Center for Civic Education
What Is Authority?
Young scholars examine the concepts of power and authority as they begin learning about government in this elementary social studies lesson. Through a series of readings, discussions, and problem solving activities, children learn about...
Library of Congress
Stars, Stripes and Symbols of America: Comparing Our Flag, Past and Present
Your young historians will compare and contrast the details of the American flag today with an an image of the nation's flag from the post-Civil War era, and identify the flag's importance as a national symbol through analysis worksheets...
Curated OER
It's a Grand Ol' Government!
Students discuss the three branches of government and the different levels. They talk about the purpose of laws and use the Internet to locate information about governments. They watch the video, "United States Constitution" and look up...
Curated OER
How government Works
Young scholars read to understand the process of lawmaking. For this lawmaking lesson, students define vocabulary and create an organizer showing the law making process. Young scholars role play the various people involved in the...
Center for Civic Education
Constitution Day Rap
Engage your class while learning about the US Constitution with this fun primary grade social studies lesson. After viewing a picture of the US Constitution, young learners piece together a US flag using stars and stripes with facts...
Curated OER
The President's Roles and Responsibilities: Understanding the President's Job
Young scholars examine the roles and responsibilites of the president of the U.S. They identify and discuss the three branches of U.S. government, view and discuss a White House Photo essay online, and create a class book entitled, 'If I...
Curated OER
What is a Community?
Students explore the characteristics of their community. In this communities lesson plan, students read Humphrey the Lost Whale: A True Story and discuss how the community came together to solve a problem. Students identify services...
Curated OER
Making a Connection
Students research why government community workers are important to us. They work in teams to identify and illustrate the jobs and services provided by these community workers. Assessment comes from their Student Concept Maps.
Curated OER
The United States Flag
Students study the United States flag. In this American history and government lesson, students define and give examples of familiar symbols. Students design a classroom flag. Students identify and describe the American flag.
Curated OER
Abraham Lincoln
Students brainstorm different names of presidents and reflect upon the importance of the role in government. They demonstrate a knowledge of the important events in the life of Abraham Lincoln. Students conduct research into the founding...
Curated OER
The Constitution: The Country's Rules
Learners become aware of the Constitution and why it is important. In this early government lesson, students compare the Constitution to the class rules. They are both set in place so that we all stay safe and have fun. Learners draw...
Curated OER
Ancient Egypt
Students use the internet to research topics on Ancient Egypt. They practice using new vocabulary and identify the types of food they ate and clothing they wore. They explain the role of the Nile as well.
Curated OER
Mary Todd Tours the World
Pupils analyze how distinguishing another culture encourages us to respect each other. They research culture and all its avenues, recognizing and comprehending the relationship between people and geography. Ultimately, they can apply...
Curated OER
Rules and Laws of the Community
Second graders recognize and identify the need for rules in school. They also discuss the importance of safety rules at school, home, and in the community. They illustrate a rule which they have learned in class, and write letters to the...
Curated OER
Texas Kid Writes Book About Presidents
Arranged into small groups, learners read a paragraph of the news story "Texas Kid Writes Book About Presidents." As one reads, others mark the text (underlining important information and writing notes in the margin of the story). After...
Curated OER
Who Are Our Greatest Presidents?
Students create criteria to evaluate U.S. Presidents. In this presidential legacy lesson, students determine criteria to rank presidents. Students research the presidents, then evaluate the current president and assess how they will be...
Curated OER
Yankee Doodle... More than Just a Catchy Tune
Learners investigate the history of patriotic music and practice singing the tunes with classmates. In this U.S. History lesson plan, students examine lyrics of the traditional song "Yankee Doodle Dandy" and discuss the differing points...
National First Ladies' Library
There's Only How Much? Rationing in World War II
Students discuss the idea of rationing as a restriction on the amount of something or the frequency with which something may be purchased or used in order to contribute to the greater good of the group which was what happened during...
Curated OER
The Declaration of Independence
Students examine the Declaration of Independence. In this colonial America lesson, students read literature regarding the document as well as excerpts of the document itself. Students also perform a Reader's Theatre script based on the...
Curated OER
Title of Segment: Balance of Trade
Students take a closer look at the balance of trade. In this current events lesson, students watch PBS video clips about American trade with China. Students research Chinese production and consumerism in order to determine how world...
Curated OER
2nd Grade - Act. 21: Me On the Map
Second graders read book, Me On the Map, and create map of their bedroom and of their house.
National First Ladies' Library
"Just a Little Bit Different": Inclusive Classrooms, Inclusive Schools
Learners explore visible and invisible differences, those of language, religion, dress, ethnicity, gender, etc. with their classmates. They play Bingo with a created list of classroom differences. Afterward, they write a short paper...
Curated OER
What Is a Foundation?
Students explore the concept of grants. In this philanthropy lesson, students meet a grant-writer and then collaborate to prepare a grant request.
Curated OER
American Flag
Learners examine the significance of the stars and stripes of the American flag, and discuss the June 4, 1777 Congressional resolution. Students construct their own American flags.