School District of Detroit
The Articles of the Confederation
Primary historical sources can be a challenge for some readers, so these seven guided-reading questions will be very useful to US History or Government classes studying The Articles of Confederation. Each question has multiple parts and...
National Constitution Center
Born in the U.S.A: Music as Political Protest
Though often used in shows of patriotism, Bruce Springsteen's 1985 song "Born in the U.S.A." is critical of America's role in the Vietnam war and its treatment of American veterans. High schoolers analyze the song's lyrics in an activity...
Curated OER
The Language of Human Rights
Did you know that there are 15.2 million refugees in the world? High schoolers will read "The Universal Declaration of Human Rights" and learn how they can get involved to lower this surprising number. To really encourage involvement,...
Curated OER
Scale Model of the Solar System
Young scientists gain a better understanding of space, the solar system and its vastness by creating a scale model. Students first need to calculate the distance between each of the nine planets according to the size of their scale. This...
Heritage Foundation
The Purpose of the Constitution
What does the Constitution have to do with my life? This is a question teachers hear on a day-to-day basis. Teach high schoolers just how relevant the US Constitution is to them today with essays, real-life connection activities, and...
Time Warp Trio
My Big Fat Greek Olympics
The Olympic Games are indeed a significant and far-reaching cultural component in our international community today, but from where do they originate? Where do our traditions stem from, and how do we choose the sports that constitute...
Utah Education Network (UEN)
Evaluating the Format of Informational Text
Make your learners aware of the advantages and disadvantages of using different media in presentations. This straightforward resource evaluates media formations such as print, digital text, and videos. Although the subject of ballet is...
Japan Society
Changing Times, Changing Styles: New Japanese Literary Styles of the Late Nineteenth Century
Focusing on Doppo's "Unforgettable People" and late nineteenth century Japanese literature, this resource also leads to discussions of form being dictated by content. Explore the development of new literary styles first-hand by...
Curated OER
The Canadian Ribbon of Steel
Students research the building of the Canadian Railroad and discuss the impact it has on Canada today.
Curated OER
Forming A Government
Pupils simulate being on an island after their ship has wrecked, or their plane has crashed. Food, fresh water, and shelter are in short supply. They must form a government, develop laws and penalties.
Curated OER
The Duties of Governments: Dix vs. Pierce
Young scholars examine the role of Dorothea Dix on behalf of people with disabilities. They discuss President Pierce's veto of legislation she helped create. They address the rights and responsibilities of citizen's and the role of...
Curated OER
What Can You Find in the Cabinet?
Looking in the cabinet can be fascinating! Examine the various departments of the Executive Cabinet in this group research project, which jigsaws so each small group has a different department and presents to the class. Groups create...
Curated OER
Civic Engagement for Us?
Students identify the different forms of civic engagement. They identify their responsibilities at the different levels of government. They also analyze young leaders running for office.
Curated OER
Government
Second graders run for various offices. They dress up like a politician, pretend to be running for an office, and tell the students why they should vote for him/her. They explain why it is necessary for a community to have a government
Curated OER
The Water Cycle
Fourth graders explore changes in water forms. In this water cycle lesson, 4th graders build a water cycle model and monitor it for 2 weeks in order to understand that water changes state as it moves through the cycle.
Curated OER
The History of Money
In this social studies worksheet, students investigate the history of paper money and coins. Students read paragraphs about what early people used for money and what kinds of banks were used. Students complete a crossword puzzle.
Curated OER
Bill of Rights: Rights and Responsibilities
Students explore the Bill of Rights. In this U.S. Constitution lesson, students consider the individual liberties outlined in the Bill of Rights as they read the provided handouts and complete the provided worksheet activities.
Curated OER
Thirteen Original Colonies
An outstanding instructional activity on the Thirteen Original Colonies, and the settling of Pennsylvania by William Penn is here for your learners. Valuable discussion takes place regarding how the colonies were settled, and some...
Curated OER
The Movement Before the Movement: Civil Rights Activism in the 1940s
Many educators focus on the civil rights movement as it occurred after Rosa Parks incited the bus boycott. Extend the understanding of the fight for civil rights in the United States with this post-WWII lesson. Learners examine and...
Curated OER
Operation Iraqi Democracy
In this activity, students consider various forms of government and examine the idea of political sovereignty, then prepare outlines for oral presentations on international models of government. For homework, they write response papers...
Curated OER
The Odds of Dying During a Plague
Sixth graders explore plagues in the middle ages. In this social studies instructional activity, 6th graders examine the impact of deadly plagues on past societies and how the governments were forced to make drastic changes in response...
Curated OER
Is Gulf War Syndrome a Significant Health Issue the U.S. Government has Tried to Cover Up?
Students examine the issues surrounding Gulf War Syndrome. In groups, they analyze evidence from the war and medical information. They participate in a debate in which they support their feelings on whether the government of the United...
Curated OER
Territory and Statehood of Iowa
Fifth graders recognize the steps to create a territory, a district and a state. In this Iowa lesson, 5th graders discuss the three capitals and their importance. Students recognize the key people in the development of Iowa....
Curated OER
The Trail of Tears; Its Grief and Loss
Fifth graders trace the development and expansion of the US while studying the Trail of Tears. They examine the political factors and analyze the impact the Indian Removal Act had upon a society. They present a case for or against the...