National Constitution Center
Born in the U.S.A: Music as Political Protest
Though often used in shows of patriotism, Bruce Springsteen's 1985 song "Born in the U.S.A." is critical of America's role in the Vietnam war and its treatment of American veterans. High schoolers analyze the song's lyrics in an activity...
Newseum
The Tools to Persuade
After reviewing persuasion techniques, young historians examine how a specific technique was used in the pro- or anti-suffrage messages. They then examine how that same technique is used in modern-day media messages.
Curated OER
The Bill of Rights
Students explore the Bill of Rights. For this philanthropy and citizenship lesson, students identify and explain how each of the first ten amendments protects the rights of citizens. Students select one amendment to illustrate, and write...
Curated OER
Public Demonstrations - Lesson Plan
Students examine various handouts to determine the value, necessity and potential limitations of assembly and public demonstrations. They then select a side and debate pre-provided questions.
Curated OER
Bill of Rights -- Americans with Disabilities Act
Students focus on the First and Ninth Amendments of the Bill of Rights. Before visiting a museum, they examine the Americans with Disabilities Act. During the visit, they work together with a museum member to watch a video and get...
Curated OER
Landmark Supreme Court Cases and the Constitution: National Socialist Party of America v. Village of Skokie (1977)
High schoolers examine the impact of court decisions. In this Supreme Court lesson, students read the National Socialist Party of America v. Village of Skokie (1977) case study regarding First Amendment Rights. High schoolers take notes...
Newseum
Are You a Publisher?: Free Press and You
What kinds of media do your pupils use to read and publish information? After a discussion about what publishing means, and about the freedom of the press, class members interview one or two other people about their publishing habits....
Curated OER
A Look at the History of Book Banning in America
Why do books end up on the banned book list? How do these banned books contribute to the literary canon? Start by showing the photo slide show, and discussing notably banned books. Then focus on some of the most popular objections:...
Constitution Facts
U.S. Constitution Crossword Puzzles: Basic #2
Fifty prompts make up a crossword puzzle that challenges scholars to show what they know about the U.S. Constitution.
ProCon
National Anthem Protests
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick refused to stand for the National Anthem in 2016 as a form of protest. Were his actions appropriate? Using the provided website, pupils attempt to decide for themselves by reading the main...
Curated OER
Plessy V. Ferguson: "Separate but Equal," Equal Protection
High schoolers explore the details and impact of the Plessy vs. Ferguson U.S. Supreme Court case. In this U.S. History lesson, students participate in several group discussions and group activities that examine both sides of the...
Curated OER
Breaking Barriers
Determine how African-Americans have broken barriers in this history lesson. Middle schoolers discuss the 15th Amendment and the American civil rights movement prior to analyzing Barack Obama's speech "A More Perfect Union," taking care...
Constitutional Rights Foundation
Guest-Worker Program
The U.S. Guest-Worker Program and the H-2A visa are the focus of a social studies activity. First, class members assume the role of advisors who must present the president with four proposals that would amend the visas given to...
Curated OER
The Kid Who Ran for President
In this reading worksheet, students answer 10 multiple-choice questions about the book. For example, "Why did Judd change his parakeet's name?"
University of Arkansas
Human Rights
What basic rights are guaranteed to all Americans? Do citizens, legal aliens, illegal aliens, and minors all have the same rights? Should individuals all over the world enjoy the same rights? Class members read the Declaration of...
School District of Detroit
The Articles of the Confederation
Primary historical sources can be a challenge for some readers, so these seven guided-reading questions will be very useful to US History or Government classes studying The Articles of Confederation. Each question has multiple parts and...
Curated OER
Divided We Fall
Students investigate the consequences of eliminating one or more of the amendments to the Bill of Rights.
Curated OER
History of the Bill of Rights
Students study the history of the Bill of Rights. In this Bill of Rights instructional activity, students read and use two handouts to learn about the history of the Bill of Rights. Students then work in groups to study the Bill of...
Curated OER
Religious Expression in Public Schools
Students explore religious expression in the United States. In this religious freedom instructional activity, students read a handout regarding Religious Freedom Day and other handouts regarding religious expression in public schools....
Curated OER
The Rule of Law
Pupils continue their exploration of the concept of rule of law. As a class, they discuss how Civil Rights leaders followed the rule of law in their protests. After reading various articles, they participate in a discussion and research...
Curated OER
Near v. Minnesota
Pupils discuss what free press means and what it would be like without this right. They read the summary from the Near v. Minnesota case. In groups, they analyze a problem and report to the class.
Curated OER
The Bill of Rights
Students practice their reading comprehension skills by reading about the Bill of Rights. They answer questions after reading to test their comprehension.
Curated OER
The Final Question
Students analyze their own feelings about the death penalty before considering court cases involving the death penalty. They determine what their definition is of cruel and unusual punishment, and analyze how different states handle the...
Curated OER
Don't Let Your Rights Be Violated
Ninth graders engage in a study of the First Amendment of The Constitution. They read the amendment and use a highlighter to note the important parts. Then students journal the connections of its importance to daily life. They include...