Assessment
New York State Education Department

US History and Government Examination: January 2016

For Students 9th - 12th Standards
Looking for an exam that uses primary sources to test young historians' analytical muscles? Check out a standardized test that asks learners to answer multiple-choice and essay questions to demonstrate their understanding of American...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Private Property Vs. the Public Good: the Problem of Eminent Domain

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Young scholars view video The Electric Valley, discuss film clips and review news articles and other documents pertaining to eminent domain, prepare declarative statement on issue that has pro or con side, and present case to opposing...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Kid Who Ran for President

For Teachers 4th - 5th
In this reading worksheet, students answer 10 multiple-choice questions about the book. For example, "Why did Judd change his parakeet's name?"
Worksheet
Curated OER

Internet Fact Hunt at the "Fact Monster" Web Site- Hunt #33

For Students 4th - 6th
In this Internet fact hunt learning exercise, students access the "Fact Monster" web site to locate the answers to 5 multiple choice questions. They answer questions about US history, geography, literature, and science.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Reorganizing the Bill of Rights

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders look critically at the 26 amendments to the United States Constitution.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Divided We Fall

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students investigate the consequences of eliminating one or more of the amendments to the Bill of Rights.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

In the Light of Reverence

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Learners watch a documentary prior to participating in a Supreme Court simulation in order to study how religious practices are protected by the First Amendment of the Constitution. They interpret conflict from a number of perspectives...
Lesson Plan
National First Ladies' Library

Government: Defending the Bill of Rights

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Pupils examine the proposition of a country without the Bill of Rights. In a role-playing activity, teams of learners gather information to build a case for retaining the Bill of Rights and present it before their congressperson.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Freedom Of Expression In Special Places

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students learn about First Amendment rights as they pertain to school and school newspapers.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Bill of Rights -- Texas v. Johnson, 1989

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Learners examine the First Amendment of the Bill of Rights. During a visit to the George Bush Presidential Museum, they watch a video about the Texas v. Johnson flag burning case. In groups, they discover the role of the Supreme Court...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

History of the Bill of Rights

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students study the history of the Bill of Rights. In this Bill of Rights lesson, students read and use two handouts to learn about the history of the Bill of Rights. Students then work in groups to study the Bill of Rights. Students then...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Should Your Hairstyle Be A Constitutional Right?

For Teachers 5th - 12th
Students examine the 1st and 14th Amendments of the U.S. Constitution. In this U.S. government lesson, students read the Amendments and interpret them in order to respond to essential questions regarding constitutional rights.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Bill of Rights

For Teachers 9th
Ninth graders examine various Supreme Court Cases.  In this American Government lesson, 9th graders research a specific Supreme Court Case.  Students create a multiple choice assignment based on their assigned case. 
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Religious Expression in Public Schools

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students explore religious expression in the United States. In this religious freedom lesson, students read a handout regarding Religious Freedom Day and other handouts regarding religious expression in public schools. Students complete...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Rule of Law

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Young scholars continue their exploration of the concept of rule of law. As a class, they discuss how Civil Rights leaders followed the rule of law in their protests. After reading various articles, they participate in a discussion and...
PPT
Curated OER

Citizenship Test: Principles of American Democracy, Questions 1-12

For Teachers 7th - Higher Ed
Prepare your English learners for their upcoming citizenship test with this presentation. Addressing common questions about the American government and Constitution, this slideshow could be a good study guide for students who struggle...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Telemarketers Rights and Yours

For Teachers 11th - Higher Ed
Students research the controversy of whether or not the National Do Not Call Registry is constitutional, and then hold a class debate. Students research the National Do Not Call Registry, the FTC, the FCC, and the most current status of...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Speaking Out Against War

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students research on the Web and in other venues to track the Iraq war protests high school students have joined or even led. Students interview students in your community who have joined protests or expressed their views in other ways...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Near v. Minnesota

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Learners discuss what free press means and what it would be like without this right. They read the summary from the Near v. Minnesota case. In groups, they analyze a problem and report to the class.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Hodgson v. Minnesota

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students investigate the role of and develop opinions of the court in weighing competing interests in making decisions. They examine the power of the courts and legislature to regulate constitutional rights.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Speaking Out Against War

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students discuss the affect the Iraq War has had on citizens taking advantage of their right to express themselves through non-violent protests and pledges of resistance. They research and discuss local community and school events and...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Reporter Rights vs. Legal Access...

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students explore cases that have occurred in the past in which reporters refuse to reveal their confidential conversations with government sources and investigate the status of the current bills in Congress. Students use this information...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Reporter rights vs. legal access...

For Teachers 11th - Higher Ed
Students write an article to inform readers about confidentiality with reporters, attempting to find local lawyers and journalists to explain the issues as they relate to them. Students research past cases and the status of the current...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Stand Up and Sing

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students journal and respond to the question," How does society respond to change?" They create original lyrics to their own song that reflects the context of the Progressive Era.