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Core Democratic Values of American Constitutional Democracy
Students describe the ideas found in the core democratic values. In groups, they design and create a brochure explaining how the values relate to other ideas that Americans accept as a nation. They share what they know with with...
Deliberating in a Democracy
Free and Independent Press
Students determine how free press principles can be compromised. For this global studies lesson plan, students read an article titled "Free and Independent Press." Students respond to discussion questions regarding the article.
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library & Museum
Red States/Blue States: Mapping the Presidential Election
Young historians investigate how voting patterns have changed by comparing the outcome of the 1960 election to the outcome of the recent election. A creative final assessment has participants making a news show wherein they provide...
School Improvement in Maryland
Building a Pyramid
After reviewing the structure and powers of the three branches of the US government, groups investigate a problem and research what is being done to address this criticism.
Alabama Department of Archives and History
Alabama's 1901 Constitution
"We, the People of the State of Alabama. . ." Did you know that the Alabama State Constitution has 357,157 words while the US Constitution has only 4,400? And that it has 798 amendments while the US Constitution has...
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Affects of Prejudicial Attitudes
Second graders explore the concept of cultural assimilation. They study the affects of prejudice on the authors of Curious George (Margret & H. A. Rey). They communicate ideas and opinions of the rights and responsibilities of...
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Evolution of the Right to Vote in Canada and Around the World
Students explore civics and develop their research skills while learning about democracy.
Deliberating in a Democracy
Crime and Punishment
Should the United States ban the death penalty? Scholars use real-life examples of criminal activity to come to their own conclusions on the death penalty. Primary source documents, as well as video clips, open the issue of capital...
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Who's The Boss?
Upper elementary and middle schoolers research and analyze some different types of governments. Democracies, Monarchies, and Dictatorships are some of the types that are looked at. Learners use the Internet to gather information that...
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Explore the Constitution
Students examine the U.S. Constitution. In this American history lesson, students explore the founders' vision of U.S. government as they participate in readers' theatre, role-playing scenarios, and constitutional analysis activities.
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Gandhi's Swaraj: Power to the People
Sixth graders discover what a swaraj is. For this world history lesson, 6th graders create a Venn Diagram comparing Gandhi's swaraj to American's democracy.
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Government: The Mystery Epidemic
Students are able to identify some roles of government in dealing with the prevention and treatment of skin cancer. They are able to list two reasons why the occurrence of skin cancer in youths has increased.
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Government Lesson Plan: Lesson 1
Students identify the powers of national and state governments. They evaluate the balance of national versus state power. They utilize worksheets imbedded in this plan to gain a deeper perspective of how the government powers are separated.
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War Making: Executive and Legislative Powers
Students examine Constitution and what it says about war-making power, contrast roles and responsibilities of executive and legislative branches of government when it comes to making war, become familiar with important 20th and 21st...
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The Lost Art of Letter Writing
Students discover the art of writing letters. In this writing lesson, students read letters written by President Harry Truman and then write a series of their own letters that would give insight into the times in which they live.
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Writing Newspaper Articles
Students write newspaper articles regarding their service learning experiences. In this writing skills instructional activity, students review the writing process skills to develop high-quality articles. Students write articles regarding...
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Jazz: An Expression of Cooperation - Lesson 3
Students describe ways in which the principles of students or citizens working together are interrelated with those of musicians working together. They demonstrate their knowledge of the concept of "swing" in various jazz styles.
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What is Democracy?
Students examine civic duties. In this citizenship instructional activity, students play an online game that requires them to consider the needs of their community. Students campaign for the issue they choose in the game.
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Influences of the Enlightenment on the American Declaration of Independence
Eighth graders participate in a lesson that focuses on the study of the Declaration of Independence. The freedoms outlined in the document are discussed. Students make connections between philosophy and the writing of the Declaration.
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Powers of Government
Students explore and identify the power of national and state governments. They discuss the concept of federalism and the distribution of governmental powers. As a class, they examine the balance of power between the federal and state...
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Liberty Defined
Fourth graders express their views of liberty through creative writing. They view video segments about the history of the Statue of Liberty.
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Hooray for the Red, White and Blue!
Students recognize the states in the continental United States and find their state. In this patriotic symbols lesson, students explore unfair taxation practices. Students understand the benefits of democracy participate in activities...
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Freedom is Not Free, Lest We Forget
Students explore the causes of the American Revolution. In this American Revolution lesson, students describe the major and important people of the Ameican Revolution. Students watch videos fill out timelines do Internet research to...
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The Constitution and Governance
Students explore the facets of constitutional government. As a class, they read and discuss the origin and principles of constitutional government. Working in small groups students evaluate the formation of government using examples from...