Curated OER
Rules and Laws of the Community
Second graders recognize and identify the need for rules in school. They also discuss the importance of safety rules at school, home, and in the community. They illustrate a rule which they have learned in class, and write letters to the...
Curated OER
Turmoils of The 1960's and 70's.
Pupils engage in the study of the social problems associated with the 1960's and 1970's. They explain how the government made attempts to solve the problem and evaluate the success. This is done through the writing of an essay using...
Curated OER
Checks on Presidential Power
Students examine presidential powers. In this checks and balances lesson, students identify the constitutional and informal restraints of the president and consider the reasons for the limitations.
Curated OER
Elbow Room - Exploring Population Density
In this population worksheet, students click on the links and research the internet about population, land, and government. Students answer 16 short answer questions including making spreadsheets.
Curated OER
Fourth Grade Social Studies
In this social studies worksheet, 4th graders complete multiple choice questions about the climate, landforms, regions, government, and more. Students complete 25 multiple choice questions.
Curated OER
Reflections on Judicial Power - Part I
Students research the Constitutional provision for the Judicial branch of government. They examine different U.S. founder's positions on the relative strength of the judicial branch and act as a review court for Marbury vs. Madison.
Curated OER
Rebels Or Resisters?
Middle schoolers participate in a mock trial on the Whiskey Rebellion that took place in the state of Pennsylvania in 1794. They analyze the perspectives presented by both sides to determine whether the Whiskey "rebels" were guilty of...
Curated OER
What is a Democracy?
Students identify what makes a country democratic and compare United States and Indian political party symbols. They create their own political party and party symbol. They create a campaign speech, participate in the voting process...
Curated OER
In His Own Words: James Madison On the Problem of Faction
Students are introduced to the writings of James Madison and explain why he is often called "The Father of the Constitution". Using primary source documents, they examine his view of the Bill of Rights and what he meant by faction. In...
Curated OER
How the Supreme Court Affects the Lives of Teens
Young scholars describe the structure and function of the United States Supreme Court. They examine and analyze decisions made by the Court. They participate in a debate about recent issues.
Curated OER
Introduction to Presidential Power
Twelfth graders describe the power of the President. In this Constitution lesson students reflect on the power given to the president of the United States by the wording in the Constitution. Students give their opinion.
Curated OER
The Institutions of Government: The Judiciary
Students explain the difference between tribal, state and federal sovereignty. Using the internet, they read Supreme Court cases that focus on Native American law. They compare and contrast the view of the case from the Native...
Curated OER
Local government, local needs
Young scholars use an investigative approach to extend knowledge about local government. Students develop an understanding of relationship between local needs and government services. Young scholars work in small groups to collect,...
Curated OER
Government
Eighth graders analyze the purposes of government. They examine or assess the importance of citizenship to the individual or to society at large (e.g., the importance of voting). Students explain the structure and functions of the three...
Curated OER
Organization of Fairfax County Government
Students identify Fairfax County government as council-manager government, describe term of office held by members of Board of Supervisors and districts they represent, how Chairman of Board of Supervisors is elected and term and...
Curated OER
Turning the Tide on Trash: Marine Debris Curriculum
Seven pages of fascinating reading on marine debris preface the activities in this lesson plan. Four different activities are employed to simulate how the debris is distributed in the ocean and along beaches. Early ecology learners...
Curated OER
Unit 2: Post-Revolution: The Critical Period 1781-1878
The post-Revolutionary Period of 1781-1787, also known as the Critical Period, is the focus of a series of lessons that prompt class members to examine primary source documents that reveal the instability of the period of the...
Curated OER
Edible Numbers
Believe it or not, this is a 76-page series of lesson plans published by the California Commission on Agriculture which is designed to teach upper-elementary learners about agricultural practices and products in the state. There are two...
Student Handouts
End to the Cold War
Introduce your class to topics relating to the Cold War through a brief reading selection. Class members read the passage and answer four questions, which are provided on the bottom of the page.
Curated OER
How is Our Government Organized?
Students explore rights of their clients. In this constitutional law instructional activity, students play an online game that requires them to review individual cases in order to determine the rights their clients have.
Curated OER
Should the United States Have a Central Bank?
Pupils assess the validity of a national bank. They study the importance of McCullough v. Maryland. They review the arguments of Hamilton and Jefferson. They analyze the Tenth Amendment and the debate over state v. federal power. They ...
Curated OER
Due Process of Law and the Jim Crow Era
Students 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 rights...
Curated OER
You and the Judicial System
Students explore how the structure of the state and federal judicial systems affect them. They select an appropriate media and create a presentation on the structure of the judicial system, the criminal judicial system and a guide to the...
Curated OER
War Making: Executive and Legislative Powers
Students examine executive and legislative powers. In this federal powers instructional activity, students determine who has the power to wage war in the U.S. government. Students analyze the Constitution and research historical...