Curated OER
We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution
Robert Coles’ The Story of Ruby Bridges forms the basis of this powerful cross-curricular study of civic education and civic responsibility. Class members consider how the book presents authority, responsibility, justice, and privacy.....
Curated OER
Acting for the Common Goods
The first of a three-part series on bullying, this plan has class members present skits about bullying, write and sign an anti-bullying pledge, and complete a service project. For the skit, learners use information from previous lessons...
Curated OER
Around Your School - Bonding Students to Staff
Young scholars participate in an interview of a school employee. In this interview lesson, students develop appropriate interview questions and carry out an interview of a school employee to show that all jobs well done is worthy of...
Curated OER
American Government
Challenge your students with this lesson on American government! Learners discuss the three branches of government and its responsilbities, and then go on to more complex critical-thinking activities. Students interview members of the...
Center for Civic Education
Responsibility and the U.S. Constitution
When are responsibilities freely chosen, and when have they actually been imposed on us? Here you'll find a unique way to frame your class discussion on civic duty and responsibilities inherent in the United States Constitution.
Curated OER
Air Pollution and Asthma (11th Grade)
What is the air quality index? Start by discussing pollution and air quality with your budding environmentalists. A list of instructional activities are provided here from inviting a guest speaker into your classroom to discussing...
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Fame, Fortune, and Philanthropy
With your middle schoolers, develop concepts such as philanthropy, civic responsibility, community service, and common good. Discuss famous philanthropists and what we can each give of our time, talent and treasure to better our...
Curated OER
What Would You Do?
In this What Would You Do worksheet, students read a scenario and three proposals, then they choose and defend their solution in writing.
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George Washington & Civic Virtue: The Necessary Elements of the Republic
Middle schoolers examine the character of George Washington. In this George Washington lesson, students read "Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior," Washington's First Inaugural Address, and his Farewell Address. Middle schoolers use...
Curated OER
The Home Front: Convincing Americans to Help America Prepare
Sixth graders examine the actions of the U.S. Government after the attack on Pearl Harbor. In this preparation for war lesson, 6th graders analyze WWII posters and view a clip on the American Home Front. Students discuss and list the...
Curated OER
The Mayor Speaks to the Class About City Government
Students investigate politics by speaking to the Mayor of their city. In this local politician lesson, students listen as the Mayor speaks in front of them in their class and ask the Mayor questions about his daily duties. Students write...
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Service Learning
Students explore the value in helping others. In this ethics lesson, students use videos, worksheets, Internet articles and group discussion to develop a personal perspective on what it means to help others.
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Ocean Pollution
Students explore ocean pollution. In this ecology lesson, students view a video entitled This Pretty Planet and identify common biodegradable products. Students participate in activities designed to simulate the negative effects of...
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I am a Hero for Animals!
Students explore the humane treatment of animals. In this character development and civic responsibility lesson, students define "hero" and brainstorm related attributes. Students complete an action plan using the "rational approach"...
Curated OER
World War II on the Home Front: Civic Responsibility
Learners explore World War II. In this World War II instructional activity, students discover how volunteerism demonstrates civic responsibility. The instructional activity uses World War II-era posters to appeal to the learners and...
Benjamin Franklin Tercentenary
Benjamin Franklin’s Community Contributions
Students research Benjamin Franklin's community contributions. In this social studies lesson plan, students create a collage showing things they can do to improve their communities.
Curated OER
Treasure Chest for Change
Middle schoolers fill treasure chests. In this Holocaust lesson, students participate in an activity that requires them to find the value in everyday items.
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My Promise
Students define their own civic responsibility and create a PowerPoint presentation about their volunteer efforts. In this civic responsibility lesson, students define the word volunteer and read an article about a volunteer in their...
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Mystery of the Maya
Learners research the Mayan civilization and complete an artifact dig. In this archeology lesson, students watch an IMAX video about the Mayan civilization. Learners discuss archaeology related vocabulary and then work in teams to...
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Acting it Out
Students explore responsible behavior. In this character education lesson, students work in groups to act out scenarios using or disregarding responsible behavior. Students discuss personal feelings and consequences of each situation.
Curated OER
Wall of Philanthropists: King Day (7th)
Young scholars recognize the importance of justice, tolerance, equality, and historical figures. In this philanthropic actions lesson, students study the philanthropic actions of historical figures, and learn about the concepts of...
Curated OER
Working Animals
Students examine the need for the humane treatment of animals. In this animal welfare lesson, students realize the need for animal welfare, and decide on a service project that will promote it. The lesson culminates in the creation of a...
Curated OER
We Are the Government
Students read primary documents to find the motivations of the founding fathers of the United States. In this primary documents lesson, students discuss the meaning of the Preamble to the Constitution, read parts of the Constitution...
Curated OER
We Are a Comm-un-it-y. I've Got All My Classmates with Me-Part I
Students investigate the meaning of community. In this community lesson, students look at the concepts of civic engagement, civic responsibility, and common good. They determine how a classroom is a community and the need for having...