National Endowment for the Humanities
Lesson 1: The United States Confronts Great Britain, 1793–1796
After the Revolutionary War, the success of the United States was far from guaranteed. Foreign powers coveted the new land, and Great Britain challenged American sovereignty. Learners consider the challenges facing the new nation using...
Curated OER
What Experiences Shaped the Founders' Thinking about Government?
Students study the ideas and experiences that shaped the founding fathers' perspective about government. In this the government lesson plan, students examine the Articles of Confederation as they relate to the power of government....
Curated OER
Comparing Governments
Twelfth graders research and discuss the different elements of the governments of China, Great Britain, Mexico and the United States. They discuss the differences between the various governments and create explanation cards for each type...
Center for History Education
Democratic Ideas of the 1776 Maryland Constitution
1776 was a year of political upheaval in the American colonies. Academics examine the Maryland Constitution to understand the desire to break with Great Britain. Young historians learn about Maryland's efforts to extend rights to its...
Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation
Tea Overboard
While less well known than the event in Boston, the Yorktown Tea Party was equally decisive in turning community sentiment against Great Britain. To gain an understanding of why the colonists objected to the Tea Act, young historians...
Curated OER
Examining the Declaration of Independence
Students examine the Declaration of Independence and its significance to American history. They read the document, identify America's grievances with Great Britain, and restate a part of the document in their own words.
Curated OER
Compare the United States Government with Other Political Systems
Students explore the U.S. form of government and illustrate other forms of government found throughout the world. They explain the similarities and differences between the U.S and other governments.
Roy Rosenzweig Center for History and New Media
The Articles of Confederation
Have you ever started a project only to realize you need to scrap it and start over? Scholars analyze the issues leading to the fall of the Articles of Confederation. A group investigation into Articles II, III, and VIII unveil the...
Curated OER
Patients Die in Britain as Foreign Doctors Can’t Speak English Properly
Ninth graders examine the problems that exist with foreign doctors not fluent in English. In this Great Britain Health System focussed for ESL instructional activity, 9th graders read an article and answer guided questions. Students...
Curated OER
US Government: Foreign Policy
Learners explore the basic precepts of American foreign policy. In this diplomacy lesson, students read textbook chapters regarding American foreign policy practices before and after World War II. Learners also watch a filmstrip...
Curated OER
Act of Sabotage?
Students examine animal cruelty laws in Great Britain. In this health instructional activity, students visit selected websites to research animal cruelty laws as they consider animal rights and hunting rights.
Curated OER
Quality of life for kids
Students explore the meaning of quality of life. Also, the need to prioritize means that government spending decisions are political, with winners and losers. Discussion platforms are on the six dimensions to a child's well-being:...
Curated OER
Great Britain's Greatest Queen
Fourth graders explore the reign of Queen Victoria and the significant political developments in the 19th century.
Curated OER
Great Britain vs. Europe
Fourth graders explore the reasons for the Industrial Revolution and its effects on France.
Curated OER
Teaching With Documents Lesson Plan:Launching the New U.S. Navy
Pupils demonstrate understanding of the issues related to the creation and ratification of the United States Constitution and the new Government it established.
Curated OER
Breadline
Students examine the breadlines during the Great Depression. They view a short video about different country's responses to mass unemployment. They interview family members if possible who lived during the Depression.
US National Archives
The Home Front: How Did People Prepare for the War at Home?
Wars have a profound effect not only on a country's soldiers, but also on the everyday lives of its citizens. Invite young historians to discover how Britain prepared for the second World War by analyzing a series of government posters...
Media Smarts
News and Newspapers: Across the Curriculum
Did you know that the Chinese Court Gazette is the longest continuing news paper in history? In addition to some great background information, this resource includes suggestions for activities across grade levels and across the curriculum.
Curated OER
Loyalists and Loyalism in the American Revolution
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,...
Curated OER
Comparison of Political Ideologies in the Context of Constitutional Preambles
High schoolers examine the various philosophies that form the foundations of political systems of major world countries.
Curated OER
US Government: Foreign Policy
Young scholars examine American foreign policy. In this diplomacy lesson, students research Internet sources to identify and describe foreign policy events that have shaped the United States and examine the role of the United Nations.
Curated OER
Londoners Calm Despite Bomb Blasts
Middle schoolers investigate Great Britain's landscapes, government and culture to help them explain why a bomb blast in its subways or to its transportation system is important.
Curated OER
Lesson 3: U.S. Neutrality and the War in Europe, 1939-1940
Students examine the U.S. neutrality policies that preceded American involvement in World War II. In this World War II lesson, students explore the events in Europe from 1939 to 1940 and Roosevelt's decision to give military aid to Britain.
Curated OER
The Dynamics of the Leadership Process
Students explain the dynamics surrounding the selection of a leader for a country. They explain the involvement of individual citizens in the selection process.