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I Want to be an American Citizen
Students create a web page after researching what prospective US citizens need to study to for citizenship. They practice using a web page editor program.
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It's All About Power
Students explore the legislative process by discussing a current issue dealing with energy policy. They explain the role of government and how it affects their quality of life. Students identify and list the groups that create energy...
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American Presidents and Race Relations
Students discuss the policies of race relations of five presidents. They analyze primary documents to comprehend the various views and actions of five Presidents in regards to race relations. Students evaluate the influence of...
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Democracy…Not Yet!
Students analyze the concept of democracy. In this democratic values instructional activity, students analyze the lyrics of selected popular music that address issues that challenge the role of United States as a world leader. Students...
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Marie Antoinette and the French Revolution
Students examine how the French and American revolutions influenced and emergence of free press in these countries. Students explore the link between government control of the press and the type of government. They compare and contrast...
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Martin Luther King Jr. and Nonviolence
Students explore a local seat of government to examine ways to make changes in their communities. In this local government lesson, students read about Martin Luther King, Jr. and his nonviolent protests. Students read important dates and...
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Longfellow Amongst His Contemporaries: the Ship of State Dbq
Students evaluate the ship of state metaphor in relation to the historical events in America from the Revolutionary War to the Civil War. They synthesize ideas presented in ten different primary source documents and compose an essay...
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Zen and the Art of Murder
Students describe the importance of citizen involvement in the judicial system. They play the role of a witness to a crime scene by watching the video clip. Students discuss how differing eyewitness accounts can affect a police...
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War Making: Executive and Legislative Powers
Students examine executive and legislative powers. In this federal powers lesson plan, students determine who has the power to wage war in the U.S. government. Students analyze the Constitution and research historical precedents...
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If These Walls Could Talk
Students investigate the influence of the Enlightenment on American society and government. In this Enlightenment lesson, students work cooperatively in groups to define the principles of the Enlightenment, American...
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Due Process of Law and the Jim Crow Era
High schoolers analyze eight case studies of Supreme Court decisions regarding due process of law and their impact on American society in the early 20th century. They digest that although the 14th amendment was intended to give federal...
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China's Economy
Twelfth graders identify indicators for the U.S. and China in order to compare and contrast these two large economies. They explain ways in which economic differences between the U.S. and China impact the lives of American and Chinese...
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Looking for Heroes
Students explain the importance of the 1965 Selma-to-Montgomery Voting Rights March and the long term impact in the US of non violent civic participation.
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Documents of Natural Rights: The Declaration of Independence and The Plan of Delano
Eighth graders analyze the philosophy of government in the Declaration of Independence. As a class, they discuss how this philosophy has caused other revolutions in history and how well it supports our natural rights. In groups, they...
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Development of Democracy
Eighth graders examine the road to the American Revolution. In this Boston Massacre lesson plan, 8th graders investigate the testimony of Captain Thomas Preston. Students write their own verdicts based on his testimony.
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Health Care Crisis Timeline
Students work together to develop a timeline showing the history of the health cary system. They examine why so many Americans do not have health insurance. They create their own solutions to this problem.
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The Civil Rights Movement
Students explore the events of the Civil Rights Movement. In this research skills lesson, students research the important figures, events, and ideas of the American Civil Rights Movement as they visit suggested websites that feature...
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Flag Day
In this Flag Day worksheet, students trace over the words, which are written in dotted lines, in the excerpt about Flag Day. This worksheet explains what Flag Day is, when it is and how Americans celebrate it.
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The Constitution: The Country's Rules
Students become aware of the Constitution and why it is important. In this early government lesson, students compare the Constitution to the class rules. They are both set in place so that we all stay safe and have fun. Students draw...
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Lobbying
Students examine the role of lobbyists in Washington, D.C. In this Legislative Branch lesson, students watch video segments and read excerpts about lobbying. Students write essays that explore the pros and cons of lobbying.
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Foreign War and Domestic Freedom: A Delicate Balancing Act
Students investigate civil liberties in the U.S. They watch and discuss a PowerPoint presentation, conduct research on an event from a timeline, complete a worksheet, take an ideology quiz, and conduct a debate.
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Westward Expansion
Learners explore the Westward Expansion Movement of U.S. history. In this Westward movement lesson, students use primary and secondary source documents research personal accounts of those who travelled west during the era....
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Cartoons for the Classroom: Liberty vs. Security
In this current events worksheet, students analyze a political cartoon about civil liberties and respond to 3 talking point questions.
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Raids and Arrests of Enemy Aliens
Student read background summary information and debate how much control did the government require to keep the nation safe. They research how World War II restrictions on enemy lines were enforced and how it related to the U.S....