Curated OER
Survival
Students study the significance and impact of the Constitution on everyday life. They examine the ideas that influenced the creation of the Constitution. They study the philosophies of Locke and explore the state of nature philosophy.
Curated OER
Nonviolent Resistance: Gandhi and King
Students use the internet to research the major events and dates of Mohandas Gandhi and Martin Luther King, Jr. In groups, they use this information to create a poster to present to the class. They reflect on how these two men were...
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Declaration of Independence
Eighth graders explain the meaning of the Declaration of Independence. They view a political cartoon of the period, then do a writing assignment for homework. They write about how they would feel if the British were calling them traitors.
Constitutional Rights Foundation
If Men Were Angels: Teaching the Constitution With the Federalist Papers
Much like the methods of group work, the writers of the Federalist Papers worked together to advocate for their viewpoints against the anti-federalists. The resource enables learners to break into small groups and conduct research before...
Curated OER
Freedom by the Fireside: The Legacy of FDR's "Four Freedoms" Speech
Students read and analyze Franklin Delano Roosevelt's 1941 State of the Union Address. They listen to recordings of speeches by F.D.R., answer discussion questions, and participate in a debate.
Digital History
Jeffersonians in Office
If you're looking for a description of the major happenings of the presidencies of both Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, then this is the resource for you. Similar to a textbook reading, this worksheet offers a great deal of...
Curated OER
Jefferson vs. Franklin: Renaissance Men
Students investigate the achievements of Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson. They conduct Internet research, identify their achievements, and participate in a 'competition' that compares/contrasts the two men.
Curated OER
The Campaign of 1840: William Henry Harrison and Tyler, Too
Students list some issues important during the campaign of 1840. They compare and contrast the careers of Martin Van Buren and William Henry Harrison before they became president and explain why the Whigs wanted to find a candidate in...
Curated OER
Ideas of John Locke
In this life, liberty, and property worksheet, students read about the influences of John Locke and then write a short story on the back of the page. Students write about how life, liberty, and property have influenced them and their...
Curated OER
Federalist and Antifederalist Papers
Young scholars debate the Federalist and Anti-federal Papers after using the Internet as a research tool.
Curated OER
The Campaign of 1840: The Campaign
Students discuss the use of visual images, objects, and spectacle in the 1840 campaign, then take a stand: Was the campaign of 1840 based more on substance or image?
Curated OER
The Campaign of 1840: The Candidates
Students compare and contrast William Henry Harrison and Martin Van Buren as candidates for president. They explain why the Whigs wanted to find a candidate in the mold of former president Andrew Jackson and discuss whether Harrison fit...
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The Campaign of 1840: The Whigs, the Democrats, and the Issues
Students reflect on the nature of the campaign of 1840. They identify the positions of the Democrats and the Whigs and their basic differences.
Curated OER
The Declaration of War Against Japan and Just War Theory
Students examine the attack on Pearl Harbor and how it changed the history of the United States. After watching a video from "The War", they discuss the characteristics of a "just war" and identify the laws in international warfare. ...
Curated OER
Making the Supreme Court Matter to Teens
Here are lessons and ideas to help social studies teachers enlighten students about the importance of the Supreme Court.
Curated OER
McMUN Model United Nations
If you have been searching for a plan to run a model U.N. simulation, this plan provides some bare bones for your lesson. Scholars break into blocs to research and discuss global issues and come up with collaborative solutions. In their...
Curated OER
The Road to Democracy
Eleventh graders examine the road to the American Revolution. In this American Revolution activity, 11th graders read Thomas Paine's works and identify the issues that the colonists had with the British government.
Curated OER
Gandhi’s Salt March: Nonviolence in Action
Young scholars examine the effectiveness of nonviolent protest. In this social justice lesson, students analyze the effectiveness of Gandhi's Salt March as a nonviolent protest. Young scholars jigsaw read the provided story and discuss it.
Curated OER
English Settlement
Young scholars study the development of the New England colonies, their rationale for settlement, and the importance of Puritan theology in this development. They research towns in England and their copies in Massachusetts.
Curated OER
Foundations of American Government
Fourth graders explore the origins of American government.
Curated OER
Courting Controversy?
Young scholars consider their own personal opinions on divisive issues. They examine the confirmation of Justice Samuel A. Alito, Jr. and investigate issues from different ideological and philosophical perspectives.
Curated OER
Kim Jong-Il
In this famous leaders worksheet, students read a passage about Kim Jong-Il and then complete a variety of activities including spelling, cloze, synonym matches, and scrambled sentences.
Curated OER
Fast Forward
Students view a television program exploring social and economic changes at the close of the twentieth century. They discuss changes from differing perspectives including poor and rich citizens from various countries. Students write an...
Curated OER
Anna's Dilemma
Students read a scenerio about people who lived in Germany during Nazi rule. As a class, they discuss the situations the character finds herself in and identify her responsiblities to her family. They answer discussion questions and...