iCivics
The Fourth Branch: You!
Take time to remind your young learners of the valuable understanding that each branch of the United States government is really composed of other citizens. The reading material and worksheets of this resource cover the importance of...
Facing History and Ourselves
How Should We Remember?
We must remember the past in order to avoid its mistakes. Young historians analyze the importance of historical remembrance using primary and secondary documents, as well as video clips. They then study the creation of a World War...
BBC
Local Democracy
Middle and high schoolers explore how democracy works. After a teacher-led discussion, pupils go to websites embedded in the plan which lead them through activities that are all about the democratic process. The first website has them...
Deliberating in a Democracy
Crime and Punishment
Should the United States ban the death penalty? Scholars use real-life examples of criminal activity to come to their own conclusions on the death penalty. Primary source documents, as well as video clips, open the issue of capital...
Smithsonian Institution
We Have a Story to Tell: Native Peoples of the Chesapeake Region
How did colonial settlement and the establishment of the United States affect Native Americans in the Chesapeake region? Your young historians will analyze contemporary and historical maps, read informational texts, and work in groups to...
Federal Reserve Bank
Keep the Currency
Each day, people throw currency away in different ways because of a lack of financial knowledge. Introduce your learners to the importance of financial literacy and assess their understanding of banking and personal finance.
PBS
The Supreme Court: Early Civil Rights Cases Facing the Supreme Court
Imagine being an ex-slave after the Civil War and not understanding if you were considered a citizen of the United States. Scholars analyze the early Supreme Court battles in civil rights cases and especially the Fourteenth Amendment....
PBS
The Supreme Court: Civil Rights and Civil Liberties
While World War II changed the international order, it also led to a fundamental shift in the concept of civil rights within the United States. Using a video and discussion questions, class members consider the effects the war had to the...
Health Smart Virginia
Mindfulness Breathing
The more you practice, the better you get. That's the big idea behind a instructional activity for middle schoolers about using mindfulness breathing techniques to reduce stress. Class members practice Star Breathing and Rainbow...
Curated OER
1968: Year of Social Change and Turning Point in Vietnam and the United States
Eleventh graders examine the year 1968 in Vietnam and the United States. They work together to research events which they create a timeline. They also read primary source documents of veterans of the Vietnam War.
Curated OER
Social Life in the 1950's and Domestic Politics and Policy
Eleventh graders examine the cultural mood and politics of the 1950's in the United States. They read a section of their text and take notes, view a clip of the movie "Pleasantville" and discuss societal roles in the 1950's, and listen...
Curated OER
The United States During World War II
Fourth graders comprehend what social and economics effect World War II on the home front of The United States, specifically in Texas. They are asked to react to rationing or a World War. Students complete the "Home Front: the United...
Curated OER
The Civil War/ A Unit Overview
Eleventh graders will look at the causes of the Civil War in detail. A brief unit on the war itself will follow. Battles, historical figures, and daily life will be studied. The webpage is a link to many different related lessons.
Curated OER
A House Divided: Slavery in the United States
Students explore the history of the United States and slavery. In this slavery lesson plan, students view primary sources, complete journal writing, view videos, and answer short answer questions.
Curated OER
United States All the Way
Students create patriotic books about the United States and some of its special symbols.
Curated OER
A Look at the Population Density of the United States
Students acquire census information and create maps of the population density of the United States on different scales. They role play the roles of workers of a retail company and they use the population data to market to their customers.
Curated OER
Lesson Plan: U.S. Government
Students examine reasons for studying government. In this U.S. government lesson, students brainstorm the reasons for rules. Students draft their own class constitution in the style of the U.S. Constitution.
Curated OER
The Inauguration of Barack Obama the 44th President of the United States
Eleventh graders explore the process of inauguration in the United States. Students describe the symbolic and political significance of the ceremony of the inauguration of the President of the United States. Students role...
Curated OER
Social Studies: African Clothing Tour
Students identify examples of African clothing for casual and special occasions. After the teacher models types of African garb, they brainstorm reasons why people wear certian types of dress. They view pictures of various African...
Curated OER
What is History and Why Do We Study It?
Students examine why it is important to study American history. In this American history lesson, students discuss why it is necessary to study history, arrange an outline of American history events in chronological order, and write...
Curated OER
United States Map - Lesson 4: States
Students use a United States Map to locate their state and use map symbols to determine the boundaries of a state. In this states lesson plan, students learn the definition of a state and identify their own on a map.
Curated OER
United States Map - Lesson 7: Four Main Directions
Students locate the North and South Poles, and learn the definitions of the four directions by using a United States Map and a globe. In this directions lesson plan, students define north, south, east, and west on a map and a globe.
Curated OER
Planning: To Get Enough Money for Food
Students investigate methods that families use for planning meals and budgeting for them. In this nutrition lesson, students complete activities that require them to determine how much it costs to feed children at different ages....
Curated OER
Teaching With Documents Lesson Plan:Launching the New U.S. Navy
Young scholars demonstrate understanding of the issues related to the creation and ratification of the United States Constitution and the new Government it established.