Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Lesson on Federalism

For Teachers 11th
Eleventh graders study Federalism and delegated, reserved, and concurrent powers. They participate in a simulation in which they role-play Federalists and Anti-federalists debating which powers should be categorized as delegated,...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Fact versus Opinion

For Teachers 11th
Eleventh graders distinguish between fact and fiction in a one day selection of the Official Proceedings of the Alabama 1901 Constitution
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Role of the United Nations in Postwar Iraq

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students study the history of the United Nations and answer study questions regarding the role of the UN in present day post-war Iraq.
Lesson Plan
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Declaration of Independence

For Teachers 12th
Twelfth graders summarize sections of the Declaration of Independence and share their interpretations with classmates. They write essays on the Declaration or an essay tracing the rights of minorities from the Revolution to the present.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

First Amendment or Treason?

For Teachers 8th - 11th
Young scholars investigate the meaning of the First Amendments right of freedom of speech. They examine the anti-war movement that occurred during the 1960's in response to the war in Vietnam. While studying primary sources, they...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

A Lesson To Accompany "The First Bank of the United States: A Chapter in the History of Central Banking"

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Here is an interesting topic. Learners examine the economics that led to the founding of the First Bank of America. They participate in a reader's theater experience depicting the debate between Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Fires of the 21st Century

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students explore historical perspectives. In this contemporary history lesson, students listen to Billy Joel's "We Didn't Start the Fire," discuss they lyrics, and add  a new verse to the song for the years 2002, 2003, 2004, and 2005.
Lesson Plan
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The Role of Affirmative Action in the Civil Rights Movement

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students debate Affirmative Action. In this Civil Rights lesson plan students examine the development of affirmative action. Students discuss whether affirmative action is advancing equality and civil rights or not.
Lesson Plan
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Federalist and Antifederalist Papers

For Teachers 8th - Higher Ed
Students debate the Federalist and Anti-federal Papers after using the Internet as a research tool.
Lesson Plan
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"Death to King Alcohol!" Temperance in the 19th Century

For Teachers 11th
Eleventh graders utilize 19th century songs, drawings, and lecture materials to explore the temperance movement in the US during the 19th century. They form a classroom Washington Temperance Society and work in groups to analyze...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Korean And Vietnam Conflicts: Similarities And Differences

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders study the historical significance of the Korean and Vietnam Wars in this unit of study. They investigate the different ideologies that were involved and examine the effect of the wars on local veterans.
Lesson Plan
National First Ladies' Library

The Space Race

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers investigate the historical events that have surrounded The Space Race. They conduct research using a variety of resources and focus upon the progress between Russia and The United States. Students describe the events that...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Social Studies: Segregation, Jim Crow Laws, Plessy vs. Ferguson

For Teachers 8th - 11th
Students examine the concept of segregation. In this civil rights lesson, students discuss the separate but equal theory as well as the Plessy vs. Ferguson decision. Students also research women of the Civil Rights Movement and Jim Crow...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Role Models- Grade 9

For Teachers 9th
Ninth graders research Aboriginal role models. In this native studies lesson, 9th graders select leaders of the First Nations and Metis Nations of the Saskatchewan and research their contributions to society. Students create...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

"Death To King Alcohol!" Temperance in the 19th Century

For Teachers 8th - 10th
Pupils analyze songs, drawings and stories from the 19th century temperance movement. They work together in groups to form a temperance society within their classroom and analyze strategies of campaigns during the movement.
Lesson Plan
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Fact Finders—The Media During Times of Crisis

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers practice finding reputable facts. For this media awareness lesson, students review a handout regarding tips for evaluating media and then discover the SMART method which they use to analyze news sources and media.
Lesson Plan
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War and the Media Fact Finders: The Media in Times of Crisis

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers explore the role of the media in war reporting. In this information age lesson, students discuss how to find and disseminate factual information. High schoolers consider the source, motive, authority of information.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

American Indian Civil Rights

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers examine social justice issues regarding American Indians. In this civil rights lesson, students investigate the Red Power Movement of the 1960's and 1970's. High schoolers then roleplay interviewing Native American...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Hello Goodbye Window: Visual Art

For Teachers Pre-K - 1st
Students create a portrait of themselves with a grandparent.  For this visual art lesson, students read the book entitled The Hello Goodbye Window and discuss the events.  Students then draw a portrait of themselves and their...
Lesson Plan
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Interconnections Between Private and Civic Life -- Focus on the County

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students distinguish between civic and public life. In groups, they identify the relationships between the two types of arenas as well. They research the roles of the Fairfax County government and how well they provide healthcare,...
Lesson Plan
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Colin Powell, a New Adlai Stevenson?: The Cuban Missile Crisis

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students compare and contrast a speech given to the United Nations by Colin Powell and a speech given to the UN by Adlai Stevenson. Clearifying the objective of each, they evaluate their proposals to the United Nations. In groups, they...
Lesson Plan
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Beauty Behind Barbed Wire: The Relocation Camp Experience of Estelle Ishigo

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders study World War II through art.
Lesson Plan
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Emily Dickinson: Luminous Letters

For Teachers 9th - 11th
Students analyze the dimensions of Emily Dickinson's poetry and persona. For this Emily Dickinson lesson, students read the example letters and analyze a chart of the poems. Students present their findings from the poems in a presentation.
Lesson Plan
iCivics

I Civics: Our Courts: Constitution Day Lesson: Checks and Balances [Pdf]

For Teachers 9th - 10th
Students learn the roles and responsibilities of each branch of government and where the checks and balances are located in this role-playing lesson. Requires Adobe Reader.