Prestwick House
Rhetorical Devices in Political Speeches
Have you ever watched a political speech and felt your heart beat a little faster, and your opinion either solidify or begin to slightly change? Rhetorical devices can be a strong tool in an effective and powerful speech. A short lesson...
Curated OER
Writing a Political Leader
Students investigate politics by writing a formal letter. For this U.S. Government lesson, students discuss political issues they would like to address and research their topic using the Internet. Students locate an appropriate political...
PBS
Making Change: Revolutionary Tactics of the Civil Rights Movement
The film American Revolutionary: The Evolution of Grace Lee Boggs introduces viewers to the differing philosophies of and strategies employed by 1960s civil rights leaders such as Malcolm X and Martin Luther King, Jr. and the debate over...
Curated OER
Government: Texans in Politics and Civic Duties
Fourth graders examine the influence of Texans in national politics. They interview adults about the importance of participating in civic affairs. Students create brochures with three true statements and one falsehood. They trade copies...
BBC
Local Democracy
Middle and high schoolers explore how democracy works. After a teacher-led discussion, pupils go to websites embedded in the plan which lead them through activities that are all about the democratic process. The first website has them...
Constitutional Rights Foundation
Winner-Take-All: The Two-Party System
Two's company, three's a crowd. High school historians learn about the Electoral College, a two-party, winner-take-all voting system in the United States. The lesson explains the pros and cons of the two-party system, roadblocks for...
Curated OER
Darwin, Politics, and Religion
Students gain an understanding of the Darwinian theory of evolution, examine how Darwin's theory has been adopted by ruling elites in order to justify their position in power, compare religious and historical responses to Darwin's...
Curated OER
Limited v. Unlimited Government
Young scholars compare and contrast the characteristics of a limited and unlimited government. In groups, they use this information to create a chart and write a description of how leaders are chosen in each. They share their...
Curated OER
HI-02-01 Somalia: A Failed Intervention?
Students study ethics and the importance on humanitarian interventions. In this lecture lesson students read case studies and answer questions regarding the importance of government and humanitarian interventions then watch a film...
Curated OER
Comparison of Political Life
Students research and compare and contrast the political leadership of three cultures.
Curated OER
So You Want to Be President?
Learners examine the qualities needed to become President. For this political science lesson, students read the book So You Want to Be President? and answer questions based on the text. Learners discuss if they have the qualities...
Curated OER
Imagining a United Nations Coffee Break
Students demonstrate basic knowledge of modern Middle Eastern history, politics, and political figures. They assess the validity of generalizations and stereotypes that impede the Middle East peace process.
Curated OER
Honoring An Imperial Legacy
Students research, compare, and identify imperial Rome's impact on modern governments. They compare the political system of ancient Rome to modern political systems throughout the world.
Curated OER
Structure of Congress
Students examine the structure of Congress. They identify the roles of the Democratic and Republician parties and their leaders. They role play the role of congressmen and pretend to pass new legislation.
Curated OER
The Causes and Course of the First World War
Use this twelve-day lesson plan to teach about the causes and courses of WWI. Each day scholars attend lectures, complete creative activities, and hold round table discussions on what they've learned. Web links and resources are...
Curated OER
Wildflower Beautification Project
Learners, in cooperative groups, design and create a wildflower garden for the community. They write letters to property owners requesting use of their land and then write invitations to their parents and to local, state, and federal...
APlusPhysics
Generate an Argument: Indian Point Nuclear Plant
Small groups in your physics class collaborate on researching and forming an opinion on whether or not to continue operating the Indian Point nuclear power plant in New York. Once the information is gathered and an argument developed,...
Curated OER
U.S. Leadership in World War II
Students examine the political and military leadership of the United States during World War II. Once they have assessed the qualities of leadership, they compose essays identifying specific qualities of these leaders . Using charts,...
Curated OER
Tutankhamen's Gift
Sixth graders identify the ancient "cradles of civilization." They compare cultures from different parts of the Eastern Hemisphere. Students describe various ways leaders are elected, appointed, or acquire power. They discuss ways...
Curated OER
3 Holiday Projects
Learners explore the concept of reusing and recycling everyday materials and make holiday-oriented decorations and gift wrapping. Letters containing environmental issues are composed and sent to political and corporate decision-makers.
Curated OER
Rome: Republic to Empire
Sixth graders discuss the rise of Rome from a republic to a dictatorship. In small groups, they role-play as congress people debating whether or not to give the president more powers. In another activity, 6th graders produce television...
Curated OER
Fidel Castro: El Comandante
Young scholars view a documentary on Fidel Castro. After nearly forty years of rule, he remains one of the most controversial political figures of the twentieth century. After viewing, students discuss what they saw and research the...
Curated OER
Simulating the Legislative Process
Students research and simulate a debate of an issue. They simulate proposing a bill to the legislature.
Curated OER
Shackleton's Voyage of Endurance
Students view a video clip about the voyage of the Endurance. They work together to decide what to rescue from the sinking ship. They compare their decisions with those of Ernest Shackleton.