Lesson Plan
Curated OER

An "Unconstitutional" Act? The Suspension of the Writ of Habeas Corpus

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students explore the implications of habeas corpus. In this Civil War lesson, students analyze the writ of habeas corpus by Lincoln during the war. Students examine primary sources from Lincoln and Chief Justice Taney. Students design...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Philadelphia and the Constitutional Convention "Heat Up"

For Teachers 8th - 11th
Students explore the Constitutional Convention of 1787. In this U.S. Constitution lesson, students role play the parts of delegates in a simulation of the convention.
Lesson Plan
Deliberating in a Democracy

Violent Video Games

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers examine violence in video games. In this American history instructional activity, students read an article on the link between video games and violence. High schoolers respond to discussion questions and debate the topic.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

What is Democracy?

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students examine civic duties. In this citizenship lesson, 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.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Dekanawidah- A Forgotten Founding Father

For Teachers 7th - 8th
Students compare plans for government. In this early American history lesson, students compare and contrast the U.S. Constitution with the Iroquois Constitution. Students identify cultural features, government functions, and citizenship...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Martin Luther King Jr. and Nonviolence

For Teachers 1st - 5th
Students explore a local seat of government to examine ways to make changes in their communities. In this local government lesson, students read about Martin Luther King, Jr. and his nonviolent protests. Students read important dates and...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Analyzing the economic, political, social, and cultural transformation of the United States since World War II

For Teachers 11th
Eleventh graders examine political issues in the United States between 1936 and 2000. In this American history lesson, 11th graders study the economy, education, government, civil rights, and sports of this time period. Students compare...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Progressives

For Teachers 11th
Eleventh graders explore American government reform. In this Progressive Era instructional activity, 11th graders read about the Era in their textbooks and in the provided handouts. Students then create group presentations and write...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Explore the Constitution

For Teachers 7th - 11th
Students examine the U.S. Constitution. For this American history lesson, students explore the founders' vision of U.S. government as they participate in readers' theatre, role-playing scenarios, and constitutional analysis activities.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

FDR Fireside Chat

For Teachers 11th
Eleventh graders examine the purpose of Franklin D. Roosevelt's chats.  In this American History lesson, 11th graders collaborate with their group members on becoming an expert on a specific chat. 
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Exploring South America

For Teachers 7th - 9th
Pupils research South American to prepare a PowerPoint presentation about its culture, traditions, and societies. In this South American research lesson, students research South American based on their export products to create a...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Upton Sinclair's The Jungle: Muckraking the Meat-Packing Industry

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Learners explore muckraking. In this American history lesson, students listen to their instructor present a lecture regarding the details of Upton Sinclair's The Jungle. Learners respond to discussion questions pertaining to muckraking...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

A Dream and an Idea: Searching for a Roadmap to Create a Country

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students listen in on American historical events. In this colonial America lesson, students participate in an activity that requires them to watch video segments that feature Revolutionary War battles and the Constitutional Convention....
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Enduring Legacies of the New Deal

For Teachers 6th - 9th
Students investigate U.S. history by listening to an economics lecture. In this U.S. government lesson, students research the "New Deal" which happened after the Great Depression. Students identify movies, books and music from the...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Vietnam War

For Teachers 11th
Eleventh graders explore the United States’ displeasure with the Vietnam War.  In this American History lesson, 11th graders research the concept of Vietnamization. Students discuss the impact of the United States withdrawing...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Fells Point's Role in Shipping and Trade

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders examine the trade and military advantages of ships built in Fells Point.  In this American History lesson, 8th graders analyze primary sources.  Students create an encyclopedia of Fells Point. 
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

A Time to Break Silence

For Teachers 11th
Eleventh graders investigate Martin Luther King's decision to speak out against the war in Vietnam.  In this American History lesson, 11th graders read excerpts of MLK's speech.  Students examine why King made the decision to...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

End of the Line: What Happened to the Blue Ridge Railroad?

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders study the westward expansion and the role of railroad construction to the expansion. In this railroad history lesson, 6th graders complete KWL activity for the topic. Students view a PowerPoint about the growth of railroads...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Bill of Rights

For Teachers 7th
Seventh graders determine why the Bill of Rights was added to the Constitution. In this U.S. government lesson, 7th graders discuss the first 10 amendments and any vocabulary they may be unfamiliar with. Students then read different...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Beyond Louisiana

For Teachers 11th
Eleventh graders examine the challenges that faced United States as a new nation.  For this American History lesson, 11th graders study the chronology of events leading up to the expedition of Lewis and Clark.  Students...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Let Freedom Ring

For Teachers 2nd - 4th
Students go to the computer lab to engage in this thoughtful lesson plan on our national symbols. Students access the internet, and solve an on-line puzzle of a national symbol of freedom. The symbols are the Eagle, The Statue of...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Abuela's Weave Teacher's Guide

For Teachers 3rd - 4th
Students read and response to the book, Abuela's Weave. In this African-American literature lesson, students discuss pre-reading questions, that focus on family traditions and make predictions about the text. Students read the text and...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Perspectives on Civil Rights

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students examine speeches of the Civil Rights Era. For this American history lesson, students listen to speeches delivered by Martin Luther King, Jr. and John F. Kennedy. Students respond to guiding questions as they listen to the...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Using Current Events to Understand Elections

For Teachers 11th
Eleventh graders explore the the major phases of the electoral process for president.  In this US Government lesson, 11th graders compare and contrast the delegate system of nomination and the electoral college.