National Endowment for the Humanities
James Madison: Raising an Army—Balancing the States and the Federal Government
To war! To war! Every nation in the history of the world has had to deal with warfare on some level. Scholars go through a series of activities and discussions surrounding the development of the Constitution to help them better...
Curated OER
European Union Governance
Become familiar with the structure and functions of the European Union. As they conduct internet research, young historians use an attached worksheet to categorize the five main institutions of the EU. A flowchart worksheet also gives...
Curated OER
Lessons from the Holocaust
Students discover what a dictatorship is by examining the holocaust. In this government activity, students discuss the laws that were enacted for Nazis to take control of Germany, and the types of laws we have put place to prevent...
California Polytechnic State University
Australian Geography Unit
At the heart of this resource is a beautifully detailed PowerPoint presentation (provided in PDF form) on the overall physical geography of Australia, basic facts about the country, Aboriginal history, and Australia culture and lifestyle.
Curated OER
The Water Cycle
Fourth graders explore changes in water forms. In this water cycle lesson, 4th graders build a water cycle model and monitor it for 2 weeks in order to understand that water changes state as it moves through the cycle.
Reading Through History
Anti-Federalist Paper No. 47
The path to a more perfect union was rockier than most history books would lead you to believe. Young historians read “Antifederalist No. 47,” written by James Madison (under the pen name “Centinel”), which sharply criticizes the...
Curated OER
Citizen Me
Fifth graders examine what it means to be a citizen. Using the Constitution, they discover the functions and purpose of government. They compare and contrast the difference between a democracy and a monarchy. As a class, they discuss...
Curated OER
The Wonderful world of Water
First graders examine the water cycle through readings and experiments. In groups, they conduct interviews with others and use the information to create a chart displaying the various uses of water. After brainstorming lists of ways to...
Curated OER
Eden's Last Stand: Why Did Anthony Eden Resign in 1938?
Students investigate the politics of England by reading historic letters. In this world history lesson, students research the Conservative British Government during the beginning of World War II. Students examine an authentic...
Curated OER
Financial Contracts
Prepare your class for the real world and learn the basics about credit and the principles behind using it wisely. The activity includes handouts that explain the necessary vocabulary and concepts to understanding credit. After reviewing...
Curated OER
Life in a Mini World
Sixth graders observe, describe, and classify microorganisms found in water sources. In small groups, they make their own slide, observe the Protozoa under a microscope, and record and classify the microorganisms.
Curated OER
Fossils Footprints Across Time
Students examine fossils to understand how they are formed and how they give information about geological history. In this fossil lesson, students research and write about fossils and make models of different fossil types.The PDF...
Curated OER
Respect for Authority
Young scholars examine the country of Mongolia and how it is trying to form a democracy. As a class, they participate in a class meeting about a new class rule and they voice their opinions. They read excerpts of a letter of a Peace...
Curated OER
The Wind & Sun: Powerful Alternatives
Students examine the power that is possible from the sun through an interactive program. They also analyze how energy turns into different forms in different parts of the human body. They finally explore how wind is created and how wind...
Curated OER
Discovering Mexico through Murals
Students describe the Mexican culture and relate it to their own culture. They investigate the Mexican culture through internet research, textbooks, and class discussions. Students create a mural of their school culture. They interview...
Curated OER
Hitler's Fatal Gamble
Young scholars consider the differences between totalitarianism and democracy. In this comparative politics lesson, students will read a handout describing the major components that comprise totalitarianism and democracy, then they...
Curated OER
Sinusoidal modelling of Canad'a youth cohorts
Students explore the general form of the sine equation. In this trigonometry lesson, students explore the relationship between the changing parameters and the graph of the sine equation. Students use data and a statistical...
Curated OER
Introduction to the History of the Michigan Supreme Court
Students identify the players, events and changes in the history of the Supreme Court of Michigan. They explain the purpose of the Court in state government. They summarize the role and purpose of the Court.
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Developing Effective Social Policy for Change
Twelfth graders discuss current suffering, population, and food concerns in a poor area of the world. Next, 12th graders pretend that they are the leader of a country and are concerned about the future of the people. Students work in...
Curated OER
Egyptian Expedition
Students identify and analyze ancient Egypt and interpret how to develop bibliographical references. They research topics using multiple resources and various forms of media of media. Finally, students practice and deliver an oral...
Curated OER
Coral Reefs Endangered
Students research where in the world coral reefs are located. In this ecology lesson, students create food chains and food web. They simulate growing coral reefs to understand their characteristics better.
Curated OER
Why Is North Korea Going At It Alone?
Students examine the division of North and South Korea. They identify the ideological differences and the tensions between the two countries. They discuss the threat of nuclear weapons as well.
Curated OER
Going Greek
Third graders learn about the life of a young boy in Greece and all about his cultural heritage. Pupils gather information about the history, culture, and the many influences the ancient Greeks had on modern day society. Terrific video...
Curated OER
The Carlyle House and Gadsby Tavern
Fourth graders tour the Carlyle House and Gadsby Tavern while working on worksheets covering both places. They are to write an essay and thank you notes to finish the lesson plan.