American Bar Association
What Is Separation of Powers?
Who has the power? Scholars investigate the creation of the three branches of government in the United States Constitution. They analyze just why the framers created the branches the way they did.
Texas State Energy Conservation Office
Investigation: Splitting Atoms
In a simple activity, physical scientists model nuclear fission using a droplet of oil. This can be used alone in a unit on different types of energy, or as part of the energy conservation unit produced by the Texas State Energy...
Messenger Education
Design Challenge: How to Keep Items Cool in Boiling Water
Keeping items cool in boiling water... what? This engaging activity challenges high school learners to build a container that keeps butter in a solid state when placing the container in boiling water. Groups use previous knowledge and...
Curated OER
Social Activism in the United States
Seventh graders explore the goals of the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s. In this US History lesson plan, 7th graders read a newspaper article that reported a significant event during this era. Students write a...
Curated OER
Periodic Table of Elements on Mars
In this periodic table of elements worksheet, learners are given clues and descriptions for elements in order to determine where they belong in the "Martian Periodic Table". They place the elements in the proper place in the given...
Curated OER
Evolving Views about Minority Rights in the United States
Tenth graders compare and contrast majority and minority outlooks on issues. In this social justice lesson, 10th graders research majority and minority values regarding the Salem Witch Trials, Plessy v. Ferguson, the McCarthy hearings,...
Curated OER
S'More Mores
Students consider social practices common to their target language. They work in pairs to research social practices common to the target language society that differ from those in the United States. They prepare a three-minute...
Curated OER
Agricultural and Industrial Policies of the U.S.
Students examine the impact of laws and government policies on the agricultural and industrial economic systems. From a list of topics, they select one area and create timelines of at least ten related government activities. In...
Curated OER
Treasure Hunt!
Students follow directions on a worksheet to follow directions on a map of the United States and Territories of the United States. For this directions worksheet, students use a compass rose and learn the directions.
Curated OER
The Laws of the Land
Students examine state quarters and discuss how national and state agencies worked together to create them. They examine state laws and national laws to see how they differ. They explore the process for making a law.
Curated OER
Mapping Where Animals Live
In this animal mapping instructional activity, students read a short passage about amphibians and reptiles in New York State, then use a set of maps to answer related questions.
Curated OER
Canadian Crossword
In this crossword puzzle worksheet, students read 8 clues about Canadian locations on the map and the culture of Canadian people. This would be difficult for U.S. students, as there is no word bank.
Curated OER
America's Heartland
Learners complete geography and trade activities about global trade. In this geography and trade lesson, students read information to learn about absolute advantage, comparative advantage, trade factors, U.S. trade partners, and...
Curated OER
Superhighway Scholars
Young scholars study the states of their choice by using Superhighway Scholars website. In this Unites States history lesson plan, students create a collage using information collected about a state of their choosing. This lesson plan...
Curated OER
Force of Habitat
Students examine the Nevada state quarter and discuss the Great Basin and the desert habitat. They draw a desert animal and write a sentence about its attributes and how they help the animal to survive in its habitat.
Curated OER
Impact of the End of World War II on Japan
Ninth graders examine and discuss reasons United States occupied Japan after surrender in World War II, view photographs of Japan at end of War and explore how U.S. occupation affected Japan's political, economic, and social systems, and...
Curated OER
Managing Your Money
Students use the internet to gather information on saving money. They describe the history of money and the responsibilities of the United States Mint. They list their own personal goals and keep a journal as they operate a lemonade...
Curated OER
As Simple as Beans: Canada's Population
Students gather facts about Canada from various maps. In this Canada lesson, students use beans to relate the populations of the U.S. and Canada. Students create population distribution maps based on the placement of the beans.
Curated OER
Behind the Scenes: The Executive Response to 9/11
Students examine the actions of the executive branch following the September 11th terrorist attacks. In this U.S. government lesson, students watch segments of a video titled "Behind the Scenes: The Executive Response to 9/11." Students...
Curated OER
NEPANTLA BETWEEN WORLDS : A Story and Lesson Plan Addressing the Mexican-American Experience
Students read excerpts of "Neplanta" and discuss themes in the literature. In this bi-cultural education instructional activity, students analyze topics of race and Mexican American culture in the U.S. Students write a pledge to honor...
Curated OER
How the West Was One: A Layered Book
Students create a layered book about the information they learn about the Western region of the United States. In this Western states lesson plan, students create a book about the land, economy, and culture.
Curated OER
What is a Court?
Young scholars examine and discuss the judicial branch of the U.S. government. They define what a court is, list three characteristics of a trial court and an appellate court, and analyze various trial and appeal situations.
Curated OER
The Future of China's Economic System
Ninth graders explore China's economic system and the future of the system. They define economic terms, research websites to find examples of how China is developing into a mixed economy system and how it competes with the U.S. for...
Curated OER
Writing a Social Studies Essay
In this social studies essay worksheet, learners follow the provided steps listed in the graphic organizer to write their own social studies essays. Students also read a sample essay about the U.S. government.