Civics Lesson Plans

Young scholars discuss how to protect the environment through civic activism. They watch a video about someone who stood up to the government to protect the environment. They also identify something in their community that could be improved.

Students describe what type of citizen they would like to be. In this citizenship lesson, students examine different types of participation in democracy. They determine what type of citizen they would choose to be before working in a group to produce an audio or visual presentation about civic responsibility which they share with an audience.

Young scholars identify and describe characteristics of civic virtue. Following a class discussion, they create their own definitions of civic virtue. They write essays based on their own definitions and formulate conclusions on the state of civic virtue in the United States. They support their conclusions weith at least two examples.

Students explore responsibility by creating a presentation. In this civic duties lesson, students discuss ways they can improve their surrounding neighborhood and city by organizing group activities. Students share ideas about civic responsibility and present their ideas to the class.

Students discuss the role of citizens in a democracy. They study about the system of representation in a democracy and how holding a political office effects change. They examine social capital and how networking is a tool for civic action.

Students investigate civic duties by planning a civic project.  In this community lesson, students identify and analyze changes needed in their neighborhood and city.  Students collaborate in small groups to create a project that can help their area while writing about the process on a Blog.

Students explore community needs by identifying civic responsibilities. In this community activism lesson, students discuss a quote by Gandhi and relate it to issues they face within their own community. Students identify problems within their community and write a reflection about ways they can improve their community and take charge of their own neighborhood.

Students analyze citizenship. In this civics instructional activity, students discuss citizenship and write about the type of citizen they would like to be. Students work in groups to create a video that inspires viewers to address a local issue and take action to improve the community.

Students explore how opportunities for civic participation expanded during the first half of the 19th century including nominating conventions, expansion of the franchise and active campaigning. They use research materials, a graphic organizer, short answer responses and cooperative learning.

Students view video clips to define service learning. In this civics lesson, students read quotes, take a survey, and define altruism. Students view video clips and evaluate the motivation and impact of those who perform community service and the recipients of services. Students identify a service learning project that they would like to take part in individually or create one as a class to complete.