Media Smarts
Thinking like a Citizen
Explore the influence social activism can have on important issues, and create a class full of young citizen activists. This plan calls for learners to participate in a whole class discussion and brainstorm about ways to effectively...
Curated OER
Defining Character, With Help from History
In a single, soundly-designed class period, high schoolers define good character, think-pair-share about thought-provoking quotes on character (More options would enhance the discussion, worth searching online for other quotes to add.),...
Media Smarts
The Citizen Reporter
Ripped from the headlines! Discuss topical social issues like racism, discrimination, and diversity while exploring the concept of citizen journalism. Begin with a professional-looking presentation on the history of citizen journalism....
Curated OER
Government
Perfect for a Christian or private school setting, this activity has learners use their Bible to help them identify the purpose of the government. They examine specific Bible verses then use them to define the government and the...
Curated OER
Jacksonian America and the Indian Removal Act of 1830
Students utilize primary sources to explore the national climate concerning Native American Indians during the Andrew Jackson administration. They are presented with opinions for and against the Indian Removial Act of 1830 as they...
Curated OER
Welcome to My World
Elementary schoolers discuss what a community is, and what their community has to offer them. They create posters, or flyers for the different businesses or places in their community to place around their school. After the students have...
Curated OER
Citizenship
Young students view this presentation which goes over the concepts of being a good citizen, what volunteers do, what our basic rights are, and what types of organizations in our society are considered to be led by volunteers. The last...
BBC
Community Action
How does community involvement make good citizens? Use all or a few of the included ideas to foster a better understanding of what it means to be a good citizen. Learners will brainstorm community issues, discuss how to get involved, and...
BBC
Global Community
How are we global citizens? This is the question learners answer as they consider all the ways they are part of a global community. They diagram their thoughts, share them with the class, and think of ways they can become more active in...
Curated OER
The Economics of Voting
Learners examine the voting behavior of people during a presidential election to determine costs and the benefits of voting and how this behavior is influenced by incentives.
Curated OER
Climate Chaos Week
Pupils research the pros and cons of wind farm technology as an alternative source of energy. The class is divided into two groups that should formulate a debate on each side of the argument. Groups use a debate guide to help develop...
Curated OER
What is a Community?
Third graders will learn about different aspects of a community in this 11-slide PowerPoint. Different facts and images are displayed on each slide to help give your students a better sense of community. Tip: After viewing this...
Curated OER
Ohio Statehouse History
Fourth graders examine the history of the Ohio Statehouse and order the major historical events in its development. The lesson traces the development from the time of Ohio's vast wilderness to the house's completion in 1861.
Curated OER
Identity, Belonging, and Social Inclusion
Students explore personal and social identity. In this character education activity, students create identity profiles and design welcome plans for their school community in order to build personal and community identities.
Curated OER
Lean Mean Coping Machine!
Seventh graders apply coping skills to manage life-changing events. They plan and make written, oral and visual presentations for a variety of purposes and audiences, and then exchange information, questions and ideas while recognizing...
Curated OER
Color Your Community
Eighth graders identify the self as an individual and as a member of a diverse local and global community. They recognize roles and responsibilities of being a family, school, or community member and the interrelationship of roles and...
Curated OER
Personal and Global Conflict
Students review vocabulary of conflict. In this citizenship lesson, students practice conflict resolution skills by participating in a role play involving national representatives working with a UN Mediator. Students reflect on the...
Curated OER
Friendship and Belonging
Students identify and demonstrate various emotions. In this philanthropy lesson, students listen to the book, The Brand New Kid by Katie Couric, and brainstorm ideas to help new children feel welcome at school. Students role play the...
Curated OER
Cutting Down Trees
Students research what kind of problems force a city or town to decide to remove trees. Students research what controversy has occurred in other cities or towns. Students interview those responsible for such decisions in your city or...
Curated OER
Roe v. Wade: A History of Controversy
Students research what is legal now as far as abortions are concerned. Does it matter what state you live in? Does it matter how old you are? If you are a teen, does the doctor have to notify your parents? Students prepare a panel...
Curated OER
Speaking Out Against War
Students research on the Web and in other venues to track the Iraq war protests high school students have joined or even led. Students interview students in your community who have joined protests or expressed their views in other ways...
Curated OER
Angola
Students gather information on the situation in Angola. After reading an article, they answer comprehension questions and discuss with the class. In groups, they debate the situation in the war-torn country and develop possible solutions.
Curated OER
The Influence of Citizen Action
Students brainstorm a list of items citizens can do to influence or change their government. In groups, they identify the reasons why it is important to vote and why they have a right to protest. They also write a letter to their...
Curated OER
Measuring Civic Engagement
Students begin the lesson by defining what a citizen is in today's society. In groups, they brainstorm a list of qualities and responsibilites a good citizen should have. They also develop and give a survey that measures the amount of...