Learners discover racism and slavery by completing a role playing activity. In this U.S. history lesson, students analyze documents from the Civil War era and describe the Fugitive Slave Law. Learners view a video on YouTube about the...

High schoolers identify and examine the history of Utopian societies of the 19th century. They analyze the novel "The Giver" to determine whether this is a fair society or not. Students also examine the differences between Jonas' society...

Students explore the U.S. Census and come to understand more about it. For this census lesson, students build reading confidence, explain who is counted in the census, and recognize the connection between census information and community...

Students study the vocabulary of philanthropy and the tradition in their community of altruism. In this philanthropy lesson, students discuss traditions and philanthropy. They create a class dictionary of philanthropy terms and...

Students study responsible stewardship and natural resources. In this natural resources instructional activity, students share their motto's about the environment with the class. Students then discuss the regulations in 'Rules and...

Students define the term philanthropy and find examples of it in everyday life. In this philanthropy lesson, students try to define philanthropy and illustrate it. Students then work in groups to define the term and create a web for the...

In this community government PowerPoint, students participate in a game with a race track format in which they answer questions about local government, the election process, and the decision making process used in a democracy.

Fifth graders discuss the importance of Martin Luther King, Jr. and reflect on civic responsibilities. They brainstorm ways in which they can help to fulfill Martin Luther King, Jr.'s dream of equality among all people. Students write...

Young scholars explore civics and develop their research skills while learning about democracy.

Students describe charitable, religious, and civic services in their community, and argue for the value of these services. They write a one-page explanation as to why this service is important to the community and why it deserves $5,000.

Fourth graders identify and examine the importance of civic responsibility and the result of losing many archeological sites in Texas. In groups, they are given scenerio cards and act out each scene for the class. They also write a...

Fourth graders research and analyze how people create and change structures of power, authority and government diversity. They review their civic responsibilities. In addition, they identity the major responsibilities of local, state,...

Students discover how race and gender relate to their sense of civic obligation. As a class, they create a 3-D toolbox for making a difference in their community or the world. They write an essay to accompany it explaining the design and...

Students read codes of ethics from the New York Times, Washington Post, Society of Professional Journalists and the American Society of Newspaper Editors.  In this Civics instructional activity, 10th graders role-play ethical...

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...

Wow! This resource provides three related lessons on the First Amendment that challenge US government students to explore their personal opinion on the separation of church and state. Each lesson can be adjusted in length, but is...

Engage your class while learning about the US Constitution with this fun primary grade social studies instructional activity. After viewing a picture of the US Constitution, young learners piece together a US flag...

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...

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...

Can a state government tax the federal government? The Supreme Court case McCullough v. Maryland explores different governments in the United States. Scholars research the court's decision with a video and discussion. They formulate...

Where did separate but equal originate and what does it mean? Scholars investigate the Supreme Court Case Plessy v. Ferguson. Using a short video clip, they analyze the impact the decision of legal segregation had on society in 1896....

Freedom of speech is absolute—or is it? The Supreme Court case Schenck v. United States has learners research what free speech really looks like. A short video along with paired work creates open discussion and thought on what speech is...

Is separate but equal actually equal? The 1950 Supreme Court case Sweatt v. Painter discusses the law of segregation and inequality. Scholars investigate the impact of the case on the desegregation of public schools across the nation...