Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Participating in Democracy

For Teachers 8th - 9th
Students analyze film clips in class. In this democracy lesson, students identify the differences between civil liberties, democracy and freedom. Students view a video regarding Japanese internment and answer study questions as well as...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Thirteen Colonies in 1770

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students review the characteristics of the thirteen colonies. With a partner, they complete a worksheet describing the colonies within a specific amount of time. They review their responses and describe each region of colonies and note...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Reparations for Slavery

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Pupils analyze slavery reparations. In this American history lesson, students examine the pros and cons of paying reparations for slavery and participate in a discussion.
Unit Plan
Curated OER

Canada, O Canada

For Teachers 3rd
Students study the similarities and differences between Canada and the United State in this unit. They examine geography, government and culture as they "travel" through Canada.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Rural Communities Make a Difference

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers research what analysts say influenced Ohio voters in a Presidential election and discuss what that meant in the election, especially in Ohio. Students use provide Internet sources for research.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Does My Vote Count? Teaching the Electoral College

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students comprehend the purpose, function, origin, and historical development of the electoral college. They evaluate issues of fairness and representation in the electoral process, both individually and through group discussion....
Lesson Plan
Alabama Learning Exchange

Exploring Explorers

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students gather information about a 15th to 17th century explorer and prepare a script in talk show format about the individual. Finally, students make a video following the script and present it to the class.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

America's Energy Future

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students write a proposal to save energy resources. In this energy lesson, students research nuclear energy, coal power, petroleum, natural gas, hydroelectric power, and renewable energy. Students then debate energy issues and share...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Whose God?

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students investigate religious freedom in the U.S. They watch and discuss a Bill Moyers NOW video, take a Freedom of Religion quiz, write an essay, and participate in a mock trial and debate.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Coming to America: Immigration Today

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students research their own family histories and current U.S. immigration issues, rules, and regulations. They participate in a class discussion, watch a video about a Mexican immigrant's experience, and complete a WebQuest and a worksheet.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Balance of Power

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students explore the impact of the Federal Reserve Bank. In this central bank lesson, students read specific selections out of their textbooks about the history of the bank and its role in the U.S economy. Students then select 1 of 7...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Social Studies: Campaign Finance Reform

For Teachers All
Students develop arguments for and against campaign finance reform, examine federal and state laws that attempt to limit contributions to political candidates, evaluate various plans for campaign finance reform and formulate their own...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Pandemic Panic

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students gather information about the H1N1 virus, and share this information. In this pandemic lesson students read about Influenza A, or Swine Flu, compile information on the disease, and then present their findings to the class.
Lesson Plan
Internal Revenue Service

Fairness in Taxes: How Taxes Affect Us

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students are able to compare the effects of the following, using income as a measure of ability to pay: a progressive tax, a regressive tas, and a proportional tax. They explain how a mixture of regressive and progressive taxes could...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Resisting British Rule in America

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Students examine the Sons of Liberty. In this lesson on British rule, students analyze terrorism vs. patriotism through a variety of different perspectives. This lesson includes instruction, assessment, Internet resources, and activities.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Education Reform

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students identify problems and potential improvements for U.S. public school education. They research and debate the pros and cons of the "No Child Left Behind Act".
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Visualizing School Equity

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Learners examine how school segregation is affected by funding gaps. In this equity lesson,students read the article, "Crossing the Gap." Learners analyze funding gaps between schools. Students understand that every learners is...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Model United Nations Activity

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students examine current and past problems and situations affecting the United Nations, and explore life, career, and philosophy of Ralph Bunche, American diplomat and Nobel Peace Prize winner. Students then prepare portfolios to...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Enduring Understanding

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders explore indigenous people of rainforest and examine their customs and ways of life. They discuss how rainforests should be protected not only for their plants and animals, but also for indigenous people who live in them,...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Westward Expansion

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Middle schoolers explore the Westward Expansion Movement of U.S. history. For this Westward movement lesson, students use primary and secondary source documents research personal accounts of those who travelled west during the era....
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

A Leader of Salem: Nathaniel Bowditch

For Teachers 11th
Eleventh graders examine the qualities of a leader.  In this American History lesson, 11th graders read the story of Nathaniel Bowditch and use it as a catalyst for discussions on leadership and the definition of a hero.  
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

In the Footsteps of West Virginia

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students prepare for a visit to the West Virginia State Museum. In this West Virginia history lesson, students research the individuals whose leadership impacted the state. Students create multimedia projects featuring the individuals...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Local Governments Don't Do Much ... Or Do They?

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Students study and explore their local government. They role play members of their City Council and various constituents as they discuss a variety of subjects typical of a city council meeting.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Environmental Action

For Teachers 9th - 10th
Young scholars investigate an environmental problem in order to find and propose possible solutions. The problem is real to add to the engagement of the lesson. This is found through conducting research and then brainstorming is done in...