Engage 12th graders in a series of activities focused on public trust and ethics in US Government. They view a series of videos, hold a class debate, and compose a short essay. Note: Suggested videos are listed but are not available...

Students research the web sites of state or federal executive departments, and prepare summaries of the department's functions, locations, and programs. They debate the role of interest groups in government.

Students examine the susceptibility of legislators to agricultural lobbyists to support subsidy programs. In small groups, they role-play as members of interest groups that might be affected by inflation.

How do new amendments become part of the US Constitution? AP government students explore, analyze, and use the US Constitution to develop a deep understanding of the interworkings of law and government while practicing synthesis and...

Will the United States take a stand in the Kashmir conflict? A mock meeting of the minds examines a peace proposal between China, Pakistan, and India to determine if the United States should deploy troops to the area. Individuals take on...

Why did the Articles of Confederation fail? Your historians will find out firsthand through this simulation activity, during which they will use money (consider using extra credit) to demonstrate the inherent flaws. It's simple: each...

Students act as a representative of a particular interested group before a Senate subcommittee which is charged to determine the future of federal affirmative action programs in this country.

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...

Students, working as a whole class, think about and debate the question of influence. First, there will be some group work then a class debate. The question for debate is: Can young citizens have any influence on governments?

Seventh graders assume the role of stockholders in a fictitious biotech company. After investigating the cloning of pets, the effects of cloning on the health and well being of the cloned animal, and the ethical issues involved, groups...

Students examine the issue of prescription drug prices in the United States. They research the issue and participate in a mock US Senate hearing on the subject.

Students demonstrate how to instruct a Pre-K class in singing and creative movement. Once they are grouped according to several nursery rhymes, they practice singing the songs and coordinating appropriate movements with the rhythm. The...

Students identify the steps needed to apply and receive a job. Using the internet, they find a career they are interested in and practice completing out the application. To end the lesson plan, they role play the role of the...

Learners research the roles of the Board of Supervisors in Fairfax County, Virginia. In a role-play activity, they practice making decisions for the county as if they were members of the Board. To end the instructional activity, they...

Students are required to become Internet Research Assistants to a staff member or someone in the community and take that person on as a client. They develop a letter informing potential clients that they are available to do research for...

Six different lessons comprise this unit on marine debris. Science, language arts, social studies, and art projects make this an ideal interdisciplinary unit. The result will be well-informed future citizens who can help make a...

Students identify the different types of accounts offered by local banks. Students review and define appropriate banking terms when opening an account. Working in pairs, students role play the proper way to open an account. This...

Students examine the dynamics of change and compare and contrast it with other cultures. They cite examples of how people change over time and explain why it is necessary. Students organize a skit, Webpage, or Powerpoint presentation...

Third graders explore the rotation of Earth and the moon. In this solar system lesson plan, 3rd graders participate in an Earth and moon simulation in which part of the class "becomes" the sun, while other children represent the moon by...

Eighth graders gain a greater understanding of the Constitutional Convention of 1787, and the issues surrounding the development of our Constitution. They participate in an activity and listen to lecture on the Convention, then search...

Sixth graders estimate, calculate and collaborate with students. They practice refusal skills.

Students role play as political analysts first forecasting the electoral college vote in a presidential election and then, following the results of the actual count. They study the role of swing states, and why political participation is...