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Curated OER

The Executive Branch

For Teachers 4th - 5th
Students study the federal government, which is divided into 3 branches. They have a minimal understanding of the responsibilities of each branch.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

How Ordinary People Can Have an Impact

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Young scholars identify three or more ways the Federal Government impacts their daily lives and then explore ways in which citizens can influence political leaders.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Rights of the Accused: To Be Confronted with the Witnesses Against Him

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Students take on the role of Supreme Court Justices, after reading summary of a case and the arguments for and against a defendant's appeal. They make a decision, write majority and minority opinions, and report their decision.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Loyalists and Loyalism in the American Revolution

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students engage in activities to understand how ideologies were constructed before and during the Revolutionary War. How and why were some "reluctant revolutionaries" turned into whig patriots willing to fight against the British empire,...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Media and Social Justice in the United States

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students have group discussions that allow the teacher to assess the level of comprehension of the ideas of subjectivity and objectivity. Level of discussion at the end of the class provides some indication of comprehension as well....
Lesson Plan
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Daniel Shays and the Constitution

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students contrast the diverse views of Connecticut River Valley people in the years before, during, and after the Revolution.
Worksheet
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Let's Be Friends -- North Korea

For Students Pre-K - 6th
In this English worksheet, students discuss North Korea. Students brainstorm, debate, and practice their listening skills with this worksheet.
Lesson Plan
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Ayiti: Children of Haiti Summit

For Teachers 9th
Ninth graders explore the core challenges faced by children in Haiti.  In this World History lesson, 9th graders examine the impact poverty has on access to education, nutrition, basic healthcare, and child mortality.  Students...
Interactive
Curated OER

Fredericksburg Quiz

For Students 8th - 12th
For this online interactive Civil War worksheet, students respond to 15 multiple choice questions about the Battle of Fredricksburg. Students may check their answers immediately.
Lesson Plan
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Harvesting of Trees: Library Media Center Resources

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students research harvesting of trees in the United States and write a summary.  In this informative lesson students state whether they agree or disagree with an article and write a summary on why. 
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Curated OER

For The Sake Of Security: U.S.A. Patriot Act & Bill of Rights

For Teachers 8th - 12th
A substantive New York Times article about the U.S.A. Patriot Act, military tribunals, racial profiling, and the Bill of Rights forms the basis for a discussion of the complex interplay of fundamental American rights and the aftermath of...
Lesson Plan
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Learning to Survive

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Using the article "Escaping Afghanistan: Children Pay Price," discuss the lives of Afghan refugees and the impact of Taliban rule. A detailed list of questions is provided, but you will have to search for the article. Extension...
Lesson Plan
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The Progressive Era in Illinois

For Teachers 11th
High schoolers collect photographs on the Progressive Era in Illinois, then write three newspaper articles, using one photo per article. The article will highlight an event in Illinois during the Progressive Era. The newspaper must also...
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PBS

Stories of Painkiller Addiction: Prescription Drug Abuse Awareness Campaign

For Teachers 6th - 12th Standards
The I-STOP law was designed to regulate the distribution and tracking of prescription drugs. After reading an article about its signing and implementation, middle and high schoolers work together to come up with their own ideas for an...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

This Land is Your Land? This Land is My Land!

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students research the various territory acquisitions in United States history and create an annotated map that tells the history of U.S. expansion. Working in small groups, students outline the land acquisitions and purchases made by...
Lesson Plan
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Speak Out!

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Young scholars consider their opinions on various topics and issues related to the terrorist attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001. Then, focusing on one specific topic, each student supports his or her opinions in a...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

China and Communism

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders discuss what might happen if United States government took over media ownership, read Junior Scholastic article entitled "China Looks to the Future," and create chart comparing Chinese Communist government to United States...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

War Stories

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students explore their feelings about the United States' invasion of Iraq. Using newspaper headlines and articles as a starting point, students express their emotions through creative writing.
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What's Past is Prologue

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Learners examine a picture of a Cuban billboard and discuss what the billboard signifies. Students then consider the impact of the end of Fidel Castro's rule by reading and discussing the article ¿What Was Once Theirs.¿ Learners...
Lesson Plan
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History of Change

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students research the history of Liberia to foster a better understanding of the current situation and reflect on the role of the United States as peacekeeper there.
Lesson Plan
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The Role of the Executive Branch in the Lawmaking Process

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Young scholars examine Article I, Section 7, and Article II, Sections 2 and 3, of the U.S. Constitution, explain the president's role in the lawmaking process, and define the term veto.
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Fed Up!

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students explore the significance of the Federal Reserve in the United States economy by defining key economic terms through the presentation of skits and the creation of a student book.
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Blowing Through History

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students explore hurricanes, consider the damage caused by Hurricane Charley, and research various hurricanes that have hit the United States to create a class guide on these major storms.
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Out Of Control

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders study wildfires in the United States.  In this wildfire instructional activity students read an article, make calculations and answer questions.