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The Three Branches of Government

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders discover details about the 3 branches of government. In this primary source analysis lesson, 6th graders examine documents and images from the Library of Congress to investigate the structure of the U.S. government.
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Legislation: Passing a Bill in the Senate

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students debate a bill. In this Senate lesson plan, students investigate the steps of the House of Representatives when amending a bill that has passed. Students role-play law-making.
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Rights and Responsibilities: Making the Connection

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Middle schoolers examine the Bill of Rights. In this philanthropy lesson, students identify the responsibilities that accompany the 5 basic guaranteed rights in the Bill of Rights. Middle schoolers interview a community member regarding...
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Meet the Press: American Presidents

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers interpret historical evidence presented in primary and secondary resources. In this presidential history lesson, students research the accomplishments of George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Frankiln D. Roosevelt, and...
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The Bill of Rights

For Teachers 6th - 8th
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...
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Congress and the Creation of the Bill of Rights

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Students participate in inquiry activities to explore powers outlined in the Bill of Rights. In this Bill of Rights lesson, students creation of a class Bill of Rights, evaluate  and propose amendments, and analyze primary source...
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Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Lesson: Immigration

For Teachers 3rd - 6th
Many of your class members will have heard of Executive Order 9066 and the Japanese internment camps of World War II. Some may even recognize the terms “Issei” and “Nisei,” but few will have heard of Enemy Alien Hearing Boards, of the...
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Colonial America: Causes of the American Revolution

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders analyze colonial rule and policies with regard to the causes of the American Revolution. For this Colonial America simulation lesson, 4th graders role play in an Independence Game, reacting to a variety of "events" that...
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Benjamin Franklin Tercentenary

Benjamin Franklin and the Long Struggle for Independence

For Teachers K - 2nd
Students explore U.S. history by reading biographical material in class. In this Benjamin Franklin lesson, students identify the life of Franklin and the events that led him to become one of America's first heroes. Students complete an...
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Establishing the Presidency

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students consider how George Washington influenced the presidency. In this presidential history worksheet, students discuss the precedents Washington set and analyze a letter that Washington sent to James Madison. 
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Judges in the Classroom

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Young scholars define the legal meaning of juvenile and identify various ways to treat young offenders. They identify the current philosophy of the Utah juvenile justice system using a true/false worksheet and discussion format.
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1856-1865: Abolitionists and the Civil War

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students explore the concept of philanthropy. In this abolition lesson, students watch "Uncle Tom's Cabin" and discuss the philanthropic acts they witnessed in the film. Students also complete an activity that requires them to determine...
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The Republic and Its Images

For Teachers 6th - 7th
Students study the meaning of The Republic and the symbols of the Republic. They learn definitions and look at images that are meant to be a lesson that comes before a museum visit. They look at images of artwork from this era of French...
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Constitution Cartoons

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Young scholars view series of cartoon overheads that explain Constitution, name branches of government and their powers, define federalism and separation of powers, examine rights and obligations of citizens, and discuss significance of...
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Constitutional Rights Of Students

For Teachers 12th
Twelfth graders brief Supreme Court cases about student rights that they have studied over the past year, and apply them to a contemporary situation.
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The U.S. Constitution

For Teachers 3rd - 4th
Learners explain the differences between the three branches of government. Using the structure of a democracy, they listen to text about the United States Constitution. They discover how their government affects their lives in negative...
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Teaching With Documents Lesson Plan:Launching the New U.S. Navy

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Learners demonstrate understanding of the issues related to the creation and ratification of the United States Constitution and the new Government it established.
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U. S. Constitution - Elections and Terms in Office

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students explore American elections and terms in office. In this U.S. government lesson, students respond to questions about voting rights. Students  then write position papers on the existence of the Electoral College.
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Government: The Mystery Epidemic

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students are able to identify some roles of government in dealing with the prevention and treatment of skin cancer. They are able to list two reasons why the occurrence of skin cancer in youths has increased.
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The Mayflower Compact: Freedom Contract

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students read historical documents. In this freedom instructional activity, students discuss the freedoms they have, such as whom to play with at recess, and how the pilgrims must have felt when they landed in America. Students read The...
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The Nonlegislative Powers

For Teachers 11th
Eleventh graders examine the powers of Congress.  In this American Government lesson, 11th graders read about Congress.  Students complete a worksheet on their findings.  
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The State of the Union Address

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students discuss and fill out a worksheet after viewing the State of the Union Address that the president makes every year.
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Statue of Liberty: Liberty Enlightening the World

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students explore reasons that people immigrate to the United States. In this Statue of Liberty lesson, students read a handout regarding immigration, analyze the poem, "The New Colossus," and complete the provided worksheet activities.
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From Tinker to Fraser: Freedom of Speech in Public Schools

For Teachers 9th - 12th
The Tinker and Fraser cases were taken the Supreme Court on the basis of the 1st Amendment right to Freedom of Speech. Learners discuss each case, the First AMendment, complete handouts, and conduct a role play activity. Handouts are...