Curated OER
Tally of the 1824 Electoral College Vote
Twelfth graders study the parts of the Constitution that address presidential election. They complete a variety of activities designed to spark debate about the flaws in the Electoral College system.
University of California
The Civil War: Secession of the South
Was the Southern states' decision to secede from the Union protected by the United States Constitution? Eighth graders discuss the constitutionality of the South's justification for secession, particularly the secession of South...
Theodore Roosevelt Association
Defining America's Role in the World
As the first American president to win the Nobel Peace Prize, and only one of four presidents to do so in United States history, Theodore Roosevelt's foreign policy achievements and preservation of peace are often overshadowed by his...
Curated OER
Electing a President
Students brainstorm and list qualities that they would look for in a president; students rank qualities in order of importance.
Curated OER
Covering the Campaign Trail: Technological Progress or Temporary Chaos?
Young scholars study the changes in reporting and journalism techniques that have evolved due to advances in technology by reading an online transcript. They debate whether the technological advances are positive or negative in the...
Curated OER
Addressing the Nation
Students examine the leadership skills of Civil War leaders. In this American Civil War activity, students describe attributes of effective leaders and then debate the effectiveness of leaders during the war.
Curated OER
Leader of the Pack
Students take a closer look the 2008 London mayoral race. In this current events instructional activity, students research the listed Web sites that include information about the candidates for mayor and their attributes. Students also...
Curated OER
Andrew Jackson and the Formation of Political Parties
Eighth graders explore the political election process. They identify how the system changed during the presidency of Andrew Jackson. Students use analogies and discussion, and answering questions to explore Jackson and his cabinet. ...
Curated OER
A More Perfect Union: Barack Obama's Race Speech at the National Constitution Center
Eleventh graders explore the process of perfecting the Union through changes made to the Constitution, and through the powers delegated to each branch of government. For this American Government lesson, 11th graders research various...
Curated OER
Election of 1860
Learners determine how the presidential election of 1860 led to the American Civil War. In this election of 1860 instructional activity, students discover details regarding the election and hold their own mock debate and election....
Curated OER
What are the Issues?
Seventh graders complete political analysis activities. For this political analysis lesson, 7th graders discuss party platforms and research party issues for their party's candidate's positions. Students complete an issues organizer and...
Curated OER
Major Issues Facing America
High schoolers continue to examine the issues of the 2004 presidential election. Using the internet, they discover where they stand on each issue and where each candidate stands on the issues as well. In groups, they participate in a...
Curated OER
The Media
Students explore political advertising. They discuss what informed voters should know about upcoming elections and identify the four main types of ads and view a video to identify the types of ads. Evaluating the ads, they identify...
Curated OER
Decision Day
Students participate in a role play activity that emphasizes the theory behind the Electoral College. They form small groups of different sizes in order to present a candidate for class president. Finally, they use a map to determine the...
Curated OER
Presidents
Second graders pretend they have just watched a presidential debate and cannot decide which one to vote for. In groups, they also pretend they go back in time to compare and contrast former presidents with the candidates. They use...
Curated OER
Bank Loans Money to Start Businesses
After locating Latin American countries on a world map, children read about how microbanks are loaning money to help start small businesses. Involving both current events and economics, the teacher introduces the article with a map...
Curated OER
Medicare Reform
Students calculate how much of each paycheck is deducted into the Medicare system, explain the need for health insurance and Medicare, and work in small groups to develop their own plan to reform Medicare.
Curated OER
Welcome to the Blogosphere
Create a blog spot for your classroom and promote online discussions. There are several blogging websites listed here, and you can create one specific to each class or one collective site. Teach your learners how to post on the blog, and...
Brown University
Analyzing the News
With so many ways to follow the news today, it is imperative to think critically about the sources of information we are turning to. Here is a fantastic graphic organizer that will help your learners develop the skills to properly...
Facing History and Ourselves
The Power of Images
One picture but a thousand stories. As a part of a case study of how the death of Michael Brown was reported by professional news sources and on social media class members examine the reactions of various groups to a photograph taken by...
Curated OER
Cartoons for the Classroom: Charisma vs. Experience
Which is more important for a president: experience or charisma? Scholars consider this as they analyze 2 political cartoons in this analysis handout. Background information gives context through a quote from The Telegraph, and 3 talking...
Curated OER
Sandra Day O'Connor: Always Supreme
Demystify America's governing system through a legendary role model and a fabulous website.
Curated OER
Voting Isn't Enough
Students compare and contrast their perceptions of politicians and leaders, analyze the consequences of negative public perceptions of politicians, and develop solutions to the problems caused by negative attitudes toward politics.
Curated OER
Dubious Adoption Data
Young scholars analyze a graph from the New York City Administration for Children's Services that shows a significant increase in New York City adoptions after ACS was founded. They determine whether the graph supports ACS' claims and...