Curated OER
Eating Over the Rainbow
Students examine their own diets, and then redesign the USDA's Food Pyramid to reflect nutrition experts' latest advice. They read and discuss The Color of Nutrition: Fruits and Vegetables, which is an article imbedded in this plan.
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The Row Behind Death Row
Students investigate several controversial issues in the criminal justice system relating to death row and give oral reports explaining how their issues safeguard or contaminate the issue of fairness in capital punishment. They offer...
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A More Perfect Union: Barack Obama's Race Speech at the National Constitution Center
Eleventh graders explore the process of perfecting the Union through changes made to the Constitution, and through the powers delegated to each branch of government. In this American Government lesson, 11th graders research various...
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Dred Scott and the Constitution
Students investigate the outcome of the Dred Scott case. In this human rights lesson, students read Justice Taney's decision about property rights and citizenship. Students write essays about the outcome of the case and President...
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The Constitution
Eighth graders conduct research about the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, the Virginia Plan, the New Jersey Plan, the Connecticut (Great) Compromise, and the 3/5 Compromise.
Curated OER
The Bill of Rights is a-Rockin
Young scholars explore the U.S. Constitution through music. In this Bill of Rights lesson, students discuss a hypothetical case regarding lyrics by Madonna and the historical Massachusetts Blue Laws. Young scholars use the Bill of Rights...
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Changes In The New Nation: New Beginnings
Students consider the role of American newspapers in the revolution and plans for new government. In this early American history lesson, students determine how communication provided by newspapers contributed to the organization of the...
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Lesson Plan: U.S. Government
Students examine reasons for studying government. In this U.S. government instructional activity, students brainstorm the reasons for rules. Students draft their own class constitution in the style of the U.S. Constitution.
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U.S. History: Our Constitutional Amendments
Eighth graders conduct Internet research about Constitutional Amendments and present oral reports on their findings. Their reports also include visual representations depicting their chosen amendment's focal point. Students discuss the...
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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...
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Bill of Rights in the News: Election Issues 2008
High schoolers consider First Amendment rights. In this Bill of Rights lesson, students complete an activity guide regarding constitutional rights issues raised in the 2008 presidential election. High schoolers respond to discussion...
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US Government: The Checks and Balances System of the US Constitution
Students examine the responsibilities of the 3 branches of U.S. government. In this checks and balances lesson plan, students identify the powers of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government. Students share examples...
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Representation of the Common Citizen From Declaration of Independence to Present
Students create working definition of common citizen, and investigate and discuss important sections of Declaration of Independence, Articles of Confederation, U.S. Constitution, Bill of Rights, and other Amendments. Students demonstrate...
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Explicit and Implicit Language - Interpreting the Meaning of the Fourteenth Amendment
Students write an essay analyzing the language of the Fourteenth Amendment to the US Constitution. For this US History lesson, students review the difference between implicit and explicit meanings. Students watch a video on...
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the World Rushed In: "Who Are These People? And How Came They Here?"
High schoolers discuss the struggles Californians dealt with regarding diversity brought about by the Gold Rush. They participate in a variety of creative, original activities and projects designed to reinforce the idea of historical...
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Indian Removal: The Cherokees, Jackson, and the “Trail of Tears”
Young scholars examine executive power. In this Indian Removal lesson plan, students listen to their instructor present a lecture regarding the "Trail of Tears". Young scholars respond to discussion questions regarding the...
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Upton Sinclair's The Jungle: Muckraking the Meat-Packing Industry
Students explore muckraking. In this American history lesson, students listen to their instructor present a lecture regarding the details of Upton Sinclair's The Jungle. Students respond to discussion questions pertaining to muckraking...
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This Great Enterprise”: Theodore Roosevelt and the Panama Canal
Young scholars explore the implications of the "Great Enterprise." In this Panama Canal lesson, students listen to their instructor present a lecture regarding President Teddy Roosevelt and Panama Canal. Young scholars respond...
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Bill of Rights
Young scholars work in collaborative groups to research an amendment of the Bill of Rights. They then design and present a skit that demonstrates and communicates the core values and concepts of the amendment to the class.
Judicial Branch of California
Separate But Equal - Is It Black or White?
The story of Ruby Bridges and the case of Brown vs. The Board of Education are fantastic tools for discussing the concept of separate but equal. Kids tackle some big questions about what is fair, what is civil, and what rights or laws...
National Endowment for the Humanities
Cultural Change
High schoolers research the passage of the 19th Amendment as an illustration of the mutual influence between political ideas and cultural attitudes. They also read the Seneca Falls Declaration and explore the cultural shifts it both...
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Building the Foundation
Students understand the purpose of the judicial branch of government. In this judiciary lesson, students participate in exercises to understand how the court system works. Students complete activity sheets to develop understanding of...
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How the Supreme Court Affects the Lives of Teens
Young scholars describe the structure and function of the United States Supreme Court. They examine and analyze decisions made by the Court. They participate in a debate about recent issues.
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Lesson 2: The Tired King
Students are introduced to the three functions of government (legislative, judicial, and executive). They read and discuss a story about an overworked king who must handle all the tasks of government. Students give a description of the...