Curated OER
Vocabulary Related to the Attire, Accessories and Décor of the Parliament of Canada
Students become knowledgable about the attire, traditions, and protocols of the Senate and Supreme Court by doing research.
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Congressional Travel
Students determine the distances traveled by the members of the legislative branch of the US Government. In this travel distance lesson, students locate Washington, DC on a globe using the longitude and latitude of the city. They...
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Marriage Equality: Different Strategies for Attaining Equal Rights
Young scholars examine gays rights issues in the United States. In this gay marriage instructional activity, students investigate how people have made their cases before the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of...
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The Bill of Rights and the News
Students examine current news stories and from them develop "BIG" questions related to individual and group rights. They then relate their questions to the U.S. Constitution and supreme court decisions.
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Supreme Court Shake-Up
Students examine the role of the Supreme Court through an interactive program. They analyze the history of the Court and its members. They finally explore how the Supreme Court works.
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Statehouse Time Capsule
Fourth graders create a time capsule that is representative of their community. They explain why the chosen objects are representative of themselves or their community.
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Law, Values and Lobbying
Pupils begin to examine the lawmaking process. Using their text, they describe the role of the three branches of government. In groups, they identify the four basic values protected by law and define the concept of lobbying and identify...
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What is a Court?
Students examine and discuss the judicial branch of the U.S. government. They define what a court is, list three characteristics of a trial court and an appellate court, and analyze various trial and appeal situations.
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Pardon Me, Please
Students research capital punishment policies supported by leaders who have issued pardons, then reflect on how executive pardons might affect the balance of power between the branches of government.
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All Americana
Fifth graders research American landmarks and symbols. In this United States history instructional activity, 5th graders create a KWL chart about the symbols of America and take notes during a PowerPoint presentation. Students complete...
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South Carolina Jeopardy
One of the better PowerPoints I've come across is a "Jeopardy"-style game whose focus is South Carolina. Some excellent photographs and maps make the slides especially good. The "Final Jeopardy" clue is especially challenging. An...
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How To Write a Social Studies Outline
One of the keys to success in school is organization. This resource leads learners through the process of creating an outline for a chapter from a social studies text. In addition, they review facts they have learned in their class...
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Rollin' on the River: The McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System
Middle schoolers take a close look at the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation system. They study how the Army Corps of Engineers built and monitor the system. Learners discover how a lock and a dam work, and study three benefits of...
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Six Day War
Learn about the diverse perspectives involved in the Six Day War by having learners examine and annotate presidential speeches given by the three nations—Egypt, Israel, and the United States—at the heart of the conflict and producing...
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Life before Congress
Students name some interesting backgrounds of Members of Congress, identify their current representatives in the legislative branch of the national government, and describe the background of one local representative or senator.
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Write As If...You Were There
Fourth graders use their imagination to create a story about being present when the Great Seal of Ohio was designed. They draw a picture of the Great Seal of Ohio.
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War Making: Executive and Legislative Powers
Students examine executive and legislative powers. In this federal powers instructional activity, students determine who has the power to wage war in the U.S. government. Students analyze the Constitution and research historical...
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Shifting Wins
Students analyze how the outcome of the 2002 midterm elections changed the balance of power in the government. They write a news analysis and evaluation of how the nation be governed in the future.
Alabama Learning Exchange
Read All About It! Supreme Court Case Makes Headlines!
Students are assigned a landmark Supreme Court case to research. They construct a one-page newsletter on the case which include a summary of the case, two pictures and a short biography on one of the justices on the Court at that time.
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Who Are Your Local Officials?
Students identify the names and positions held by local public officials. In pairs, students research the requirements and duties needed to hold office. A brief presentation of their research will include the names and positions of...
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Congress - Courts Keeping the Balance
In this checks and balances in U.S. government activity, students read a 5-paragraph selection regarding Congress and the Supreme Court and then respond to 3 short answer questions.
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Stepping Inside the Flowchart: How Does a Bill Become a Law?
Learners explore the steps a bill must pass through to become a law and create a flow chart that maps the complexities of the process. They research the committees that are involved in a bill that relates to energy policy and the...
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US Constitution And Amendments
Pupils become familiar with the US Constitution and consider how it affects their lives. They research the Preamble to articulate the purposes of government, compile collages, and research the separation of powers within each branch of...
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The Virginia Plan and the New Jersey Plan: Student Worksheet
These guided reading questions accompany several websites on the development of the US Constitution. While some of the links have changed, they are still accessible. History or government classes benefit from reading primary source...