Curated OER
George Washington in Song
Students establish similarities to George Washington's time in office with the song "Yankee Doodle."  In this U.S. History lesson, students learn the song "Yankee Doodle" then create a timeline of the song and a timeline of George...
Curated OER
My Very Own Washington Exhibition
Young scholars work as curators. For this George Washington lesson, students research primary and secondary sources in order to create their own exhibitions of the first president. Young scholars may visit selected Web sites in order to...
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1856-1865: Abolitionists and the Civil War
Students explore the concept of philanthropy. In this abolition lesson, students watch "Uncle Tom's Cabin" and discuss the philanthropic acts they witnessed in the film. Students also complete an activity that requires them to determine...
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Faces Behind the Guns
Learners use the New York Times article profiling ordinary citizens who legally own guns as the basis of a role-playing exercise in which they explore the types of people who own firearms and their personal reasons for doing so.
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An Introduction to the National Archives
Fifth graders study the national archives through both images AND visiting the site. This is meant to provide them with an understanding of what documents are important to the U.S. and why (i.e. Declaration of Independence, etc...).
Curated OER
Technology and the Media
Students are introduced to the roles and influence of technology and the media on American representative democracy. They examine the effects of the Internet on citizens' role in government and the role and effects of media on the...
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Revolutionary Money
Examine paper money from the American revolution! Historians study the paper bills and discuss the history of money. How has money changed over the times? Activities are included. 
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Navigating The Legal System
Students identify personal rights allowed under the law in the United States. An exploration of the legal process leads students to describe how the American legal system works.  This lesson plan is intended for students acquiring English.
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Court Documents Related to Martin Luther King, Jr., and Memphis Sanitation Workers
Students read about the civil rights movement in their textbooks. They engage in a whole-class discussion of how nonviolent direct action can be a powerful tool for bringing about social, economic, or political change.
Curated OER
Gaining Ground
Pupils explore African-American art by researching, preparing and presenting reports on particular artists. They analyze what they have learned through the lens of modernism.
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You Be the Judge
Students research and evaluate a case considered by the U.S. Supreme Court regarding the jurisdiction of the Clean Water Act.  They watch a Bill Moyers video, conduct a debate, and write about the decision they would make if they were a...
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Education Reform
Students identify problems and potential improvements for U.S. public school education. They research and debate the pros and cons of the "No Child Left Behind Act".
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Boston Spies' Report on the Redcoats
Students collect information about British actions in Boston and send it by secret message to leaders in Philadelphia.
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Debating Our Destiny
Students participate in debates related to the history of the United States. In groups, they research their opinion on the purpose of debates and how a debater's posture affect the outcome of the debates. They identify the political...
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Philanthropy in History
Learners understand the importance of books in past and present societies. In this philanthropic lesson, students compare Andrew Carnegie and Benjamin Franklin's perspective on the importance of everyone being able to read. Learners...
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Gun Control and Terrorism: Laws or Loopholes?
Students examine the Second Amendment of the Constitution.  They research and organize key arguments and other fundementals of gun control.  They participate in a debate defending the wording of the Second Amendment.
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Creating a Classroom Belief Statement
Fourth graders cooperatively develop a classroom belief statement that serves as their classroom constitution. Each student is involved in the creation of the statement. Each group presents their belief statement to the class.
Alabama Learning Exchange
Learning About Our Government
learners about the organization of our nation's government. They are introduced to the three branches of American government and the responsibilities of each. They discuss the requirements for becoming President.
Curated OER
The Preamble to the U. S. Constitution
Fifth graders explain the purpose of the government by examining the Preamble to the Constitution.  They identify ways in which the government is preserving those rights today.  They discover one of the fundamental principles of...
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Constitutional Resources
Students survey information on the Constitution. In these history lessons, students explore the founding principle's of the United States.
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What is Democracy?
Students examine civic duties. In this citizenship instructional activity, students play an online game that requires them to consider the needs of their community. Students campaign for the issue they choose in the game.
Curated OER
Korean And Vietnam Conflicts: Similarities And Differences
Eighth graders study the historical significance of the Korean and Vietnam Wars in this unit of study. They investigate the different ideologies that were involved and examine the effect of the wars on local veterans.
Curated OER
Lesson Plan for Reading
Students in an adult ESL classroom are introduced to the definition of freedom of speech.  Using the internet, they discover the differences between the rule of law and rule of men.  To end the lesson, they examine how the court system...
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Presidents and the Constitution: Washington, Adams, Jefferson, Madison and the Barbary Pirates
Students explore the Barbary Pirates of the Mediterranean. In  this American history lesson, students read a narrative regarding the conflict  between the Barbary Pirates and the United States under the leadership of Washington, Adams,...