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World War II on the Home Front: Civic Responsibility
Students explore World War II. In this World War II lesson, students discover how volunteerism demonstrates civic responsibility. The lesson uses World War II-era posters to appeal to the learners and help them to understand the...
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Jimmy Carter: Civic Action, Lesson 2
Build on high schoolers' awareness of what's wrong with society. Here they examine Jimmy Carter's extensive involvement in volunteer action in the local, national, and global arenas. Define and explore concepts -- philanthropy, citizen,...
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We the People…in the News
Students use the newspaper to explore the world around us, our past and our government. In this civics unit, students complete 40 different lessons in civic education using that day's newspaper to reinforce the concept being taught.
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Civic Engagement for Us?
Learners identify the different forms of civic engagement. They identify their responsibilities at the different levels of government. They also analyze young leaders running for office.
Center for Civic Education
Responsibility and the U.S. Constitution
When are responsibilities freely chosen, and when have they actually been imposed on us? Here you'll find a unique way to frame your class discussion on civic duty and responsibilities inherent in the United States Constitution.
Curated OER
Will the Supreme Court Vouch for Vouchers?
Students investigate past Supreme Court decisions that have centered on education issues and assess the ways in which those decisions have impacted American education. They consider the controversies surrounding the issue of school...
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Brown vs. Board of Education and NAACP
Eleventh graders examine the issues surrounding Brown vs. Board of Education. In this American Government lesson, 11th graders study the key civil rights legislation passed in 1964 and 1965.
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Applying Principles of Civic Liberty
Third graders relate the everyday duties in the classroom and in the community. In this character education instructional activity, 3rd graders compare duties in the classroom to duties in the community and chart them on a Venn diagram....
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Arrest- A Legal System Simulation
What would your class do if a police officer arrested a student in class? This is exactly the anticipatory set that gets students engaged in a unit on the legal system. The plan is to get the officer to simulate an arrest, and then guest...
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ANTICIPATORY SET
Learners are be able to analyze primary sources (photographs and speeches) and write a definition of American Democracy. They are shown a photograph of Martin Luther King Jr. by Ben Fernandez, students are asked what is happening in the...
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The European Union and the Canadian Federation: Can they be Compared?
Tenth graders compare the European Union to the Canadian Federation. In this governing bodies instructional activity, 10th graders compare the structures of the 2 political organizations as they complete the provided handouts and graphic...
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Human Rights Education Handbook: Perpetrator, Victim, Bystander, Healer
Students describe a time when they played different roles regarding human rights. They are divided into small groups and assigned roles of "Perpetrator," "Victim," "Bystander," and "Healer." Individual students give an example of a time...
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The Right to Vote
Students are provided a form for learner to read and discuss several ways people have been prevented from voting. Students relate what they know and discovered about voting rights for different population of people. They establish a...
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Civil Liberties and National Security
Pupils identify the civil liberties outlined in the U.S. Bill of Rights and discuss the importance of these liberties in today's society. They research examples of when Congress has taken legislative action to protect national security.
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Respectful Interview
Students interview elderly people in a senior citizen community center. In this character counts lesson plan, students interview the elderly about how society can be more respectful. They videotape and watch the interviews together.
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Laws...Who Needs Them?
Who needs laws? Junior high schoolers sure do! Provide your 7th-9th graders with an understandng about why laws are important and how they are used to create a functioning society. Learners use a series of handouts and readings to build...
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Introduction to the Bill of Rights
Students evaluate what freedom means, how rules are important and the significance of individual rights. They find images that depict their interpretation of freedom and complete handouts.
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Privacy and the Fourth Amendment
Students examine the right of privacy for individuals in a society that is changing due to technology. They examine how courts have to change the idea of privacy.
Center for Civic Education
To Amend or Not to Amend, That's Been the Question...Many Times
Looking for some ideas for how to celebrate September 17, Constitution Day? Check out a packet that focuses on the factors that are considered in the amendment process. Class members examine the amendment process and the types of...
Center for Civic Education
Constitution Day Rap
Engage your class while learning about the US Constitution with this fun primary grade social studies lesson. After viewing a picture of the US Constitution, young learners piece together a US flag using stars and stripes with facts...
Center for Civic Education
What Basic Ideas Are in the Preamble to the Constitution?
Introduce young historians to the US Constitution with this upper-elementary social studies lesson plan. Beginning with a general discussion about the role of government in society, students go on to work in small groups identifying and...
Center for Civic Education
Historical Analysis of Constitutional Amendments
Each of the 27 Amendments to the U.S. Constitution were adopted within specific economic, political, social or cultural, and international contexts. As part of their Constitution Day/Week studies, seniors investigate these factors for...
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Continuity or Change? African Americans in World War II
Students examine the experience of African Americans during World War II by analyzing primary sources and formulating historical questions. They evaluate if the African American experience during World War II represents continuity or...
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Let Your Motto Be Resistance: African American Portraits: Grades 3-5
Students explore the contributions of African Americans of the 20th century. In this African American history lesson, students examine portraits of Muhammad Ali, Romare Bearden, Lorraine Hansberry, Judith Jamison, and Leontyne Price in...