Curated OER
Teaching Justice: Schooling and the Four Waves of U.S. Immigration
U.S. immigration is the focus of a unit on social justice. Over the course of a school year, young historians read a variety of texts to learn about four waves of immigration that have occurred over time in the U.S. An emphasis on...
Curated OER
Consequences of the Sedition Act
High schoolers research and discuss the consequences of the Sedition Act. They illustrate the difficulty of balancing security needs and personal freedom using an example from John Adams's presidency.
Curated OER
Achieving Economic Stability
High schoolers engage in study of the economic crash of The Stock Market in 1929. They examine the trends of the market at the time and discuss the indicators in classroom small groups. Then suggestions are made as to how this could have...
Curated OER
Schools for Sale
Students explore the concept of for-profit companies running schools. In this privatizing schools lesson, students simulate a meeting of school board members, community leaders, and other stakeholders to determine the privatization of a...
Curated OER
Lesson 2: The Story of Flagstaff
Students, in groups, write and perform a skit that retells the story of the flooding of Flagstaff.
Curated OER
The Gettysburg Address
Students explore the implications of the Gettysburg Address. In this Civil War lesson, students read a handout regarding Gettysburg Address, analyze an excerpt of the speech, and complete the provided worksheet activities.
Curated OER
Interpreting Political Cartoons
Students review political cartoons and discuss what political impact they can have. They choose a current political cartoon and write an essay exploring its intent and impact.
Curated OER
The President's Role and Succession
Fourth graders examine the role the President of the United States plays in American government and the order of succession of cabinet members. They explain about presidential qualifications and the path to becoming President.
Curated OER
The Mayflower Compact
Learners explore the concept of social contracts. In this Mayflower Compact lesson, students read handouts regarding the compact and participate in a classroom activity that requires them to author a social contract.
Curated OER
The First Amendment
Students examine the freedoms and rights guaranteed by the First Amendment. In this Bill of Rights lesson, students review court cases and create a collage that require them to consider the right they are guaranteed by the First Amendment.
Curated OER
Cold War Conflicts
Students participate in extensive discussion about the Cold War and then analyze and express their opinions (at least one for each of the 3 questions) posting them to a discussion board.
Curated OER
Writing a Social Studies Essay
In this social studies essay worksheet, students 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.
Curated OER
The U.S. Role in the World
Students examine the presence of the United States in the world. In this global issues lesson plan, students read "The U.S. Role in a Changing World," and debate the role of the U.S. at the current juncture in history.
Curated OER
A Nation's Voice
Young scholars research the Constitution and the War Powers Act in order to determine what the powers of the government are in times of conflict. They answer a series of questions then write a legal brief either supporting or condemning...
Curated OER
Opposing Views on the Vietnam War
Students analyze the feelings of Americans regarding the Vietnam War. For this Vietnam War lesson, students collaborate to research Internet and print sources regarding the perspectives on U.S. involvement in the war. Students...
Curated OER
Citizen Participation
High schoolers compare and contrast political parties and interest groups. They examine the role citizens play in how to improve the community. They develop a survey to determine the needs and services opportunities in their community.
Curated OER
Thomas Jefferson on the Sedition Act
Students research and cite arguments Jefferson used in objecting to the Sedition Act. They discuss Jefferson's opinion on how constitutional questions about the Sedition Act could be resolved.
National Endowment for the Humanities
Lesson 2: The Debate in Congress on the Sedition Act
Pupils research and discuss the provisions in the Constitution that supported the arguments for and against the Sedition Act. They articulate objections to and arguments in favor of the Sedition Act.
Curated OER
The Duties of Governments: Dix vs. Pierce
Students examine the role of Dorothea Dix on behalf of people with disabilities. They discuss President Pierce's veto of legislation she helped create. They address the rights and responsibilities of citizen's and the role of government.
Curated OER
Friday Forum
Learners research controversial issues and formulate their own opinion. They defend their position with supporting data and evaluate arguments from opposing viewpoints. They present their stand both verbally and in the written form.
Curated OER
A Woman's Crusade: Dorothea Dix
Pupils examine the life and reform efforts of Dorothea Dix on behalf of people with disabilities. They also examine the role of women in the 1840s and 1850s. They discover different sources of examples of citizen's rights.
Curated OER
"The Nation's Playground": A Matter of Perspective - A Hearing
Students watch a video and role play the development of a luxury hotel and how it effects the various groups in Maine. They write an editorial for a local newspaper expressing their individual opinions about the project.
Curated OER
Dorothea Dix: Reform in Massachusetts
Pupils examine the life and reform efforts of Dorothea Dix on behalf of people with disabilities. They discover how her efforts resulted in the passage of legislation. They also examine the care people with disabilities receive.
Curated OER
Out of Sight, Out of Mind
Students examine conditions at state mental hospitals after World War II. They examine the treatment of patients and how to evaluate the credibility of sources. They write a short essay to complete the lesson.