Curated OER
An Early Threat of Secession: The Missouri Compromise of 1820 and the Nullification Crisis
Students analyze an interactive map of the Missouri Compromise to identify the regions and their relation to slavery. In this pre-civil war era lesson, students read primary source documents and research online to answer questions...
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The U.S. Constitution: Practical Application of the Amendments
Students create their own HyperStudio cards which include scanned images of at least one member (designated reader) of each group. They add the text of a predetermined amendment. The designated reader then reads the selected amendment.
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Constitution Day
Students examine and discuss recent court cases involving young people and the Bill of Rights.They use a focus question to create the context for class discussion: How does the Bill of Rights apply to young people and students?
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George Washington & Civic Virtue: The Necessary Elements of the Republic
Students examine the character of George Washington. In this George Washington instructional activity, students read "Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior," Washington's First Inaugural Address, and his Farewell Address....
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The Connection Between Medicine, Ethics, and Law: The Right to Die
Young scholars in a special education class examine the United States Constitution. Using the text, they answer five research questions and discuss the amendments that concern medicine, ethics and law of the right to die issue. They...
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Using Primary Sources to Discover Reconstruction
Fifth graders discover how reconstruction had an impact on racial issues in the United States. In this Reconstruction lesson, 5th graders are introduced to primary vs. secondary resources and then rotate through stations to view...
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The New Republic
Students research the Federalists and Anti-federalists. In the lesson plan on state legislature, students use primary sources to create a brochure and write an essay that illustrates federalist and anti-federalists viewpoints.
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Freedom of the Press Around the World
Students research press freedoms in various countries such as Iran and North Korea. They create a freedom of the press report card for the countries examined.
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Growing Voters and Election 2004: Get Out the Vote
Young scholars examine the voting process, the reasons citizens should vote, and participate in a community drive to sign up new voters. After looking at websites, students create a poster that outlines the reasons to vote, participate...
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The Dred Scott Decision
In this reading comprehension activity, students read a passage about the Dred Scott Decision and answer questions about what they read. Students write 4 short answers.
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The ADA, the Supreme Court, and Self-Advocacy
Learners study the role the Supreme Court plays in laws and decisions that affect individuals with disabilities and examine the policies of the American with Disabilities Act. They draw parallels between policies enacted by the ADA and...
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The Union is Perpetual: Lincoln is Elected
Young scholars view primary documents about the race for President in the time of Abraham Lincoln. In this election lesson, students prepare arguments for and against Lincoln using an analysis sheet. Young scholars create a...
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Create Your Own Constitution
Eighth graders explore the processes, purpose and components of a good and just constitution. They focus on the Constitution of the United States of America. Students discuss the purpose of a constitution and reasons why the Constitution...
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The Origins of American Government
High schoolers create an advertising campaign to persuade the Founding Fathers to adopt a particular political philosophy. Working in groups, they conduct research about a certain political philosophy. Students create a pitch to be...
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Understanding the Significance of the Nationalization of the Bill of Rights
Eleventh graders study the impact of the Nationalization of the Bill of Rights upon criminal law. They analyze opposition to expansionist viewpoints that could possibly create more checks and balances on the state courts and analyze...
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The Bill of Rights
Ninth graders examine various Supreme Court Cases. In this American Government instructional activity, 9th graders research a specific Supreme Court Case. Students create a multiple choice assignment based on their assigned...
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The Emergence of the Judicial Branch
Students demonstrate understanding of both sides of the argument between Jefferson and Marshall that led to the strengthening of the Judicial Branch through the creation of judicial review.
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IB History of the Americas—Overview of the Mexican Revolution
In this Mexican history instructional activity, students respond to 17 fill in the blank and short answer questions about leaders and events during the Mexican Revolution.
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Teaching With Documents Lesson Plan: Images of the American Revolution
Students interpret historical evidence presented in primary and secondary resources. In this American Revolution lesson, students examine international involvement in the war as well as major events of the war.
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Susan B. Anthony and the 19th Amendment
Students take a closer look at the Women's Suffrage Movement in America. In this women's rights lesson, students research suffrage leaders and write papers about them. Students then read and discuss information about Susan B....
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Marching to the Beat of a Different Drum
Students explore the American dream. In this contemporary music lesson, students analyze the lyrics of songs by Neil Diamond, Bruce Springsteen, and David Massengill. Students create 3-D representations of the American dream and write...
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The Women's Suffrage Movement Signature Debacle
Students examine the Women's Suffrage Movement in Nebraska. For this women's rights lesson, students explore primary and secondary sources regarding suffrage in the state and obstacles that women in the state faced when it came to...
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The Art of Nonviolence: Martin Luther King, Jr., Gandhi, and Concepts of Nonviolence in Indian Art
Students make connections between nonviolent ideals and art. In this visual arts lesson plan, students discuss the successes of the American Civil Rights Movement and discuss Gandhi's influence on the movement. Students then examine...
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The Electoral Process
High schoolers study the history and mechanics of the Electoral College and formulate opinions as to whether this institution should be preserved, modified or eliminated. They compare and contrast electoral and popular votes in the...