Unit Plan
College Board

Using Politics to Improve Participation in Elections

For Teachers 10th - 12th Standards
Instructors new to teaching AP U.S. Government and Politics classes, as well as seasoned veterans, will find this teaching guide an invaluable resource. Using a project-based approach to civics education, the lessons emphasize real-world...
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Civil Rights and the ADA

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students examine and discuss the 14th and 15th amentments, and evaluate the agendas of Americans from underrepresented groups in the quest for civil rights. They conduct Internet research and create essays or posters regarding Civil Rights.
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Going by the Rules

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Students examine George Washington's Rules of Civility. In this George Washington lesson, students investigate how rules influence people, and the roles of citizens in America. Students will discuss and reword rules and work in...
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Growing Voters and Election 2004: Get Out the Vote

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students examine the voting process, the reasons citizens should vote, and participate in a community drive to sign up new voters. After looking at websites, students create a poster that outlines the reasons to vote, participate in a...
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The Rise of Community Activism

For Teachers 11th - 12th
Students examine the rise of citizen leaders and community organizing.
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Immigration 2004: Issues for the Presidential Election And a Sample Department of Justice Naturalization Test (can You Pass?)

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers read several handouts regarding immigration and naturalization. They complete the citizenship practice test and determine whether they would pass the naturalization test given to immigrants. They discuss how the issue of...
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From a Bill to a Law

For Teachers 1st - 5th
Students explore government by participating in a role playing activity. In this legal system lesson, students discuss the tasks which needed to be competed in order to write a bill and have it turned into law by the President. Students...
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A Miniscule Adversary: Combating Epidemics and Infectious Diseases in America

For Teachers 10th
Tenth graders discover the spread of different diseases in US. In this health science lesson, 10th graders research the role of CDC and PHS in protecting the citizens. They explore documented cases of pandemics and their impact on...
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Schools and Schoolbooks, 1780-1820

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Students review 18th century New England schoolbooks to explain how changes occurred in early American education.
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What's Being Done?

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Learners explore the concept of animal welfare. In this philanthropy lesson, students examine legislation that supports animals in their state as well as the role of the  American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to...
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Juggling New Opportunities

For Teachers 9th
Ninth graders develop skills needed to maintain a positive self-concept. They recognize increased roles and responsibilities of the individual student within the family, school, and local community. They identify activities the...
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Chisholm '72: Shirley Chisholm for President

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Young scholars view the film "Chisholm '72 - Unbought and Unbossed" about Shirley Chisholm's 1972 bid for the Presidency. They complete a writing assignment in response to the film and participate in class discussion.
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Knowing the Ropes

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students become familiar with the Core Democratic Values that are the fundamental beliefs and constitutional principles of American society which unite all Americans. Each student is responsible for finding three pictures in magazines...
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The Science Behind Tsunamis

For Teachers 4th - 8th
Natural disasters can be teachable moments that create more scientifically literate citizens.
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Political Parties, Platforms, and Planks

For Teachers 9th
Ninth graders examine the origins and functions of political parties.  In this American Government lesson, 9th graders create a party platform to address political issues that are likely to arise during a national election. ...
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Birth Control By Law? - Legislative Hearing

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students participate in a mock legislature. In this American justice system lesson, students follow the provided steps to participate in a simulation that requires them to debate a proposal for mandatory birth control for substance abusers.
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Religion and Immigration

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students read a poll on Islam and discuss the results. In this religion and immigration lesson, students complete a chart comparing and contrasting how religious diversity affects unity in a country. Students read several news excerpts,...
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Immigration in the United States from 1880-1910

For Teachers 11th
Eleventh graders explore, examine and study immigration in the United States from 1880-1910. They identify different aspects of the American immigration movement. Each student also shares where their ancestors are from and their...
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Democracy in Action?

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students compare and contrast democratic election processes. In this 200 presidential election lesson, students visit websites that allow them to compare federal American elections to British elections. Students hold their own classroom...
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What Difference Does A Name Make?

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers view the film The Persuaders that discuss the perspective and spin of language use for a variety of issues. They discuss the career of Frank Luntz, a man that runs focus groups to determine how to advantageously phrase...
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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. 
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Hello, I Am Deborah Sampson

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders research a historical figure from the Revolutionary War, dress as that person, and present information on that person. For this Revolutionary War lesson plan, 5th graders are videotaped as they present to the class.
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WANTED EXPLORERS

For Teachers 2nd - 3rd
Students create their own country and explore other unknown lands. Students identify past explorers and complete the included case of the missing trunks webquest. Students research resources and geographical features for their created...
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Busting the Prairie: Planning a Homestead Community

For Teachers 5th - 7th
Students research, design and advertise a homestead community. This is an extensive lesson with a variety of ativities and learning experiences.