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The Mayflower Compact
Eighth graders investigate historical documents of the United States by reading the Mayflower Compact. In this U.S. History lesson, 8th graders analyze the wording of the original Mayflower Compact of the first U.S. settlers and...
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Another King George?
Learners study the differences between presidents and kings, and constitutional monarchs and despots. They examine why the US has a president instead of a king.
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Homemade Political Parties
Use this 5-day lesson to clarify the platforms of the two major parties, comparing and contrasting against students' beliefs. Begin by looking at unlabeled summaries of both party platforms, having learners identify most with one. Groups...
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War of 1812 in the Old Northwest Territory
Students write 1-4 sentence answers to the Time Travel worksheet (available online). They design period costumes, orally present their perspectives to the rest of the class, and explain why this war played an important role in the...
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Meet the Press: American Presidents
Learners interpret historical evidence presented in primary and secondary resources. For this presidential history lesson, students research the accomplishments of George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Frankiln D. Roosevelt, and...
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Constitution Lesson Plan
Third graders identify roles of Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution in establishing new country, create posters with their ideas about each part of Constitution, and explain three branches of government, including their...
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Saved by the Law
Students explain the legislative efforts of local or state governments on their city's air quality issues to their classmates as responses to peer-created scenarios. They determine that change is possible with the cooperation and...
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Film Interpretation of the Great Depression
Students examine major ideas, eras, themes, developments, turning points, chronology, and cause-effect relationships in United States, world, and Washington State history. They also analyze the chronology of the history.
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Exploring 9/11 in Historical, Cultural and International Context: Why Here, Why Us, Why Now?
Students examine the international conflicts that might have caused the terrorist attacks of 9/11. In groups, they research the similarities and differences between the three major religions and how they connect to 9/11. To end the...
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How to Write a Bill
Students view video excerpts from, "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" and discuss them to brainstorm how to write a bill. They divide into two groups representing senate committees to participate in a mark-up session where they read and...
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Introduction to the Constitution: The First Three Articles of the Constitution, Separation of Powers
Young scholars review the first three articles of the United States Constitution. In groups, they examine the three branches of government and their function. They follow the path of a bill until it becomes law and discuss Congress' role.
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Treaty Trail: Crossing the Bitterroot Mountains
High schoolers examine art and primary documents that depicts the Native Americans' crossing of Washington's Bitterroot Mountains to arrive at the Spokane Council. Students investigate and compare maps and other historical materials...
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The Texas Social Studies Controversy
Examine the Texas social studies curriculum controversy with your class. Using a current events lesson, learners read the article "A Christian Land Governed by Christian Principles," respond to the discussion questions, and participate...
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Modern Iran (1951 - Today)
Introduce your class to the often-mysterious world of Iran in this informative and engaging presentation. With political, social, and religious upheavals, Iran's recent history is a hot topic in recent news - as is its future. After this...
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Native American Policy
Young scholars examine federal policies regarding Native Americans. In this Native American assimilation and removal policies lesson plan, students conduct research to compare the changes in federal policy regarding Native Americans...
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Cartoons for the Classroom: You've Got Mail!
As the U.S. Postal System adjusts to virtual messaging, will snail mail slowly fade away? Examine the current phenomenon with your class through this political cartoon analysis, which has background information to give context for 2...
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VS.6a
Sixth graders explore, discuss and explain why George Washington is called the "Father of our Country" and James Madison is called the "Father of the Constitution." They view and create a graphic organizer after discussing a variety of...
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Who Are Your Local Officials?
Students identify the names and positions held by local public officials. In pairs, students research the requirements and duties needed to hold office. A brief presentation of their research will include the names and positions of...
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Ten Crucial Days- How Can the Underdog Win?
Students identify the strategy that General Washington used to defeat a stronger force. In this Revolutionary War lesson, students investigate how Washington won the battles of Trenton and Princeton by watching the video Ten Crucial...
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Understanding Procedural Justice
Learners analyze the concept of procedural justice. In this judges in the classroom instructional activity, students role play the ways the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights established certain procedures to protect people from...
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The Treaty Trail: Examining an Artist's Perspective
Elementary school leanrners examine artwork from the time period of the United States and Native American treaties. They discuss the causes and effects of the treaties being signed. They also examine how cultural perspective influences art.
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U.S. and Canada: How are We the Same? How are We Different?
Get high school geographers to compare and contrast Canada and the United States. They begin by drawing a freehand map of North America, then complete readings to gain insight into Canada. The text is not provided; however, another text...
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Early Presidents and Politics
Students investigate early presidents of the United States. Students complete a series of lessons in which they research the contributions and political climate during the terms of U.S. presidents from George Washington to Andrew Jackson.
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The Judicial Branch
For this checks and balances in U.S. government worksheet, students read a 4-paragraph selection regarding the Supreme Court and then respond to 5 fill in the blank questions.