Curated OER
Where Do You Stand?
Scholars assess a government's ability to intervene in personal health decisions. They research basic facts about euthanasia and describe their opinions about new legislation passed in the United States Congress about an individual's...
Sharp School
The Bill of Rights and Supreme Court Cases Project
Social media and United States history combine as your young historians design a Facebook page for two major defendants of landmark Supreme Court cases. The resource includes a detailed rubric for research and page design, as well as a...
Curated OER
The Civil War
Although we currently focus on Abraham Lincoln's positive contributions in creating a more equal society, the truth is that Lincoln was actually a controversial character in his time! After studying the Civil War, give your high...
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After the Fact
Students investigate summaries of the "9/11 Report" and examine questions relating to its findings in a fishbowl discussion. They reflect in writing on how they wish the outcomes of this report would be resolved and how these outcomes...
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The Young Faces of Poverty
Students explore the topic of child poverty in the United States and the government's responses to it in different areas and through different programs and laws. They share their thoughts in letters to their Congressional representatives.
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"Breadline": The Great Depression Causes, Consequences and Recovery
Young scholars compare prices of popular items of late 1920s to cost of those items presently, determine which companies are best in which to invest, analyze causes and consequences of stock market crash of 1929, and evaluate...
Curated OER
Constitution Lesson Plan
Third graders identify roles of Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution in establishing new country, create posters with their ideas about each part of Constitution, and explain three branches of government, including their...
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Stunning Recommendations
Students read and discuss the article, "Demands Rise for Tighter Oversight on Use of Stun Guns." They write letters to their state government representative with suggestions on how to regulate and study the safety of stun guns.
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Over the Borderline?
Students study President Bush's proposal for immigration policy in the US and examine various perspectives on immigration that are currently being debated. They read and discuss an online New York Times article.
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Saved by the Law
Students explain the legislative efforts of local or state governments on their city's air quality issues to their classmates as responses to peer-created scenarios. They determine that change is possible with the cooperation and...
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What America Knew About the Holocaust?
Students examine American involvement in World War II. In this World War II lesson, students discuss the Holocaust and its implications. Students read New York Times articles regarding the treatment of Jews during the war. Students infer...
ProCon
Drone Strikes Overseas
Should the United States continue the practice of using drone strikes abroad? Readers explore the top pro and con arguments in preparation for a debate or discussion about the topic. They read about the history of drone strikes, view a...
Curated OER
Shifting Wins
Young scholars analyze how the outcome of the 2002 midterm elections changed the balance of power in the government. They write a news analysis and evaluation of how the nation be governed in the future.
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Checks and Balances
Students take a closer look at the responsibilities of the Legislative, Judicial, and Executive branches. For this U.S. government lesson, students read articles 1, 2, and 3 of the Constitution and then use Venn diagrams to compare and...
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No More Freedom Fries?
Learners discuss the May, 2007, French presidental election of pro-American, right-wing candidate Nicholas Sarkozy. They reflect on both the historical and contemporary relationship between France and the United States. Students work...
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The Great Depression
Students examine the time period of the Great Depression. In groups, they discover how the Works Progress Administration helped many workers during this time. Using the internet, they research how the government focused on the arts and...
Curated OER
American History Through the Len of the Supreme Court Decisions
Students examine the historical background of Supreme Court decisions and the basic principles behind legislation. As part of the lesson plan, students discover legal concepts and terms and write sentences using the vocabulary they have...
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The Right to Remain Resilient
Students examine the Civil Rights Movements in the U.S., both current and historic. In small groups students investigate a specific civil rights group, create an illustrated timeline, noting key events, people, and state and federal laws.
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We the People: 270 out of 538
Students engage in a lesson that helps them better explain the quadrennial ritual surrounding the election of a president in the United States of America.
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A Quest for Freedom
Students study the atrocities of slavery. They examine the issues raised by the legacy of slavery in Brazil by reading and discussing "Brazil's Former Slave Havens Slowly Pressing for Rights." They create a slave identity based on...
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Slavery by the Numbers
Students examine the role of slavery in the United States. In this American history instructional activity, students watch segments of the video "Slavery and the Making of America." Students conduct further research pertaining to Thomas...
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Reviewing Rumsfeld
Students use the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats, or SWOT, institutional analysis method to evaluate Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld's performance to date. They write formal recommendations based on their analyses.
Curated OER
Churches and Taxes
Churches have been tax-exempt since the founding of America, but should they be? Pupils ponder the question as they browse the website in preparation for a class debate or discussion. They research the history of tax-exemption for...
Curated OER
Persuasive Writers
Use the power of the pen to persuade others to get involved in community issues! Individuals reflect on personal service learning activities and the writing process. They compose essays regarding service to others. While designed for...