Center for Civic Education
Responsibility and the U.S. Constitution
When are responsibilities freely chosen, and when have they actually been imposed on us? Here you'll find a unique way to frame your class discussion on civic duty and responsibilities inherent in the United States Constitution.
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How was the Constitution Used to Organize the New Government?
How did the United States Congress determine how the new president and vice president would be named when the nation was first established? Who would provide money for the government, and how would the executive branch be organized?
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Fall Plowing: Drawing to Scale
Students explore coordinates and scale drawings. In this drawing to scale instructional activity, students discuss symmetrical and asymmetrical shapes, geometric, shapes and estimation of size. Students recreate a portion of a drawing...
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The Battle of the Little Bighorn
Young scholars assess how point of view can change a story. In this content area reading lesson, students read about the Battle of the Little Bighorn from three different sources. Young scholars answer questions based upon their reading...
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Utah: State History
In this Utah state history worksheet, students read two and a half pages of information about Utah and complete 10 true and false questions.
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Pioneers to Kansas
Middle schoolers investigate items for basic survival, needed for survival, and luxury items. They compare what they need to what Indians and Pioneers needed in the 1700's and 1800's.
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Arkansas
In this Arkansas reading comprehension worksheet, students read a 2-page selection regarding the state and they answer 10 true or false questions pertaining to the selection.
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Border Poetry/Writing Workshop
Students analyze a poem set in the U.S.-Mexico borderlands and defend their own interpretations of the work. They demonstrate understanding of poetic technique by writing their own poems of living on the border.
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Immigration and Photography: The Case of Lewis Hine
Students are introduced to the characteristics of documentary photography. Individually, they cut out a paper frame and view their classroom through the "lens" and at different angles. After veiwing photographs, they practice...
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THE PEANUT WIZARD
Students read information about George Washington Carver and outline the information. They are given peanuts in the shell, students examine them and eat them. Students discuss the following questions: Why did George Washington Carver...
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Coming to America: U.S. Immigration
Students study immigration in the late 19th and early 20th century. In this immigration lesson plan, students participate in activities including creating maps, responding to non fiction text, memorizing and analyzing poetry, and...
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The Original Layout of the Town of Deerfield
Eleventh graders explain that elements of the early settlement of Deerfield can still be seen in the town layout and in some of the early 18th century houses which survive. They read and analyze historical maps and analyze a drawing of...
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In the Light of Reverence
Students 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...
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Geography and Architecture
Students discuss how terrain and climate affect the design of houses and commercial structures and thus influence the way architects design buildings in this elementary lesson plan.
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Cabeza de Vaca Meets the Coahuiltecans
Students examine the difference between primary and secondary sources by examining the journal of Cabeza de Vaca and creating a poster about the Coahuitecan Indian groups. They portray a scene of the groups in 16th Century south Texas.
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Quilts, Warmth with History
Young scholars examine numerous quilts that show the culture and history of Nebraska. Using the internet, they view quilts from different points in history and discuss them as a class. They examine the role quilts play in discovering...
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South Dakota
In this South Dakota worksheet, students read 9 short paragraphs about the early settlement and statehood of South Dakota. Worksheet has no other associated activities.
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Grew to the West
For this westward growth activity, students use lyrics given to follow along with the song "Grew to the West," filling in blanks to answer simple questions throughout. Students then answer 10 additional questions about the song. Song...
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English Perspectives
Students perform research in order to answer an essential question: How did the cultural characteristics, beliefs, attitudes, behaviors, and economic conditions of the French, English, and Indians contribute to the growth of inter-group...
National First Ladies' Library
Government: Defending the Bill of Rights
Pupils examine the proposition of a country without the Bill of Rights. In a role-playing activity, teams of students gather information to build a case for retaining the Bill of Rights and present it before their congressperson.
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Letters from the Frontier: Reading and Writing Primary Documents
Students examine historical documents about George Caitlin to derive meaning about his life and contributions. The lesson is multicultural and helps students to appreciate art and history.
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OK...Just Whose Water Is It, Anyway?
Students recognize that each person has a right to clean, safe drinking water. They explain that changes in behavior may be necessary when considering water usage. They role play a water rights courtoom dispute.
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Philadelphia's Important Contribution to the Lewis and Clark Expedition
Students analyze a primary source document (Jefferson's secret letter to Congress) and identify its objectives through the aid of focus questions. They complete a graphic organizer and write an article summarizing Philadelphia's...
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What's Cookin' at Honey Creek?
Fourth graders are introduced to the process of prehistoric hot rock cooking in earth ovens on the Edwards Plateau of Texas. They explain the steps used in the hot rock cooking process.