities to further...
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Should America Balance the Federal Budget?

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students analyze the federal budget of the United States. In this national debt instructional activity, students listen to their instructor present a lecture regarding the details of the balancing the federal budget. Students respond to...
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The Marshall Plan for Rebuilding Western Europe

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers examine the aftermath of World War II. In this Marshall Plan instructional activity, students listen to their instructor present a lecture regarding the plan to rebuild Western Europe and its outcome.  High schoolers...
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The Patriot Act: What Is the Proper Balance Between National Security and Individual Rights?

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students discuss the Patriot Act and are given questions at the end of the lesson to respond to.
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The Great "What If" Question. How might American history have been different had Lincoln lived?

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Students examine the impact of the assassination of President Lincoln. After researching the Republican positions on Reconstruction and analyzing documents related to the Reconstruction, students take a position and explain their...
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The Story of the Transistor

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Learners brainstorm on how certain items have become smaller as technology advances. They watch a video about the history of the transistor.
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Celebrating Martin Luther King Day

For Teachers 4th - 5th
Students examine how Martin Luther King Day is celebrated in the United States. They practice treating others equally and respectfully. They also identify ways in which they can help King's dream of peace a reality.
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The Cherokee Removal

For Teachers 11th
Eleventh graders examine the issue of Cherokee removal from the perspectives of Andrew Jackson, members of Congress, and members of the Cherokee nation. They adopt the perspectives and engage in debate over the issue of Cherokee removal.
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Post-War Suburbanization: Causes and Interpretations

For Teachers 9th - 12th
In this teaching American history worksheet, students examine a primary source document regarding post-World War II suburbanization. Students discuss their impressions of the document.
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A Look at Race in America Using Statistics

For Teachers 11th
Eleventh graders explore the issue of racism in America.  In this American History lesson, 11th graders analyze charts and graphs on blacks and whites in America.  
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Religion in Public Schools

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students examine the presence of religion in public institutions. In this ethics instructional activity, students focus on one aspect of the presence of religion in public institutions, and the controversy surrounding religion in the...
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Government Lesson Plan: Lesson Plan 8

For Teachers 7th - 10th
Students analyze the Fourteenth Amendment. They discuss Reconstruction, read the provisions of the Fourteenth Amendment, define the provisions, and in small groups analyze a Supreme Court case that was impacted by the due process clause.
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Reflections on Judicial Power - Part I

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students research the Constitutional provision for the Judicial branch of government. They examine different U.S. founder's positions on the relative strength of the judicial branch and act as a review court for Marbury vs. Madison.
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Founding Myths, Stories that Hide Our Patriotic Past

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Students participate in a scavenger hunt using their textbooks to find information about historical events, people and places in US history during the Revolutionary Era. After creating their list of important people, students create...