K12 Reader
Public Education
Your pupils may not know that school was not always required. Teach them a bit about the history of public education with a reading passage and related questions.
Anti-Defamation League
The Road to Brown
As part of the study of segregation in U.S. schools, scholars research and create a timeline of events that led to the historic Supreme Court case, Brown V. Board of Education. Groups research a topic or event that led to the decision,...
Curated OER
Early American Education and Horace Mann
Students analyze the contributions of Horace Mann. In this public education lesson, students research Internet and print sources regarding the history of American education, Mann.s life, the Morrill Act of 1862, and the Northwest Ordinance.
Center for History and New Media
Founding of the Laurel Grove School and Other "Colored" Schools in Fairfax County, 1860–1890
The right to public education was not always so clear in American history. Readers study several primary and secondary source documents, including property deeds, maps, and photographs, about the founding of local schools during the...
Curated OER
50th Anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education
Students examine a poster of Brown v. Board of Education and discuss what the important details are. They read the story behind the poster and court case. They role play different sections of the case such as the court case or Linda...
Facing History and Ourselves
Interracial Democracy
Radical Reconstruction, the 10-year period referred to after Congress passed the Reconstruction Act of 1867, saw the establishment of manhood suffrage, men voting without any racial qualifications. Southern states also rewrote their...
Curated OER
Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka (Kansas) (Grades K-3)
Students examine the Brown v. Board of Education case in Topeka, Kansas. They re-enact the courtroom and discuss how school would be different today if this case never existed. They discuss how public education has been affected by this...
Curated OER
Free to Speak and Free to Post?
Learners research on the Web and in books with city statutes or call city officials to find out the local ordinance on posting signs on utility poles. If illegal, students explore what has happened elsewhere when citizens decided to...
University of Oklahoma
Understanding My Rights and Responsibilities
Three scripted lessons comprise a unit designed to inform special needs students about their rights and responsibilities in high school. In the first lesson class members examine the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA), Child Find,...
Danya International, Inc.
Life Journey Through Autism: An Educator’s Guide
A clear, straightforward guide to autism is a great introduction to educational strategies and resources for educators and parents. With background information about autism, an explanation to educational approaches, resources for...
Curated OER
Will the Supreme Court Vouch for Vouchers?
Students investigate past Supreme Court decisions that have centered on education issues and assess the ways in which those decisions have impacted American education. They consider the controversies surrounding the issue of school...
Curated OER
Cartoons for the Classroom: Free vs. Phony Elections
In this current events activity, students analyze a political cartoon about free elections and respond to 3 talking point questions.
Khan Academy
Project: Public Transportation
Have your charges race their car creations across the screen in a JavaScript activity. Coders start with a small program that shows one wheel moving across the screen. Use this as a good place to start and challenge your young...
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Going SmokeFree Matters: Multiunit Housing
If you smoke cigarettes in an apartment or condominium complex, the secondhand smoke can travel through walls, ventilation systems, and plumbing to your neighbors' homes. Learn more about the ways smoking can affect those living in...
Curated OER
Social Studies: The Book of Exodus
Intended for a Christian audience, bible study, or home-school setting, this lesson has learners analyzing the significance of the ten commandments in today's world. They consider the commandments themselves, discuss their historical and...
Curated OER
50th Anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education
Students examine the Brown v. Board of Education case that ended segregation. They role play to re-enact the case and discuss why it was important. They discover its impact on public education.
Bully Free Systems
Bully Free Lesson Plans—Seventh Grade
Having a hard time defining bullying with your seventh graders? Discuss the different types of behavior one would see in a bullying situation with a series of lessons, worksheets, and group activities.
Curated OER
Utah at the Crossroads: Challenges for K-12 Education in the Coming Ten Years
Students discuss the difficulties in financing public education in Utah. They examine how Utah students perform on standardized tests. They focus on the coming enrollment boom in K-12 education and slowing economy and what effects these...
Curated OER
Prince Hall and His Organization of Black Free Masons in the United States
Students examine the life of Prince Hall who became a member of the Free Masons during the time period of slavery. Depending on the grade level, they are shown pictures or read a reference guide listing the characteristics of each...
Curated OER
Promoting Safe Driving/Choices on Prom Night
Students explore ways to promote safe driving on prom night. In this driver education lesson, students interview people about driving on prom night. Students design a poster with their researched quotes and discuss the topic in the...
Curated OER
Indoor Environment: A Magazine Publication Project
Students demonstrate knowledge of Indoor Air Quality by creating a class magazine. A link to order a free Action Kit from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is provided so teachers can build background knowledge. Performance...
Curated OER
EFL Lesson Plan: How to Teach EFL/ESL Students Interview Skills
Explore communication in this interview skills instructional activity. English learners identify the techniques native English speakers use when speaking directly to a potential employer. They read handouts detailing seven steps to...
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Going SmokeFree Matters: Casinos
Everyone has the right to a smokefree workplace, but those who work in casinos are exposed to so much secondhand smoke that they can suffer the same ailments as heavy smokers themselves. Learn more about the effects of secondhand smoke,...
Curated OER
Near v. Minnesota
Students 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.