Curated OER
I Do Solemnly Swear: Presidential Inaugurations
Students read about the most recent presidential inauguration, and then use primary online resources to answer general and specific questions about U.S. presidential inaugurations.
Curated OER
Japanese Americans and the U.S. Constitution
Students become aware of the Japanese American internment camp experience. They develop a sense of empathy by simulating the situations which Japanese American children faced.
Curated OER
Declaration of Independence and the Constitution
Fifth graders read a rewritten version of the Declaration of Independence, create a set of pictures illustrating the Preamble of the Constitution and create a version of the Declaration of Independence in the form of a song, a poem,...
Curated OER
History of the Bill of Rights
Learners study the history of the Bill of Rights. In this Bill of Rights lesson, students read and use two handouts to learn about the history of the Bill of Rights. Learners then work in groups to study the Bill of Rights. Students then...
Curated OER
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month!
Students use information from the U.S. Bureau of the Census to create a bar graph, a picture graph, or a circle graph showing the country of origin of U.S. Hispanics.
Curated OER
The Role of the Executive Branch in the Lawmaking Process
Students research the Executive Branches role in making a law. In this law making lesson plan, students study the history of the Constitution and see how much power the President has in making a bill into a law. Students then research on...
Curated OER
Television: Comedy Vs. Drama
Learners investigate the world of Television by contrasting specific programs. In this visual storytelling lesson, students compare and contrast the differences between comedy and drama by making a Venn Diagram. Learners...
Curated OER
Separation of Powers
Students examine the roles of each of the branches of U.S. government. In this checks and balances lesson, students watch Discovery video segments and discuss the concept of federalism as they create a school-wide policy for government...
Curated OER
Bison on the Plains
Fifth graders explore U.S. geography by reading assigned text about American Indians. In this migration lesson, 5th graders identify the differences between Native Americans and European settlers who traveled through middle America in...
Curated OER
American Studies
Entitled American Studies, this small unit covers various topics related to the study of the United States. Learners warm up by creating a dictionary of democracy, then dive into three different lessons focused on government, famous...
Curated OER
What Is the Bill of Rights?
Learners discuss the purpose of the Bill of Rights and the United States Constitution. In groups, they write about the ten amendments and their purpose. They re-word the Amendments in their own way and answer discussion questions to end...
Curated OER
War Making: Executive and Legislative Powers
Students examine executive and legislative powers. In this federal powers lesson plan, students determine who has the power to wage war in the U.S. government. Students analyze the Constitution and research historical precedents...
Curated OER
Giving Voice to History
Young scholars examine the plight of Japanese Americans during World War II. In this World War II lesson, students participate in a mock evocation simulation, research primary and secondary documents about internment camps, and share...
Curated OER
The Mayflower Compact-Freedom Contract
Students examine the main goal of the Pilgrims and the first amendment of the Constitution. They read and discuss "The Mayflower Compact," role-play excerpts of the reading, and write a journal entry.
Curated OER
Washington, D. C.: Crossword Puzzle
In this United States history instructional activity, students use the 14 clues in order to fill in the crossword puzzle with the appropriate answers pertaining to Washington, D. C.
Center for Civic Education
The Equal Rights Amendment in the 1970s and Today
Discover the fascinating history of the Equal Rights Amendment and discuss the major implications and considerations associated with it today. Here you will find background information on the topic, a graphic organizer summarizing...
National Constitution Center
Fourth of July (Grades 3-5)
Bring history to life for your young scholars with a Fourth of July lesson series. After a class reading of the Declaration of Independence, students translate this pivotal document into layman's terms before working in small...
Theodore Roosevelt Association
Interpreting the Past; Assessing Its Impact on the Present
Even though the presidency of Theodore Roosevelt ended over 100 years ago, we can still learn something from his stances and policies that is applicable today. Class members first look over a list of prevalent political issues from the...
Curated OER
Breaking News English: France Rejects European Constitution
In this English worksheet, students read "France Rejects European Constitution," and then respond to 47 fill in the blank, 7 short answer, 20 matching, and 8 true or false questions about the selection.
Curated OER
A Dream and an Idea: Searching for a Roadmap to Create a Country
Learners compare and contrast opposing visions of government held by the founding fathers. They evaluate the roles of historical leaders in shaping the U.S. as an emerging nation.
Curated OER
Philanthropy in History Lesson 1: We the People Hall of Fame
Pupils examine the lives of people who contributed to the common good, and democracy. They investigate grievances that lead to the call for American independence and look at the costs that are incurred as a result of personal acts of...
Curated OER
What is Government?
Students explore values that unite Americans. In this government lesson, students recall the symbols of America and discuss how to create a "Classroom Constitution." Students form rules and write their own Constitution.
Curated OER
Reconstruction: A Time of Turbulence
Students utilize knowledge and understandings of the Civil War to look at the reconstructive era that followed. In this reconstructive era lesson, Students gain understanding of the definition of reconstruction by building, taking apart...
Curated OER
Who Is Sarah Mae Fleming?
Fifth graders learn about two influential women. In this historical figures lesson, 5th graders work in groups to read articles about Rosa Parks and Sarah Fleming and share their findings with the class. Students use a Venn...