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With Liberty and Justice for All
Students examine the role of Supreme Court justices. In this judicial branch lesson, students consider the civil rights and civil liberties as they investigate Minersville School District v. Gobitis (1940) and West Virginia State Board...
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Government by the People
Students explore the concept of philanthropy. In this service learning lesson, students examine primary documents regarding the founding of the United States. Students analyze section of the U.S. Constitution and the Declaration of...
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Lesson PlanThomas Jefferson's Library: Making the Case for a National Library
Students explore techniques of persuasive writing. In this persuasive writing lesson plan, students examine primary sources regarding the sale of Thomas Jefferson private library to Congress. Students write their own persuasive letters...
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Freedom is Not Free, Lest We Forget
Students explore the causes of the American Revolution. In this American Revolution lesson, students describe the major and important people of the Ameican Revolution. Students watch videos fill out timelines do Internet research to...
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The New Republic
Students research the Federalists and Anti-federalists. In the lesson on state legislature, students use primary sources to create a brochure and write an essay that illustrates federalist and anti-federalists viewpoints.
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Racism: Law and Attitude
Students examine discrimination laws. In this racism lesson, students compare and contrast de facto and de jure discrimination. Students also explore the Bill of Rights and determine what makes some acts and speech illegal.
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The Man Who Made the Presidency
Students explore the contributions that George Washington made to the presidency. In this presidential history instructional activity, students analyze primary and secondary sources regarding Washington and the precedents he set....
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Meet the Press: American Presidents
Students 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 Barack...
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We the People…in the News
Students use the newspaper to explore the world around us, our past and our government. In this civics unit, students complete 40 different lessons in civic education using that day's newspaper to reinforce the concept being taught.
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Your Right to Know
Students read information about access open records and how to file a Freedom of Information request. They access links to investigative stories about open files. They discuss information available. They develop a list of investigative...
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McMUN Model United Nations
If you have been searching for a plan to run a model U.N. simulation, this plan provides some bare bones for your instructional activity. Scholars break into blocs to research and discuss global issues and come up with collaborative...
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Why Burn Books?
Students identify the role of free speech in the selection of library books. They choose one banned book to read and evaluate the reason for its censorship. They create an argument for or against the selection of the book.
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Simulating the Legislative Process
Students research and simulate a debate of an issue. They simulate proposing a bill to the legislature.
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Checks and Balances: Japanese-American Incarceration
Students examine the three branches of the Federal Government and their decision to place Japanese-Americans in camps during World War II. They analyze debates made by leaders during this time period.
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Valley Forge
Learners describe how location, weather, and physical environment affect the way people live, including the effects on their food, clothing, shelter, transportation, and recreation. They also describe the lives of American heroes who...
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Explore the Constitution
Students examine the U.S. Constitution. In this American history activity, students explore the founders' vision of U.S. government as they participate in readers' theatre, role-playing scenarios, and constitutional analysis activities.
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Local Governments Don't Do Much ... Or Do They?
Students study and explore their local government. They role play members of their City Council and various constituents as they discuss a variety of subjects typical of a city council meeting.
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Observing Elections Around the World
Young scholars examine elections in countries around the world. In this elections lesson, students watch a video segment regarding election observations and then access selected websites to research specified elections. Young scholars...
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Declaration of Independence and Acts of Courage
Students examine the trait of courage. In this Declaration of Independence lesson, students discuss what it means to be courageous and identify the courageous acts the signers of the Declaration showed. Students research the...
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Influences of the Enlightenment on the American Declaration of Independence
Eighth graders participate in a lesson that focuses on the study of the Declaration of Independence. The freedoms outlined in the document are discussed. Students make connections between philosophy and the writing of the Declaration.
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Social Studies: 9/11 Banners
Students explore the history of flags and design banners for their communities. their designs reflect sentiments shaped by the events of 9/11. In addition, they write phrases beginning with, "being an American means..." Students...
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Federalist and Antifederalist Papers
Young scholars debate the Federalist and Anti-federal Papers after using the Internet as a research tool.
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Federalism and the Prevention of Abuse of Power in the US Federal Government
Fourth graders stud Federalism and identify examples of abuse of power.
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The Constitution & Native Americans
Students identify and consider US Constitutional origins in American Indian culture. They discuss and consider what it means to them to attribute the origins of the US Constitution to American Indian oral tradition. They compare the...