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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

New $1 Coins Honor U.S. Presidents

For Teachers 2nd - 6th
Elementary schoolers examine money, then read a news article about new coins being produced by the U.S. Mint. The teacher introduces the article with samples of American money and a vocabulary activity, then students read the news piece...
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Lesson Plan
College Board

Civic Knowledge and Action in AP U.S. Government and Politics

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Vote, it's your civic duty! The high school lesson focuses on voter turnout and civic participation with a series of activities. Young scholars analyze data to discover voter turnout trends, complete worksheets, and participate in group...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Lesson 3: Branches of Government

For Teachers 3rd - 6th Standards
Young historians climb through the three branches of the US government in the third lesson of this five-part series. While reading the first three Articles of the Constitution in small groups, children write facts on paper leaves that...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Role of State Government and the State Constitution

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students examine sections of the Nebraska Constitution and the U.S. Constitution, and compare/contrast the two. They research policy issues, and decide whether they should be solved at the state or federal level.
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Activity
National Constitution Center

Born in the U.S.A: Music as Political Protest

For Students 10th - 12th Standards
Though often used in shows of patriotism, Bruce Springsteen's 1985 song "Born in the U.S.A." is critical of America's role in the Vietnam war and its treatment of American veterans. High schoolers analyze the song's lyrics in an activity...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Is Gulf War Syndrome a Significant Health Issue the U.S. Government has Tried to Cover Up?

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Young scholars examine the issues surrounding Gulf War Syndrome. In groups, they analyze evidence from the war and medical information. They participate in a debate in which they support their feelings on whether the government of the...
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Lesson Plan
K20 LEARN

Worcester v. Georgia: Cherokee Sovereignty and Actions of the U.S. Government

For Teachers 8th - 9th
Young historians study the Supreme Court case "Worcester v. Georgia"  and note instances where the Justices defended the sovereign rights of the Cherokee. They also examine the actions of President Andrew Jackson and the provisions of...
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Lesson Plan
C-SPAN

Foreign Interference in U.S. Elections

For Teachers 6th - 12th Standards
With election security looming large for 2020, pupils decide what should be done to protect them from foreign interference. A series of videos, including interviews with national security officials, elected representatives, and experts...
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Lesson Plan
Center for Civic Education

What Basic Ideas About Government Are Included in the Preamble to the Constitution?

For Teachers 4th - 6th Standards
Young historians explore the meaning of the Preamble to the US Constitution in this upper-elementary social studies lesson. Working with partners or in small groups, children discuss the purpose of government before reading and analyzing...
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Lesson Plan1:21
Federal Reserve Bank

History of Money and Banking in the U.S.

For Teachers 11th - 12th Standards
Why was there a lack of confidence in the money and banking system of the early United States government? What historical events led to the establishment of the Federal Reserve System? Here you'll find reading materials and worksheets to...
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Lesson Plan
K20 LEARN

Tribal Sovereignty and the Indian Reorganization Act: Tribal Governments

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Sovereign nations or wards? High schoolers investigate the history of the Indian Reorganization Act and other legislation that impacted Native Americans. They also research different tribes' constitutions, compare them to the U.S....
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Coup to Revolution: U.S. foreign Policy in Iran

For Teachers 11th - 12th
Students read and discuss the Iran country Profile from the CIA World Factbook. They describe the current relationship between the United States and Iran. Students complete additional readings, and answer questions about them. They...
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Lesson Plan
Council for Economic Education

The Role of Government: The Federal Government and Fiscal Policy

For Teachers 9th - 12th Standards
Give learners a crash course in balancing the books on the United States federal government level with an economics and government resource. Class members engage in a warm-up discussion and brainstorming session before answering...
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Lesson Plan
Library of Congress

The Alaska Purchase: Debating the Sale from Russian and U.S. Perspectives

For Teachers 9th - 12th Standards
Seward's Folly or brilliant strategic move? Class members investigate primary source documents from each country to determine the rationales behind the sale and purchase of Alaska, and then stage a debate.
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Activity
Constitutional Rights Foundation

How the First State Constitutions Helped Build the U.S. Constitution

For Teachers 7th - 12th Standards
Did you know that the United States Constitution was adopted after many state constitutions were already in place? Young scholars examine facts about the influence of states through an informative and interesting resource. Groups then...
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Lesson Plan
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National Endowment for the Humanities

Lost Hero: Was John Hanson Actually the First President?

For Teachers 6th - 8th Standards
The first president of the United States was ... John Hanson? Scholars investigate the notion that the initial leader of the nation was not George Washington. Using research, articles, and open discussion, individuals create a quest for...
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Lesson Plan
Constitutional Rights Foundation

Why Don’t More People in the U.S. Vote?

For Teachers 9th - 12th Standards
To vote or not to vote, that is the question. Secondary scholars explore voter turnout in the United States. The resource uses informational text, group discussion, and  a worksheet to help academics understand hindrances to voting and...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Sectionalism in Early U.S.

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Students, divided into three groups, representing the Northeastern, Southern, Western United States. They research these areas in early American history and as a group prepare charts, graphs and reports. They explain their needs and...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Home Front: Convincing Americans to Help America Prepare

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders examine the actions of the U.S. Government after the attack on Pearl Harbor. In this preparation for war lesson, 6th graders analyze WWII posters and view a clip on the American Home Front. Students discuss and list the...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Immigration and Identity

For Teachers 2nd - 5th
Young scholars will analyze four historical events: The Annexation of U.S. Southwest, The Mexican Revolution, The Great Depression, and World War II. They determine how each event affected immigration to the U.S. from Mexico and Central...
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Lesson Plan
NPR

Civil Rights of Japanese-American Internees

For Teachers 9th - 12th Standards
Prompted by a viewing of Emiko and Chizu Omori’s Rabbit in the Moon, a documentary about the internment of Japanese-Americans during World War II, high schoolers examine a series of documents, including the Bill of Rights and the UN’s...
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Unit Plan
College Board

Using Politics to Improve Participation in Elections

For Teachers 10th - 12th Standards
Instructors new to teaching AP U.S. Government and Politics classes, as well as seasoned veterans, will find this teaching guide an invaluable resource. Using a project-based approach to civics education, the lessons emphasize real-world...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

How Congress Works

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students describe role of the U.S. Congress in American government as set forth in the Constitution, and explain why the Framers created a Congress with a House and a Senate and gave them different roles.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

North Korea and the United States

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students analyze U.S. policy toward North Korea. In this foreign policy lesson, students conduct research on the relationship between the United States and North Korea. Students prepare for a classroom debate to determine whether the...

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