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The Embodied Presidency
Eighth graders discover details about Thomas Jefferson's life. In this early American history lesson, 8th graders view a PowerPoint presentation that outlines some aspects of Jefferson's life. Students research the life of slaves at...
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Two Constitutions
Fourth graders participate in a teacher-lead discussion about the United States Constitution and the California State Constitution. They compare the Bill of Rights in the United States Constitution with Califonia's Declaration of...
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Constitution Day
Students examine and discuss recent court cases involving young people and the Bill of Rights.They use a focus question to create the context for class discussion: How does the Bill of Rights apply to young people and students?
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Jackie Robinson, Civil Rights Advocate
Students examine the life of Jackie Robinson and the ways in which he and they can influence government policy.
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Brown Bear, Brown Bear
Students complete a variety of activities related to the book "Brown Bear, Brown Bear." They role-play the animals from the story, read about the book's author Bill Martin, Jr. on his website, discuss the rhythm of the story, and create...
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Constitutional Convention
Students engage in a role-playing situation to illustrate the kinds of compromised that were made a teh Constitutional Convention. They write three short 1-2 paragraph arguments and then present their arguments to the class at the...
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George Washington - A Graphic Novel
Students write and illustrate their own graphic novels. In this George Washington lesson plan, students collaborate to research Washington's life as surveyor, his involvement in the French and Indian War as well as the American...
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Charting the Course
Learners list and describe the characteristics of a good citizen relative to democracy. They see that philanthropy is part of good citizenship and exemplify philanthropy through random acts of kindness. Each group will be responsible for...
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Decision Making, Take a Seat or Get off the Bus
Fifth graders explore the positive and negative consequences of choosing to fight against discrimination. They read the story of Rosa Parks. Students discuss the movement against segregation. Students read other books about...
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Charting the Course
Students explore the concept of philanthropy. In this citizenship lesson plan, students collaborate to compile a list of the top ten traits of good citizens. Students then discuss random acts of kindness and create a plan to share...
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Charting the Course
Ninth graders explore the meaning of the term philanthropy. In this Social Studies instructional activity, 9th graders research examples of people that represent good citizens. Students create a skit that demonstrates a...
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Outsourcing Jobs to Other Countries: Is Globalization a Threat to American Workers?
Students analyze the effects of outsourcing. In this globalization lesson, students listen to their instructor present a lecture regarding the outsourcing of American jobs to other countries. Students respond to discussion questions and...
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Be the Kiwi: Government and Politics in New Zealand
Students examine the structure of government in New Zealand. In this government instructional activity, students listen their instructor present information about the government in New Zealand then create diagrams that compare its...
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Journey to Topaz, a Literature Based Approach
Students view a video clip of the experiences of Japanese-Americans during World War II. They read parts of a book in which a child tells her story about living in the internment camps. They participate in a simulation activity as well.
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Preserving Democracy
Students read excerpts of the Declaration of Independence and United States Constitution. Using the documents, they identify the ideas of how the government should be run. In groups, they develop a skit that encourages people to be...
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The Story of the Transistor
Learners brainstorm on how certain items have become smaller as technology advances. They watch a video about the history of the transistor.
Deliberating in a Democracy
Global Climate Change
Students examine an environmental issue. In this global studies lesson plan, students read an article entitled, "Global Climate Change," and respond to the discussion questions that accompany it.
Practical Money Skills
Making Decisions
A set of quizzes and assessments would make a great companion to your lesson on making decisions and opportunity risks. Learners watch a PowerPoint before answering multiple choice questions about interest rates, saving money, and the...
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The Connection Between Medicine, Ethics, and Law: The Right to Die
Young scholars in a special education class examine the United States Constitution. Using the text, they answer five research questions and discuss the amendments that concern medicine, ethics and law of the right to die issue. They...
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My Secret War: Lesson 5
Fifth graders determine how freedom comes with rights and responsibilities through literature and poetry about World War II. In this World War II lesson, 5th graders use the letters in the word "infamy" to write an acrostic poem. They...
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Kids and Chemicals - Facts and Laws
Students examine the impact of everyday toxins on the health of people. They conduct a cost-benefit analysis, watch a video, conduct Internet research, complete a Synthetic Chemical Exposure Chart, and write a one-page summary.
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The First Amendment
Students participate in a mock trial. Given the scenario, students prepare a cases concerning the freedom of religion, freedom of speech, and the right to assemble. In groups, students prepare an opening and closing statement, as well...
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An Introduction to the National Archives
Fifth graders study the national archives through both images AND visiting the site. This is meant to provide them with an understanding of what documents are important to the U.S. and why (i.e. Declaration of Independence, etc...).
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Social Studies: Human Rights Then and Now
Students examine past and present human rights issues in U.S. history. In reflection journals, they document both justices and injustices perpetrated on groups and individuals. Finally, students implement an action plan designed to...