Children discuss voting and the presidency. They make a picture of what they would do as president and dictate a caption. The class then votes on the snack they would like to eat that day. This presents many wonderful learning...

Students participate in a variety of cultural activities from around the world. For this multicultural lesson, students visit a variety of "stations", each representing a country. Students learn facts and engage in a physical activity at...

Students create a timeline of the important events of John F. Kennedy's presidency. They construct a timeline of the major events of the Cuban Missile Crisis. They compare the Missile Crisis events with their presentation in the movie...

Whether or not it's a presidential election year, this debate activity will spark research on current political issues. Split your government scholars into 4 groups and assign each a political party. One person will be the "candidate"...

Students discuss Presidents' Day and what type of parade they should have to honor Presidents' Day. They plan the route, decorations, make invitations for family and friends. They plan the locomotive skills they use in the parade.

Discover how government and the European Union works with this interactive activity. Small groups form to represent a country and create a profile. The instructor presents an issue to discuss and potential politicians then develop...

With new leadership comes new hope! After years of violence, the people of Colombia elect a new president ... could this mean an end to conflict? Civics scholars take part in a large group role-playing exercise designed to illustrate the...

Learners participate in a role play activity that emphasizes the theory behind the Electoral College. They form small groups of different sizes in order to present a candidate for class president. Finally, they use a map to determine the...

Students investigate the Trail of Tears. In this United States history instructional activity, students identify the reason for removing the Cherokee Nation and role play a modern day situation similar to the Indian Removal Act. Students...

Seventh graders work as advisors to the President evaluating issues like cloning, cryogenics, assisted suicide, etc. They research the Scientific Revolution of the past and the outcome and then put together a plan for the President.

Students determine whether the American Civil War could have been avoided. In this Civil War lesson, students examine primary and secondary sources to prepare to participate in a classroom debate that requires them to compromise to avoid...

Here is an interesting topic. Learners examine the economics that led to the founding of the First Bank of America. They participate in a reader's theater experience depicting the debate between Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson...

What is it like to be the commander in chief? Learners find out using an engaging video game simulation. As they juggle diplomacy and bills sent from Congress, they make choices to push forward an agenda on issues they think are...

Fourth graders experience pioneer life on the Oregon trail. In this pioneer lesson plan, 4th graders research the reasons for moving west and what life was like on the trail. They create a map, complete an oral presentation, and write...

Middle schoolers consider the effectiveness of faith-based initiatives. In this religion and ethics activity, students research issues relative to the separation of church and state. Middle schoolers investigate the Bush faith-based...

Students use President Franklin D. Roosevelt's radio address following the attack on Pearl Harbor as a primary source to explain American reaction following the attacks. They explain how different Americans reacted to FDR's call for war.

Second graders explore the geography of Washington D.C. and President Bush's hometown of Crawford, Texas. They read the book, Diary of a Worm, determine the best route to go to Texas from Washington D.C., and throw a birthday party for...

Students explore the reasons the United States became involved in World War I.  For this World History lesson, students research the reasons Woodrow Wilson made the decisions he did, prepare a debate and write a paper.

Students brainstorm a list of the benefits that Americans at all levels of society have enjoyed as a result of innovations in rail transportation/computers/microprocessors. They write a response from President Jackson to Martin Van Buren...

Students read various quotes by women regarding violence, war, and peace. They analyze and discuss the quotes and participate in various writing and role-play activities.

Students study Thomas Jefferson's concept of America. They read a chapter from the book, Thomas Jefferson's America, and discuss its main events comparing it to current events. Role-playing a citizen from the 1790s, they write a letter...

Running an election campaign takes money. Class groups must effectively budget money in order to design and purchase sufficient advertising aimed at procuring classmates' votes. After completing an online tutorial, they also write and...

Students get a handle on their own personal finances. They discover how banks work, how to plan and stick to a budget, and other helpful tips on managing money. They study the Federal Reserve System, which oversees the nation's banks.

Students take on the role of European Council members. In this European Union (EU) lesson, students research pertinent issues facing the EU. Students use their research findings to prepare for a debate simulation.