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...

Young scholars, as Cabinet members, "advise" the President on one current pressing problem or concern facing their department or post. They prepare an Action Plan with possible alternative courses of action that meets budget constraints.

High schoolers explore the contributions of Lyndon B. Johnson. In this congress lesson, students listen to their instructor lecture on the prowess of Lyndon B. Johnson's legislative skills. High schoolers respond to discussion questions...

Learners conduct a mock presidential interview. In this US presidents lesson, students research the lives of former U.S. presidents and then role play interviews of the "presidents."

North Korea, a shadowy nation distrustful of America, is working on a nuclear weapons program. What should the United States do? The question has plagued American presidents for years, but now young scholars get to make their...

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...

Young sociologists explore how local, state, and federal governments work. This very impressive and ambitious lesson requires pupils to contact government officials who represent them and their families. They research elections, and hold...

Learners role play one of the Presidents between 1877 and today. Individually, they use the internet to research the President through official documents, political cartoons and various editorials. Throughout the year, they are asked to...

Students debate which power was responsible for the outbreak of World War I. In this cause and effects lesson, students research the causes of the outbreak of World War I on ProQuest in preparation for a (limited) reenactment of the...

Young scholars role play to solve various foreign policy problems. They explore how various elements of the US foreign policy system operate and practice in conflict resolution.

Seventh graders explore issues facing the potential leader of our country, form opinions about the candidates representing the two major political parties, research election material and choose candidates, conduct debates, and vote in...

High schoolers define freedom of the press in peace and war time. As a class, they identify the need for the public to be informed, but discuss where the line should be drawn to protect national security. They develop their arguments...

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 work in teams to research ancient Mayan civilization as they simulate working for the President of the United States. He is concerned that if a civilization as technologically advanced as the Maya's could disappear, could the...

One of the most confusing aspects of any presidential election year is the role of the Electoral College. Learners read a bit about how the Electoral College works and then they hold a mock election in their classroom. They'll redraw a...

Young scholars debate and explore the rationale and ethics behind Lincoln's 19th century suspension of habeas corpus - the 'writ of liberty' and answer related questions.

Students investigate four main issues of concern between US and Japan prior to US involvement in World War II. In this role play lesson, students will take the role of US and Japanese negotiators trying to find a diplomatic solution to...

Students simulate the role of a presidential analysis group to research a location for a Revolutionary War museum. They conduct research, and write a summary of their findings to present to the President.

Junior high and high school learners study infrastructure and its relationship to the current economy. They review handouts, watch a PBS clip, and review case studies in order to answer provided questions and role play over...

Fifth graders explore leaders of the Civil War. In this history lesson plan, 5th graders use picture puzzles, vocabulary, worksheets, WebQuest, a Venn Diagram and role play activities in order to learn who the Civil War leaders were,...

Young scholars examine the implications of the 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil disaster. In this oil spill lesson plan, students research details regarding the BP oil leak and then participate in a simulation that requires them to role play...

Students discuss Abraham Lincoln. In this social science lesson, students describe key events in Lincoln's life. Students practice using interviewing skills to gather information pretending to be Lincoln.

Eleventh graders examine how Rutherford Hayes should be elected President of United States in order for the Union to continue effective Reconstruction.

Young scholars participate in an activity that uses a simulated meal of transgenic foods in order to initiate a discussion of the controversy concerning the use of transgenic food products.