Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The American Dream

For Teachers Higher Ed
Students are given the opportunity to interact with college students and or co-workers, and explore, single-handedly, the different ideals, goals, dreams, and views regarding the American Dream. They interview three people-Any citizen -...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Systems of Power Against and Within American Indian Communities, 1880-1940

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers explore methods and the struggles of power between the federal policies and Native populations. They discuss the issue of controlling the Native Indian population, driving them from their land, and providing a mandatory...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

American Families: Portraits of African-American Families

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students develop a greater understanding and appreciation for their families. They increase personal self-esteem and pride as a result of studying about families through literature. They assess the importance of family values and...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Manners and Mores of Washington's America

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Learners explore the social policies of early America. In this etiquette lesson, students read George Washington's "110 Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior in Company and Conversation." Learners identify expectations for their own...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Defining Character, With Help from History

For Teachers 10th - 12th
In a single, soundly-designed class period, high schoolers define good character, think-pair-share about thought-provoking quotes on character (More options would enhance the discussion, worth searching online for other quotes to add.),...
Lesson Plan
Center for Civic Education

What Is Authority?

For Teachers 1st - 5th Standards
Young scholars examine the concepts of power and authority as they begin learning about government in this elementary social studies lesson. Through a series of readings, discussions, and problem solving activities, children...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Pioneering Principles: Why Character Matters

For Teachers 6th - 8th
What does it mean to "be of good character"? What are the qualities that define such a person? The 1825 Colonization Law of Coahuila y Texas required that all new immigrants into Mexican Texas present documentation that they were of...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Constitution/Impeachment/Reconstruction

For Teachers 11th
Eleventh graders analyze a chart comparing U.S. census data from 1850, 1880, 1900, and 1920. They read a handout summarizing immigration legislation from 1882-1996 and create a graph charting how open / closed U.S. immigration is over time.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Government

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Perfect for a Christian or private school setting, this activity has learners use their Bible to help them identify the purpose of the government. They examine specific Bible verses then use them to define the government and the...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Opportunity Knocks, But It Costs, Too!

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders write a reflection piece, outlining each of the decision-making steps they have used and what decision they have decided upon, which includes possible solutions, as well as possible outcomes for each solution. They also...
Lesson Plan
Center for History Education

Democratic Ideas of the 1776 Maryland Constitution

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
1776 was a year of political upheaval in the American colonies. Academics examine the Maryland Constitution to understand the desire to break with Great Britain. Young historians learn about Maryland's efforts to extend rights to its...
Writing
DC Vote

One Kid, One Vote

For Students 7th - 11th Standards
Learn about why the citizens of Washington, D.C. feel unrepresented in Congress with an article about D.C voting rights. Individuals read about the movement toward congressional representation in Washington, D.C., before...
Interactive
DocsTeach

Extending Suffrage to Women

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Votes for women! The activity highlights the push for the Nineteenth Amendment giving women the right to vote. High school scholars learn how the Fifteenth Amendment giving African American men the right to vote helped to spark the...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Global Hunger and Malnutrition

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Is there a difference between hunger and malnutrtion? Is this a problem only in third world countries? How does hunger and malnutrition affect the community? Why do these problems exist when the world produces enough food to feed...
Lesson Plan
1
1
Facing History and Ourselves

Insights on Democracy from South Africa

For Teachers 9th - 12th Standards
As part of their study of democracy, high schoolers listen to a podcast featuring two South African educators and their efforts to support the process of transforming the nation from apartheid rule into a democracy. Learners also read...
Lesson Plan
Annenberg Foundation

Actions that Changed the Law

For Teachers 6th - 12th Standards
The Fair Play Act of 2009 came about due to the actions of one woman. Young historians research Lilly Ledbetter and what she went through to get pay equal to that paid to men for the same work at Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company. The...
Lesson Plan
2
2
Smithsonian Institution

A New America: The Hart-Celler Immigration Act of 1965

For Teachers 8th - 11th Standards
Many dream of coming to America, but few may enter. The lesson explores the Hart-Celler Immigration Act of 1965 and how it changed immigration policies in the United States. Academics learn how immigration quotas impacted Western Europe...
Lesson Plan
1
1
Brown University

Considering the Role of Values in Public Policy

For Teachers 9th - 12th Standards
Strong opinions come from deeply held values. Young citizens explore the values that are most important to them in a class discussion and activity. As they prioritize a list of values cards that include freedom,...
Worksheet
Reading Through History

The Leadership of George Washington

For Students 8th - 12th Standards
Why did Americans choose George Washington as their first president? After reading the resource, pupils discover why citizens trusted him to lead the country. They learn about his time as a military leader, as well as his actions after...
Interactive
DocsTeach

Exploring America's Diversity: Luther Powell (Beginner)

For Teachers 4th - 10th
Luther Powell immigrated to the United States to live the American dream—and create a better life for his son, four-star general Colin Powell. Elementary academics look at documents, such as, ship records to understand the immigration...
Lesson Plan
1
1
Judicial Branch of California

Where We Fit In: The Judicial Branch

For Teachers 5th - 6th
An interesting resource addresses the role of youth in civic participation and community events. It also explains the role of the justice system in creating boundaries and how citizens play a part in the judicial process.  Pupils...
Lesson Plan
1
1
Judicial Branch of California

Public Service Announcement: Civic Responsibility

For Teachers 5th
Get your message across. Scholars use their prior knowledge and artistic skills to create public service announcements. The project is designed to explain the importance of civic harmony and the responsibility of all citizens to...
Activity
1
1
Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library & Museum

Role Playing Relating to Big Decisions

For Teachers 6th - 12th
While most high schoolers are too young to vote, they still need to learn the skills needed to solve problems. The ninth resource in a 10-part civics series presents class members with four "What Would You Do?" scenarios that have them...
Lesson Plan
1
1
Mikva Challenge

The Great Electoral Race Kickoff

For Teachers 9th - 12th Standards
Do young people care about elections? Host a discussion about the role of young citizens in the electoral process with an engaging social studies lesson. As high schoolers read and respond to four statements about youth interest in...

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